The south of France is famous for its small Provencal villages, lavender fields and turquoise waters, but its waterfalls should NOT be overlooked! Here are some of the best waterfalls in France.
France waterfalls are mostly located in the south part of the country. The mountainous geography of this part of France creates natural wonders such as waterfalls, the Gorges du Verdon or the Colorado Provencal.
Without further ado, here are the 31 best waterfalls in France to visit.
Best Waterfalls in France Map
You can click on the map to explore further. Each of these waterfalls is listed below, with explanations of how and when to get there.
Best Waterfalls in France: top 31
Out of the hundreds of waterfalls in France, we’ve listed the best waterfalls in each region where there are quite a few. That includes Occitanie, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Grand Est and Normandy.
Waterfalls in Occitanie
Occitanie is a large region in south-west France, covering the Pyrenees, the second highest mountains in France.
It also includes the Mediterranean coast, from Perpignan to Avignon, and much of the hinterland. So it’s no surprise that this is the best region in France for waterfalls!
Cascade de la Vis
There are many pretty french waterfalls, but we are not exaggerating when we say that the Cascade de la Vis is like no other. It looks very dreamy, due to its settings and width.
It is located in the middle of a forest, and looks like a cove. It’s 3 times wider than it is high, and falls into the river in a circular arc.
To get to Cascade de la Vis, you will need to get to Saint-Laurent-le-Minier by car. There’s no bus or even less train going there. Then, there are hikes of different levels you can go on to enjoy the scenery.
Overall, you won’t need to walk a lot to see the waterfall as it is visible from the path, a few hundreds meters from the parking lot.
It’s not possible to swim at the foot of the waterfall, as it’s dangerous. However, the river is calmer a little further on.
- Department of France: Gard
- Closest big city: Ales or Montpellier
- Travel time from Paris by car: 7 hours
- Travel time from Paris by train: 3.25-hour train to Montpellier, then 1-hour drive to Saint-Laurent-le-Minier
- Top accommodation nearby: Gîtes chez Daniel, Appartement Cevennes
Cirque de Navacelles
A journey to France has to include a stop at the stunning Cascade Cirque de Navacelles. This waterfall is located in the Occitanie region of France, within the picturesque setting of the natural site of Cirque de Navacelles.
This wonder is situated in a deep canyon carved by the Vis River, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and lush vegetation.
To reach the waterfall, visitors typically hike from the village of Navacelles. The hike is moderate in difficulty, with a well-marked trail that covers approximately 2 kilometers one way.
The path descends into the canyon, offering spectacular views along the way. Comfortable walking shoes and a moderate level of fitness are recommended for this hike.
Once at the waterfall, visitors can enjoy the serene atmosphere and the sound of cascading water. The area around the waterfall is swimmable, making it a perfect spot to cool off during warm summer days.
The clear, refreshing water and the natural beauty of the surroundings create an idyllic setting for relaxation and enjoyment.
- Department of France: Gard
- Closest big city: Montpellier
- Travel time from Paris by car: 8 hours
- Travel time from Paris by train: 4.5 hours train to Montpellier, then a 1-hour drive
- Top accommodation nearby: Châteauzen
Cascade du Moulin de la Foux
Still in the region of Cirque de Navacelles, only a few kilometers away, you can find another waterfall at Moulin de la Foux. It is also a result of the Vis river.
This is quite different from the others as the waterfall itself is not that impressive. It’s more the fact that it’s at the foot of an old mill that makes this place quite photogenic!
The area is not swimmable. To access it, you need to drive towards Saint Maurice de Navacelles. Right before arriving, take the D713 on the left and keep going for about 2 kilometers before parking on the right side of the road. It’s a 15-minute walk to the Moulin de la Foux from there, you can follow the yellow signs.
- Department of France: Hérault
- Closest big city: Montpellier
- Travel time from Paris by car: 7 hours and a half
- Travel time from Paris by train: 3.25-hour train to Montpellier, then it is a 1 hour and 20 minute drive
- Top accommodation nearby: Châteauzen
Les Petites Aiguières
This waterfall is like no other, because the journey to get there and the river before the waterfall are actually even prettier. To access it, you will need to hike 2 kilometers through hills and rocks.
