The French Alps are known for their outstanding beauty, with sweeping landscapes and beautiful vistas, with plenty of hiking and walk routes to choose from - the mountain range can also boast some of the most breathtaking waterfalls in Europe! Here are our top 5 waterfalls to visit, and what resort you could stay in nearby:
Winter at the falls
Nicknamed the 'Queen of the Alps', this 80-metre waterfall is an absolute gem, that needs to be added to your 'must see' list!
Having been voted one of the most beautiful waterfalls in France, Cascade du Rouget is easily accessible by car; you can park on the road directly after the bridge, and be at the waterfall in no time at all. It is visible from the side of the road, but we'd suggest the short walk from where you park, to get a closer look.
If you're after more of a walk, there's a great hike that starts from the waterfall. The hike will take you upstream to a further two waterfalls - Cascade de la Pleureuse and Cascade de la Sauffaz. It's a 4.5km loop, whilst a relatively short hike, it does have some hard climbs, so please take care if you attempt it!
One of the tallest waterfalls in France, Cascade de l'Arpenaz has a total freefall of 270m, with a plunge pool at the bottom (you can swim in the pool, but be careful... as the waterfall is from snow melt, the water will be FREEZING!). With a total height of 360m, the waterfall can be seen from a fair distance away, meaning it's one of the most visible and iconic waterfalls of the region.
It's a great sport for a stop over picnic on your way home/to the alps. or even a cool down from the summer heat with a chilly dip in the waterfall basin! We have a great blog about our top 10 places to stop over on your way to the French Alps, where you can read all about other cool places to break up your journey!
The waterfall basin
Path disappearing behind the falls
This hidden gem of a location is just a short drive from Annecy; if you're after a great summer day out in the mountains, this is the ideal thing. You can climb to the summit of the 35m high waterfall, and enjoy panoramic views of Lake Annecy. The waterfall can't be accessed by car, so there is some hiking involved; you can park in either the village of Angon or the village of Talloires, and follow the route up.
The hike is around 3km long, and should take around an hour to reach the summit! With signposts all the way, the path isn't too difficult, but can be quite steep in places. Make sure you're wearing supportive shoes, and take water and snacks with you! Due to the paths close proximity to the waterfall at the summit, the ground can get slippery, take care when walking close to and behind the waterfall to avoid slipping!
Stunning views from the waterfalls basin
Cascade de la Pisse de Lanchatra - 30 minutes' drive from Alpe d'Huez
This powerful 120-metre tall waterfall is in the Vallee de Veneon. Easily accessed by car, you can see the waterfall from the roadside! However, if you walk towards the falls, and cross the bridge [above] over the river, you can see why this waterfall is one of the most beautiful in France!
Close the famous resorts like Les 2 Alpes and Alpe d'Huez, the falls are in an area known for magnificent waterfalls, you'll be spoilt for choice with places to visit! Just 3.5km upstream, you'll find one of the tallest waterfalls in the area, Cascade de la Froide Pisse. Or further down the valley, in the resort of Vaujany you can find Cascade de La Fare, where you can complete a via ferrata alongside the waterfall!
Great insta pic opportunity!
Incredible views down the valley
This treasure is just outside the village of Sixt fer a Cheval; a limestone amphitheatre hosts over 30 waterfalls! It's horseshoe shape, combined with the surrounding high cliffs, means that you can see the majority of the waterfalls from a distance, and drive straight there without a hike or walk. It's the ideal place to spend exploring, or even to enjoy a picnic with the family on the bank!
However, if you're after a hike, you can walk past most of the waterfalls on the way. Ones not to miss would be Cascade de la Lyre, Cascade de la Genette, Cascade de St Jacques, and Cascade de Trelachaumaz.
