• Waterfall

La Cascade d'Arpenaz (waterfall)

At a height of 270m, this magnificent waterfall, dominating the hamlet of Luzier, is the 3rd highest waterfall in France and is of geological interest (shales).
Listed natural site.
Impressive in the spring, you can refresh yourself there in the summer.

Waterfall La Cascade d'Arpenaz (waterfall) Sallanches

About

Sallanches (74700)

Natural site classified since 1991.

The waterfall is easily observed from the highway or national. Many travelers have always stopped at its foot to admire its splendid waterfall.

This waterfall has its charm in any season, but its fall is very impressive in spring when the snow melts.
In summer, a reception basin that can be used as a "vat" for swimming, and a small stream sheltered by the forest await you there.

The torrent, called Nant d'Arpenaz or La Laiteuse, descends from the Platé massif, where it originates from several streams from the mountain pastures of the Véran mountain. From its source located at an altitude of 1850 m to where it flows into the Arve, the torrent travels 4 km.

The name "Arpenaz" comes from the Celtic prefix "Ar" meaning living water and the Celtic suffix "pen" meaning rocky head.

The site is also of geological interest, with its "S" rock folding.

Developed site: free parking, picnic areas, starting point for hiking and mountain biking trails.

When the Arpenaz waterfall inspires... The novelist Théophile Gaultier described the Arpenaz waterfall in the middle of the 19th century as follows:. "From the upper plateaus of the mountain, between the tumult of large rocks of a purplish gray, the water descended and seemed from afar a vein of silver embedded in the stone. From a distance, the most furious waterfalls seem motionless and have the air of streaks of snow between masses of rocks. At the edge of this steep slope, the mountain cuts steeply and the water rushes into the void".

    1 15

    Prices

    Free access.

    Opening

    From 01/01 to 31/12.

    Equipments
    • Car park
    • Parking
    • Coach parking
    • Picnic area

    Access

    Route d'Oëx 74700 Sallanches
    Information update on 20/06/2023 by Office de Tourisme de Sallanches