Don’t follow the directions of Google Maps, that wants to make you do a full unnecessary tour. Instead, turn right when the path splits. At some point, you will see the waterfall from far.
It’s absolutely stunning and will give you energy to go down the rocky hill. From that point, it’s actually not that far anymore, it will probably take you around 15 minutes.
The cliff and rocks in the river create small pools, and an incredible setting to cool off in the water and relax. You’ll hear the waterfall rolling down the rocks further, but there is no access to see it from in front.
- Department of France: Gard
- Closest big city: Nîmes
- Travel time from Paris by car: 7 hours and a half
- Travel time from Paris by train: 3-hour train to Nîmes, and then a 1-hour drive
- Top accommodation nearby: unusual accommodation with pool at La Bulle Etoile
Sautadet Falls
Located north of Avignon, the cascades du Sautadet are a hot spot for locals in summer. These are actually a set of several waterfalls created by the bubbling Ceze river.
The water rushes through cavities in the limestone rock. The river level drops 15 meters in a short part and it forms several waterfalls. The river level drops 15 meters in a short space of time, forming several waterfalls.
It forms water holes, which are in fact very dangerous for tourists as they can suck in anything like a washing machine. Bathing in this part of the river is absolutely forbidden.
However, it is possible to swim a little further downstream, in a very pleasant spot, with a small beach or rocks on which to lie down!
- Department: Gard
- Closest big city: Avignon
- Travel time from Paris by car: 7 hours
- Travel time from Paris by train: 2 hours and 40 minute train ride to Avignon, then a 1-hour drive
- Top accommodation nearby: stay in a castle at Château de Montcaud
Cascade de Creissels
Get deeper into the french countryside, a little further north than the other Navacelles waterfalls. The Creissels waterfall that rolls down from Brunas is an emblematic feature of the region, where locals have enjoyed relaxing for centuries.
Among beautiful green meadows and rocky outcrops, you’ll suddenly come upon a sublime 30-meter-high waterfall that’s truly impressive!
The path to get to the falls starts at the village and climbs 800 meters up the Doux plateau. We advise you to follow the yellow markings on the “circuit des cascades”, which takes about 1 hour and a half.
- Department of France: Aveyron
- Closest big city: Montpellier
- Travel time from Paris by car: 6 hours and 40 minutes
- Travel time from Paris by train: 3.25-hour train to Montpellier, and then a 1 hour and 20 minute drive
- Top accommodation nearby: Couvent de la Salette & Spa
Cascades des Salles de la Source
Salles-de-la-Source is a charming small village in the Causse Comtal, in the middle of the vineyards and old houses. It’s an area where you can spot a few waterfalls, one of them being Cascade de la Roque.
It’s visible from the road and well worth a visit as it’s very pretty. It’s quite large for the area, and the water turns into a lovely green-blue pool. Keep going until finding the Crouzie waterfall as well!
- Department of France: Aveyron
- Closest big city: Rodez
- Travel time from Paris by car: 7 hours
- Travel time from Paris by train: 4-hour train to Toulouse, then a 2-hour car drive
- Top accommodation nearby: L’Hôtel des Bains – Salles-la-Source
Gavarnie Falls
The Gavarnie Fall is the tallest waterfall in France. It is located in the Pyrenees mountains, super close to the French-Spain border. The water falls over 420 meters (1378 feet).
It can be divided into multiple falls if you look closely, because the rocks have different levels, but overall, it looks like one extremely tall waterfall. The mountainous surroundings add to the magic of the place.
When the weather allows it, you can see the waterfall from the town of Gavarnie. Otherwise, or if you want to see it up close, it’s a 3-hour hike.
It’s a fairly easy hike, with almost no elevation gain, the only difficulty being walking for 3 hours. Be careful, too, when you descend to the waterfall at the end of the hike.
