7 Amazing Waterfalls In France To Visit

Are you looking for waterfalls in France to visit?

When it comes to romance, historic towns, stunning monuments or buildings, incredible art, fascinating culture and superb cuisine.  France is the best destination one could ever think of.

However, not a lot of people associate France as a go-to place for nature and adventure. 

Being bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the Mediterranean Sea to the south, the country has a large coastal area, too. 

Apart from the beautiful beaches and lakes, France is home  to lush countryside and verdant mountains, as the eastern and southeastern part of France is dominated by spectacular mountain ranges, the Pyrenees and the Alps.

These regions are perfect for nature-lovers, climbers or hikers. There are spectacular landscapes here with rivers, lakes and breathtaking waterfalls. 

7 Amazing Waterfalls In France To Visit

If you’re looking to veer away from the city sights and want to explore France’ natural beauty, how about visiting areas that feature a waterfall?

Most are located in truly enchanting surroundings and definitely a must-visit.

Here are some of the best waterfalls in France to add to your French holiday itinerary. 

1. Cascade D’ars – Midi-Pyrenees, France

Despite not being one of the more widely-known waterfalls on this list, this one is nevertheless quite remarkable.

One of the most picturesque waterfalls of France, it is situated in the Midi-Pyrenees  and falls approximately 240 meters down.

The waterfall is close to the town of Aulus-les Bains, which has a famous spa. It takes roughly 1 hour and 50 minutes to travel to the falls on recognized trails, whether you are starting in town or by way of the forest.

Once you arrive, you will have the opportunity to observe not only the magnificent waterfall, but also a wonderful view of the spa town below.

How to get there: from Toulouse, it is just a couple of hours by train or taxi, almost 4 hours by bus and 1 hr 49 mins if you’re driving to Aulus les Bains where Cascade D’ars is located.

Things to do: hiking, wildlife spotting (bears) 

2. La Cascade de Gavarnie – Hautes-Pyrénées, France

Gavarnie is situated in a verdant valley, and the huge waterfalls drop on the Gavarnie Rive, at 422 meters high.

This rugged Gavarnie waterfall, set high in the French Pyrenees, seems charming, but it is only suitable for hard-core climbers who aspire to explore and conquer the Pyrenees.

It will take 40 minutes to get to Gavarnie village, where Gavarnie waterfall is located.

The magnificent waterfalls border France and Spain and are found in the magnificent Pyrenees, which are situated around four hours away from Toulouse by train.

How to get there: from Toulouse it’s almost 4 hours by train, 3 hours and 8 minutes by car to reach La Cascade de Gavarnie.

Things to do: hiking, trekking, nature photography 

3. Cascades du Herisson – Jura (Franche Comte), France

The Herisson Valley has a beautiful waterfall located within the Jura Mountains. There are seven waterfalls on the river with the same name, each with a different height.

Visiting the waterfalls is a very simple affair, as the waterfalls have established pathways, and entrance or exit locations which are connected to car parks.

As you move closer to the waterfall, the enveloping green foliage provides a gloomy and mysterious atmosphere.

However, reaching the summit takes effort, but the views are rewarding. This waterfall in France is probably one of the greatest.

An important piece of advice: Wear footwear so that you won’t slip on the rocks while they’re wet.

How to get there: from the nearest town of Prevessin-Moens to la Maison des Cascades, driving time is 1 hour and 43 minutes.

Things to do: hiking, exploring several other waterfalls nearby

4. Pont D’espagne (Bridge Of Spain) – Midi-Pyrenees, France

The bridge does not share its name with the surrounding landscape, but was built over a site where two roaring waterfalls merged and roared to the river below.

The French waterfall is located in the Midi-Pyrenees, and is widely recognized and admired.

The waterfalls flow into each other, which can be seen from the stone bridge. People particularly like the setting, as the surrounding scenery is breathtaking. 

It is worth putting in the effort whether by car or a scenic hike as the astonishing mountain scenery and lakeside surrounded by stunning mountains will leave you awestruck.

How to get there: by car from the charming town of St-Savin,  to the thermal spa town of Cauterets, then to Pont D’espagne. Travel time takes an hour. 

Things to do: Hiking, exploring nearby waterfalls, photography 

5. Sillans la Cascade – Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, France

The picturesque Sillans la Cascade is located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region of France, inland from the famous French Riviera (northeast of Aix-en-Provence).

This blue pool is filled with swirling, frothy water that cascades down from cliffs and is mixed with it. Its dark foliage frames the pool, which is surrounded by the cliff’s’ flora.

With this scenery alone, it is no wonder Sillans la Cascade is  regarded as one of France’s most visually appealing waterfalls.

How to get there: from Nice, traveling to Sillans la Cascade by train or taxi takes 1 hour and 42 minutes; by car, it’s 1 hour and 28 minutes.

Things to do: hiking, hot air balloon flight over the area, rafting

6. Cascade de la Lance – Colmars-les-Alpes, France

When viewed from above, this waterfall looks like an upside-down lance, hence its name, Cascade of the Lance. Colmars is a rocky outcropping in the middle of the French Alps.

Rock steps surround the waterfall, and water rushes out of an opening in the rock face,making it a magical sight to behold.

How to get there: from Nice, it takes 3 hours and 30 minutes by bus or train, around 2 hours by car to reach Colmars-les-Alpes then 20-minute hike to Cascade de la Lance.

Things to do: hiking, visiting the  citadel of Colmars

7. Cascade Cirque de Navacelles – Occitanie, France

This waterfall is based out of Blandas which is a small village in the French Massif Central mountain range.

The stunning Cirque de Navacelles cascades down the cliffs in a way that resembles a natural water park. Tourism is thriving on this island, with tourists swimming in pools and scaling cliffs.

How to get there: from Montpellier, it’s 3 hours by bus and 1 hour and 4 minutes by taxi or private car to reach the village of Navacelles where the waterfall is located.

Things to do: biking, hiking, horseback riding