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Free Access · Year-Round
Cascade du Rouget
Spectacular waterfall 80 to 90 metres high formed by three successive drops in the Giffre Valley, nicknamed the 'Queen of the Alps' for its power and beauty.
Florian Pépellin · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
At a glance
Type
Natural waterfall
Access
Free · Open to all
Duration
5–10 min from parking (summer) · 1h round-trip (winter, road closed)
Best season
May–June (snowmelt, maximum flow) · July–October (easy access)
Parking
Free (Nant Sec parking)
Dogs
Allowed on leash
Stroller
Not suitable (rocky trail)
Town
Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval
What is Cascade du Rouget
The Cascade du Rouget is a natural waterfall in the Giffre Valley that flows year-round from the Sales torrent upstream to join the Giffre des Fonds downstream. Located in the commune of Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval at approximately 960 metres altitude, it is one of the most impressive waterfalls in Haute-Savoie with its 80 to 90 metres of height spread over three successive drops. It is directly accessible by road in summer, making it a very popular tourist site, and marks the entrance to the natural reserve of the Fer-à-Cheval cirque.
Nicknamed the 'Queen of the Alps', the Cascade du Rouget stands out for its regular and spectacular flow, particularly impressive during the spring snowmelt. The upper fall, measuring around one hundred metres with a mid-height drop, rebounds on a stone slab creating water sprays that make the surroundings slippery in high flow — accidents have occurred under these conditions. The site was listed in the inventory of natural sites as early as 1914 and is among the most photographed waterfalls in the region. A local legend attributes its water with virtues of virility and fertility, to the point that locals would recently still offer a flask of this water to newlyweds.
Activities
What you can do here
Practical
Practical information
Address
Salvagny, Route de la Cascade du Rouget, 74740 Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval View on map
Coordinates
46,0564° N — 6,7786° E View on map
Altitude
960 m
Opening
Year-round. In winter (December–April): road closed after Salvagny, foot or snowshoe access only. In summer: direct car access.
Admission
Free
Parking
Free (Nant Sec parking in Salvagny, then 5–10 min walk in summer; parking at the base of the waterfall direct if road open)
Animals
Allowed on leash
Accessibility
In summer, waterfall visible from the road (accessible for mobility-impaired from parking). Rocky and steep approach trail, not suitable for wheelchairs/strollers.
Access duration
5–10 min from parking in summer · 1h round-trip from Salvagny in winter
Safety
Slippery surroundings in high flow (snowmelt). Keep children away from edges. Hiking boots recommended.
Access
How to get there
By car
From Samoëns (~10 km, 15 min), follow D907 towards Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval, then continue to Salvagny and Cascade du Rouget (signs). Nant Sec parking in Salvagny or parking at the base of the waterfall if road open (closed in winter after Salvagny). From Annecy (~70 km, 1h15), A41 exit Cluses, then D902 and D907 via Samoëns.
Open in MapsBy bike
From Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval or Samoëns, follow D907 (winding road, light traffic on weekdays, transit circulation on weekends). Approximately 10 km from Samoëns, 400 m elevation gain. Mountain bike route possible via Fonts path (technical).
Open in MapsWhen to visit
When to visit
The Cascade du Rouget flows year-round, but the experience varies greatly by season. The flow is spectacular in spring (May–June) during snowmelt, with flow reaching several cubic metres per second and impressive water sprays — surroundings become slippery and dangerous. In summer (July–October), flow decreases but remains visible, direct car access and the site is very busy on weekends and in peak season. In autumn (September–October), visitor numbers drop, light is beautiful and surrounding forest displays colours. In winter (December–April), the road is closed after Salvagny; access is on foot or by snowshoe (1h round-trip), offering spectacular winter scenery with partially frozen waterfall and assured tranquility. Best light for photography: morning (9 am–11 am) or late afternoon, avoid noon (backlighting).
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is access to the Cascade du Rouget free?
Yes. Access to the Cascade du Rouget is free year-round, as is the parking (Nant Sec parking in Salvagny or parking at the base of the waterfall in summer).
How do I reach the Cascade du Rouget in winter?
In winter, the road is closed after Salvagny hamlet. Access to the Cascade du Rouget is on foot or by snowshoe from Salvagny (Nant Sec parking), approximately 1 hour round-trip, depending on snow conditions.
What is the best season to visit the Cascade du Rouget?
The Cascade du Rouget's flow is most spectacular in spring (May–June) during snowmelt, offering an impressive display. Summer (July–October) allows easy car access, but the site is busier.
Are dogs allowed at the Cascade du Rouget?
Yes. Dogs are allowed at the Cascade du Rouget but must be kept on a leash out of respect for other visitors and local wildlife (site at the entrance of a natural reserve).
Is the Cascade du Rouget accessible by stroller or wheelchair?
In summer, the Cascade du Rouget is visible from the parking (accessible for mobility-impaired). The approach trail to the base of the waterfall is rocky and steep, not suitable for strollers and wheelchairs.
How much time should I plan to visit the Cascade du Rouget?
From the parking in summer, allow 5 to 10 minutes of walking to reach the main viewpoint of the Cascade du Rouget. From Salvagny in winter, allow 1 hour round-trip. For a combined hike with nearby waterfalls or Refuge des Fonts, plan 2 to 4 hours.
Sources
Sources & verification
Multi-source verification at publication date. Information may change — confirm with the official operator before travelling.