- Department of France: Hautes-Pyrénées
- Closest big city: Lourdes
- Travel time from Paris by car: 9 hours
- Travel time from Paris by train: 4-hour train to Pau, 30-minute train to Lourdes, and then 1-hour drive
- Top accommodation nearby: Hôtel du Cirque et de la Cascade
Cascades de Cauterets
The Cascades de Cauterets are not one, not two, but seven waterfalls! They are located in the Pyrenees as well, between Lourdes and the French-Spanish border.
This is THE epic road of waterfalls, and an incredible area to visit also for the spa town of Cauterets. You don’t even need to hike to see the first waterfall from the Pont d’Espagne.
If you wish to do the loop trail to see all the waterfalls, it takes about 3 hours and starts from Raillère.
Engage on the walking trails to witness the magic of the most famous waterfall of the area: Cascade de Lutour. Then, you will see the small yet impressive Cascade du Cerisey and the cool Cascade d’Escane Gat.
The incredible loop is far from being over yet, it continues with the Cascade de Boussès, Cascade et Pont du Pas de l’Ours and Cascade de Pouey Bacou.
- Department of France: Hautes-Pyrénées
- Closest big city: Lourdes
- Travel time from Paris by car: 8 hours and a half
- Travel time from Paris by train: 4-hour train to Pau, 30-minute train to Lourdes, and then a 40-minute drive
- Top accommodation nearby: Hôtel Le Bois Joli
Ars waterfall
The Ars waterfall is one of the biggest waterfalls in France as well! Another gem of the incredible Pyrenees mountains.
Its total height averages 246 meters (807 feet). However, it has different jumps. On the first one, the water rolls down to around 100 meters! Then, it splits into several smaller waterfalls until reaching the ground.
The description sounds picturesque, but it’s not an exaggeration: the waterfall is nothing less than that! The surrounding forest adds to the scenery.
It’s a 4-hour loop hike to the waterfall from the parking lot in Aulus-les-Bains. On this loop, you will pass by the majestic Etang de Guzet and so many other natural wonders of the Pyrenees.
- Department of France: Ariège
- Closest big city: Toulouse
- Travel time from Paris by car: 8 hours and 20 minutes
- Travel time from Paris by train: 4.5-hour train to Toulouse, and 2-hour drive
- Top accommodation nearby: Chambre d’Hôtes La Bourdasse
Cascade d’Oô
This waterfall in the Pyrenees, right by the Spain border, is just as original as its name, for 2 reasons. One, there are only a few waterfalls this tall in France, this one is a 275-meter-high masterpiece!
Secondly, the waterfall discharges the water of three lakes, Espingo, Saussat and Portillon, into the Oô lake! Seeing a waterfall this big right by the lake creates the most beautiful scenery.
To reach it, you can start your walk from the Granges d’Astau. It’s an hour and a half walk to the waterfall. Around 1 hour in, there is a bar where you can have a cool break.
- Department of France: Haute-Garonne
- Closest big city: Toulouse
- Travel time from Paris by car: 8 hours and a half
- Travel time from Paris by train: 4.5-hour train to Toulouse, and 2-hour drive
- Top accommodation nearby: Le Castel d’Alti
Waterfalls in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
The PACA region, more known as the French Riviera, goes from Camargue to the Italian border, as far north as the Alps. We are not afraid to say that this region has some of the best waterfalls in France.
Why? The hinterland just beyond the coast is hilly, and then the Alps are filled with heavenly waterfalls, which change with the seasons as the snow melts from the peaks.
Sillans-La-Cascade
Let’s say it right away: it’s our favorite waterfall in France because of its mesmerizing blue water and setting. Sillans-La-Cascade looks straight out of a dream, and even reminds us of Rio Celeste in Costa Rica.
It is so stunning that the whole town is named after the waterfall. Sillans-La-Cascade is located in the south of France, 1 hour and a half from Marseille. It is a 40-minute drive south of the famous Gorge du Verdon, another outstanding sight of the area.
Sillans-La-Cascade is 137-feet tall (42 meters) and lands in a surreal blue pool. We promise we are not selling it too hard, it’s just too beautiful.
To access it, it’s an easy 15-minute walk from the parking lot, following the steam of the river. You can walk until reaching a viewing platform.
Swimming under the Sillans waterfall has been banned for several years now, for two reasons. Firstly, this natural environment is fragile and needs to be protected from mass tourism if it is to remain as beautiful as it is today. Secondly, there is a risk of rocks collapsing into the pool, which could lead to a serious accident.
However, you can swim in the Bresque river. To access the swimming areas, park at the Remparts and follow the path between the olive trees. After the trees, turn left down to the stream.
- Department of France: Var
- Closest big city: Frejus or Aix-en-Provence
- Travel time from Paris by car: 9-hour drive
- Travel time from Paris by train: 2-hour and a half train to Marseille, and then 1-hour and a half drive
- Top accommodation nearby: Longo Maï in Sillans or Hotel Les Restanques De Moustiers in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, a good base if you also want to visit Gorge du Verdon (we can’t recommend it enough)
Gorge du Verdon waterfall
The Gorge du Verdon is a wonderful and famous river canyon, with probably the bluest waterfall you can get to see in the southeast of France. Visitors like to kayak, stand up paddle, or rent a boat to go there.
They expect to “only” see the most fabulous french gorges, so the waterfall in the middle of the canyon is a very pleasing surprise! It looks straight out of a dream.
- Department of France: Var
- Closest big city: Aix-en-Provence
- Travel time from Paris by car: 10-hour drive
- Travel time from Paris by train: 2-hour and a half train to Marseille, and then 2.2-hour and a half drive
- Top accommodation nearby: Hotel Les Restanques De Moustiers
Nice Waterfall
Still in the sublime yet fancy French Riviera, the town of Nice has great seaside restaurants, pebble beaches with fairytale blue water, and a hill with a castle and a waterfall!
Still in the sublime yet fancy French Riviera, the town of Nice has great seaside restaurants, pebble beaches with fairytale blue water, and a hill with a park and a waterfall!
The park stretches 19 hectares and offers an incredible view of the city of Nice and the Mediterranean sea and the so-called “Bay of Angels”. Its waterfall, known as the Cascade de la Colline, was built on a former castle keep. Its water comes from the Vésubie river.
It may be a human-made small waterfall, it’s nonetheless a very pretty one. I was quite stunned at the reflections of the sun on the waterfall.
- Department of France: Alpes-Maritimes
- Closest big city: Nice
- Travel time from Paris by car: 10 hours
- Travel time from Paris by train: 5 hours and a half with a direct train
- Top accommodation nearby: Boutique Hotel Nice Côte d’Azur
Cascade du Saut du Loup
The waterfalls of Saut du Loup, in Gourdon, are becoming some of the most famous waterfalls in France. That is because of their location in the inland of Cannes.
The French Riviera has always been a hotspot for tourists looking for sunny destinations. So, this waterfall has been on their radar for quite long, but for good reason!
It’s a magnificent sight, with different waterfalls tumbling down lush vegetation to pristine blue water and impressive rocks.
I visited this site as a child and still remember its beauty vividly. It’s perhaps the site that made me fall in love with nature for good.
Since it is visited a lot and has even been classified as a historic site a few years ago, they limit entry with opening hours, from 10am to 7pm every day, and an entry fee of 1 euro per person.
- Department of France: Lot
- Closest big city: Cannes
- Travel time from Paris by car: 10 hours
- Travel time from Paris by train: 5-hour train ride to Cannes, and then 1-hour drive
- Top accommodation nearby: the sumptuous Hôtel particulier des Jasmins
Waterfalls in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes is the area located above PACA and Occitanie. It covers the north of the French Alps, and borders Geneva to the Swiss border, and Montluçon and Aurillac to the west.
Auvergne has a mountain range, called the Massif Central. If you are looking to explore waterfalls away from the crowds, in the French Alps or Massif Central, this is where you should go.
Cascade du Sartre, Cheylade
We discovered the Cascade du Sartre thanks to a music festival that happens a few meters away from the waterfall, called the MadCow Festival.
We immediately fell in love with the waterfall and it immediately jumped a few spots in our top list of the best waterfalls in France. The Petite Rhue turns into a 32-meter-high waterfall, cascading into a narrow cirque.
You can observe it from a man-made platform, and we think you can swim there, but always check with locals or signs before jumping in.
The location is quite pleasant, with the festival, another small waterfall called the Cascade de la Roche, and the pretty Lac des Cascades just a few meters away.
- Department of France: Cantal
- Closest big city: Clermont-Ferrand
- Travel time from Paris by car: 6 hours
- Travel time from Paris by train: 5 hour train rides to Clermont-Ferrand and then to Le Lioran
- Top accommodation nearby: Grand Hotel de la Vallée
Val d’Isère Waterfall (Gorge du Malpasset hike)
Val d’Isère is a renowned ski station in winter, but in summer, it turns into hikers’ paradise! There are several hiking trails with incredible waterfalls, created by the melting of high altitude snow.
We were mesmerized by the waterfalls we’ve seen on the Gorge du Malpasset hike. It’s a fairly accessible 8-kilometer round trip hike, with an elevation gain of 400 meters.
It starts at the Pont-Saint-Charles and ends at the Prariond refuge. On your way through the Gorges, you will see stunning waterfalls!
- Department of France: Savoie
- Closest big city: Annecy
- Travel time from Paris by car: 7 hours and 25 minutes
- Travel time from Paris by train: 5-hour direct train to Bourg-Saint-Maurice, then 45-minute drive or bus
- Top accommodation nearby: Appartement Esprit Chalet – Splendide Vue Montagne
Glandieu Falls
Nestled in the village of Glandieu, Cascade de Glandieu is a scenic waterfall composed of two successive falls, together measuring 60 meters in height.
The location is only about an hour’s drive from Annecy, which is one of the best places to visit in France, and 1 1/4 hours from Lyon.
You may think that this magical and picturesque waterfall is isolated, but it’s actually easy to access as it lies right on the road! There are two parking lots very close to the village, and only a few minutes’ walk to the base of the waterfall.
Besides by car, Cascade de Glandieu is easy to reach on foot or by bike, as it’s only a few minutes away from the cycling route of ViaRhona.
You can even admire the majestic scenery from the terrace of Le Bistrot de la Cascade, a charming cafe that sits right opposite the waterfall. Order some pastry and a cup of coffee, sit back, and relax with the sound of cascading waters!
- Department of France: Ain
- Closest big city: Annecy and Lyon
- Travel time from Paris by car: 5.5 hours
- Travel time from Paris by train: (no direct route)
- Top accommodation nearby: Le Relais des Vieilles Postes
🚨 Unfortunately, to protect the local flora and fauna, swimming and bathing are prohibited here. But if you want to hike the surrounding area, try the Water Trail, which stretches for 7 kilometers from Bregnier-Cordon to Glandieu. It’s fairly easy and offers stunning views of Rhone River and the Glandieu falls.
La Grande Cascade at Mont-Dore
A little more in the countryside of France, one hour southwest of Clermont-Ferrand, the Mont-Dore waterfall is the highest of the region.
It has a 32-meter drop and is nestled in a lush forest, in the middle of the Durbise plateau. This plateau was created from scratch by lava, and the walk to the waterfall is remarkable.
This trail is an intermediate hour and a half loop with a 225 meters ascent. The access to the trail is closed from November 15 to April 1.
- Department of France: Puy-de-Dôme
- Closest big city: Clermont-Ferrand
- Travel time from Paris by car: 5 hours
- Travel time from Paris by train: 3.5 train to Clermont-Ferrand, then 1-hour drive
- Top accommodation nearby: Hotel Le Panorama
Cascade du Rouget
The Rouger waterfall is located in Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval in Haute-Savoie, an hour drive from both Annecy and Genève. Savoyards like to call her the “Queen of the Alps”, because of her size and flow.
This impressive waterfall has two levels, with a general flow that crashes over rocks before splitting into two beautiful cascades to the ground.
In all, it flows along the rocks over a height of 90 meters. Park your car at the Nant Sec parking lot and set off on the 1h15 hike, which is relatively easy with a short ascent of 139 meters.
Good to know: the Auberge de la Cascade is right by the waterfall, you can either sleep there or just eat at their restaurant, to have the most stunning view on the falls.
- Department of France: Haute-Savoie
- Closest big city: Annecy and Geneva
- Travel time from Paris by car: 6 hours
- Travel time from Paris by train: 3-hour train to Geneva, and then 1-hour drive
- Top accommodation nearby: Auberge de la Cascade or Chalet des Cascades
Cascade du Cirque de Saint-Même
The Alps have one more waterfall site that is SO worth visiting: Cascade du Cirque de Saint-Même. Right below Chambéry, in the Chartreuse National Park, there is not one but several waterfalls.
This Cirque is famous for its thick layers of rocks, home to 4 beautiful french falls. You can find Cascade des Sources, Grande Cascade, Cascade Isolée and Pisse du Guiers.
The scenery, with the amphitheater of cliffs, is quite spectacular. And the good news is, you don’t need to hike for 10 hours to see one of its waterfalls.
There are trails of different duration and levels, from 30 minutes to see the Pisse du Guiers, to 1h30 to do a waterfall loop. If you are into hiking, you can also find longer itineraries to discover this stunning area. They all start at St Pierre d’Entremont.
- Department of France: Isère
- Closest big city: Chambéry
- Travel time from Paris by car: 6 hours
- Travel time from Paris by train: 3-hour train to Chambéry, and then 1-hour drive
- Top accommodation nearby: L’Ancienne Ecole du Villard
Waterfalls in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
Bourgogne-Franche-Comté is nestled between Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Grand Est and Switzerland. After being a great region for French wine, it’s also known for the sublime landscapes and waterfalls of the Jura mountain range.
Cascade du Hérisson
Cascades du Hérisson is not one but several waterfalls, located in the Jura mountains in the East of France. This natural site is called Vallée du Hérisson, Plateau des 7 lacs.
It is located quite close from the Swiss border, and is only a hour-and-half drive from Geneva or Besancon. It can also be accessible from Lyon, with a 2-hour drive.
The Hérisson river, flowing from the Bonlieu and Ilay lakes, has shaped this rocky valley, creating a multitude of waterfalls of varying sizes. There are around thirty of them.
The most impressive waterfalls are the Saut de l’Éventail, which drops to 215 feet (65 meters), and the Grand Saut, which descends 197 feet (60 meters).
Overall, the Hérisson waterfalls trail is 7 km round trip, with an elevation gain of around 275 meters. It is considered a moderate hike, which should take around 3 hours.
However, you do not need to do the full trail. You can park at Maison des Cascades, and the first waterfall, called Cascade de l’Eventail, will only be 400 meters along the path. Then you can keep going a third of the way at Grand Saut, halfway at Saut de la Forge… It’s up to you and your physical shape!
- Department of France: Franche-Comté
- Closest big city: Geneva, Switzerland
- Travel time from Paris by car: 5 hours
- Travel time from Paris by train: 5 hours and 45 minutes on 3 different trains and a 1-hour drive
- Top accommodation nearby: treehouse with spa at Cabanes du Hérisson
Cascade du Cirque du Bout du Monde, Nolay
The name of this waterfall means “circus of the end of the world”. It is said more in the sense of “the other side of the world”, as where the sea line ends, than in an apocalyptic context.
But enough about the name, and more about the place itself. It really feels like “other side of the world” landscapes, even if it’s located in the middle of France. Which, yes, can be the other side of the world for some people!
This stunning site offers a magnificent waterfall that drops over 30 meters. It is worth visiting especially in the rainy season.
There are lots of cool caves in the area, which the walk will also allow you to discover!
- Department of France: Côte-d’Or
- Closest big city: Beaune or Dijon
- Travel time from Paris by car: 4 hours
- Travel time from Paris by train: 2-hour train ride to Beaune, then a 20-minute car drive
- Top accommodation nearby: Au temps d’Autrefois
Tufs waterfall
We admit we have a special something for waterfalls that rolls down on different levels. The Cascade des Tufs, or Tufs Waterfall, has this magical feature.
Located in the Jura Mountains, one hour south of the charming Besançon, the Tufs waterfall really is a stunning sight. No matter the season and water flow, it looks straight out of a fairytale with its surrounding greenery.
The Tufs waterfall is fed by the Cuisance river, which flows underground and returns through cavities in the tuff, a sedimentary limestone rock.
It is safe to say it’s one of the best waterfalls in France. That means, it is also visited quite a lot! Be respectful, leave no trace and park before the village entrance. Non-residents are not allowed to park in the village. There is a grassy parking area 800 meters before the village.
- Department of France: Jura
- Closest big city: Besançon
- Travel time from Paris by car: 4 hours and 20 minutes
- Travel time from Paris by train: 2-hour train ride to Besançon, then a 1-hour car drive
- Top accommodation nearby: the stunning Castel Damandre
Saut du Doubs waterfall
This waterfall IS unique. Not in the way you expect… It forms the border between France and Switzerland! Just like the Niagara Falls, the Saut du Doubs has French and Swiss parts!
The waters of the Doubs River have a very nice journey, if we may say. They turn into a lake, the Lac des Brenets, before throwing themselves 27 meters along the rocks of the Doubs waterfall. That’s why it’s called saut du Doubs, which means jump of the Doubs. Pretty funny, right?
The Saut du Doubs is quite famous, often considered as one of the best waterfalls in Europe. Even though there are taller and wider waterfalls, this one definitely has something special in the air.
You can either go on a boat tour that will take you 500 meters from the falls, and then walk, or go on a 3.5-kilometer easy hike.
- Department of France: Jura
- Closest big city: Besançon
- Travel time from Paris by car: 4 hours and 20 minutes
- Travel time from Paris by train: 2-hour train ride to Besançon, then a 1-hour car drive
- Top accommodation nearby: Hotel Les Rives Du Doubs
Cascades du Flumen
The Flumen waterfalls are located close to the Swiss border and Geneva. This natural site is classified, and we totally understand why.
Its scenery is pretty stunning… Imagine, walking to the bottom of the most stunning valley for one hour, and at the very end of it, running into a big waterfall in a dark and mystical cirque.
The water rolls on over 20 meters, and its flow is impressive, especially after a rainy day, at the beginning of spring. We can’t recommend this place enough!
- Department of France: Jura
- Closest big city: Geneva
- Travel time from Paris by car: 5 hours and 15 minutes
- Travel time from Paris by train: 3-hour train ride to Geneva, and then a 1.5-hour drive
- Top accommodation nearby: Jura Hotel Restaurant Le Panoramic
Waterfalls in Grand Est
Head north to Bourgogne-Franche-Comté and you will find the Grand Est. Tourists usually only visit Alsace for its stunning old villages and Christmas markets, like in Strasbourg. It’s by far one of the best day trips from Paris in winter.
However, they tend to forget about the Vosges, a mountain range that has some of the best waterfalls in France. And nature lovers are very pleased to have the spots all to themselves!
Cascade de Merelle
There are many incredible waterfalls around the world. But while everyone dreams of the waterfalls of Hawaii, there is one waterfall in France that truly stands out from the rest: Cascade de Merelle.
It stands tall at 3 meters above Lake Gerardmer, but it is a thundering and strong waterfall. The stream of the waterfall ends up on the lake where you can swim and relax.
To get to the waterfall, you need to hike the Mérelle forest trails. It can be confusing as the path brunches. Unfortunately, there are no signs that lead you to the waterfall, but you can listen to the waterfalls from a distance and hear the sounds. It should lead you to the waterfall.
The Mérelle hike trail is a 4-kilometer loop that should take around 2 hours. It has about 240 meters of elevation, and can be a bit steep and slippery.
Make sure to wear proper hiking shoes. I would not recommend it if you have kids because it can be challenging. It is inaccessible with strollers.
- Department of France: Lorraine
- Closest big city: Nancy
- Travel time from Paris by car: 5-hour drive to Ballons des Vosges Regional Nature Park
- Travel time from Paris by train: 1.5-hour train to Nancy, and then a 1.5-hour drive
- Top accommodation nearby: the luxurious Relais et Châteaux – Les Bas-Rupts
Cascades de Tendon
Located in eastern France, halfway between Nancy, Strasbourg and Mulhouse, the Cascades de Tendon are a must-see in the region. The hike actually takes you to two waterfalls, a small one and a bigger one!
Worry not, this is a very accessible hike that you can do with the family, at your own pace, and even turn around. The parking lot is super close to the small waterfall.
La Petite Cascade de Tendon
The Petite Cascade, or small waterfall, can actually be seen from the parking lot. Follow the signs to see from up close.
La Grande Cascade de Tendon
You can then continue walking to the Grande Cascade, about 1 km from the parking lot. If you do the round trip, it should take around 1 hour. But you can also continue after the big waterfall to do the full loop. Then, it’s a 2.5-hour walk.
- Department of France: Lorraine
- Closest big city: Nancy
- Travel time from Paris by car: 4.5-hour drive
- Travel time from Paris by train: 1.5-hour train to Nancy, and then a 1-hour drive
- Top accommodation nearby: Domaine du Haut Jardin Hôtel & Chalets Spa Privé
Waterfalls in Normandy
Normandy is not a region known for waterfalls. In fact, it’s quite a miracle that there are two in such a region. It borders the Atlantic Ocean, and people usually visit it for the stunning Etretat cliffs, where one of the falls is located.
Cascades de Mortain
There are two waterfalls in Mortain, of different sizes and shapes, the small and big one! That is how they are called: Petite Cascade et Grande Cascade.
You don’t actually need to choose and can visit both in the same hike. The small waterfall is actually a few meters drop in the river. The water falls vertically between 2 boulders and then continues its course down the river.
The big waterfall, in a 25-meter-high waterfall, with a big flow! That is definitely surprising in an area like Normandy. It is not a land of waterfalls and mountains at all.
- Department of France: Manche
- Closest big city: Caen
- Travel time from Paris by car: 4 hours
- Travel time from Paris by train: 2 hours and a half train to Caen, 1 hour and a half car ride
- Top accommodation nearby: Maison Voie Verte
Pisseuses of Valaine
Pisseuses of Valaine is a small waterfall at the Etretat Cliffs! The water comes from a spring and rolls down the rocks to end on the beach, close to the ocean.
You can visit it with a kayak tour, or maybe by foot but be careful with the tide. They are quite strong on this side of the ocean.
- Department of France: Seine-Maritime
- Closest big city: Le Havre
- Travel time from Paris by car: 3 hours
- Travel time from Paris by train: 2 hours and a half train to Le Havre, 40-minute car ride or bus
- Top accommodation nearby: Les Tilleuls Etretat
Waterfalls France: FAQ
What is the best waterfall in France?
It’s a very subjective answer, but the most beautiful waterfall in France is probably Sillans-La-Cascade, for its size and landscape, its blue pool and the beautiful greenery that surrounds it.
Where are the waterfalls in France ?
Most waterfalls are located in the south and east of France, for a very simple reason: the geography of those regions. The mountainous geography of the Pyrenees, Alps, Jura and Vosges create superb France falls.
What is the tallest waterfall in France?
The Gavarnie Falls, located in the Cirque de Gavarnie in the Pyrenees mountains, is the tallest waterfall in France. In spring, its water drops 422 meters (1384 feet).
What is the most famous waterfall in France ?
The most famous waterfall in France is probably Sillans-La-Cascade because of its location near Gorge du Verdon, or the waterfall in Nice France.
How do you say waterfall in french?
Waterfall is “cascade” in the french language.
Are there waterfalls near Paris?
There are a few human made waterfalls in the parks of Paris, such as Buttes Chaumont or Bois de Boulogne. However, if you are looking for a big and natural waterfall, you will need to head to Cirque du Bout du Monde or Normandy.
In the meantime, explore all the cool and non touristy things to do in Paris!
Best Waterfalls in France: final thoughts
France is a great country to go on a waterfall chasing adventure. You could even plan a road trip around those waterfalls, and it would be the adventure of a lifetime!
