Top 14 Waterfalls around Bourg-Saint-Maurice
Best waterfalls around Bourg-Saint-Maurice are found in a region known for its alpine landscape and outdoor activities. This area serves as a base for exploring the surrounding natural environment, including numerous cascades. The waterfalls are often fed by glaciers, carving through gorges and offering accessible hiking opportunities. Visitors can explore a variety of trails leading to these natural attractions.
Best waterfalls around Bourg-Saint-Maurice
- The most popular waterfalls is Rutor Waterfalls, a waterfall that consists of three impetuous jumps of water fed by the Rutor glacier. The inauguration of a bridge over the third waterfall in 2014 enhanced the viewing experience.
- Another must-see spot is Rutor’s First Waterfall, a waterfall that offers the emotion of the rainbow and the force of the water. This first observation point is found shortly after passing the farmhouses of La Joux, along a mule track through coniferous woods.
- Visitors also love Third Rutor Waterfall, a waterfall with a steel bridge allowing passage from one side to the other. From this point, visitors can enjoy the extraordinary spectacle of the three waterfalls below.
- Bourg-Saint-Maurice is known for its glacier-fed waterfalls, multi-tiered cascades, and waterfalls accessible via scenic trails. Visitors can find a variety of waterfalls to see and explore, from powerful glacial flows to more serene natural settings.
- The waterfalls around Bourg-Saint-Maurice are appreciated by the komoot community, with 275 upvotes and 58 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
Rutor’s First Waterfall
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Starting from the hamlet of La Joux at 1,603 meters above sea level and located just three kilometers from the town of La Thuile, you can reach the first of the three with a beautiful path up to the third waterfall which is located at 1,996 metres.
The first observation point is found shortly after passing the farmhouses of La Joux, along a mule track that passes through coniferous woods.
The first waterfall is surprising: the emotion of the rainbow and the force of the water arouse incredible sensations.
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Roman bridge
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Third Rutor Waterfall
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From this point you can descend to La Joux following the path on the other orographic bank or choose to go up to the Deffeyes Refuge (2,494 metres) right at the foot of the Rutor glacier, a very beautiful excursion especially for children. Another option is to veer right after the waterfalls following the direction of the glacial lakes of Bella Comba.
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Rutor Waterfalls
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Centocinquantenario Trail
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Generated by the stream of the same name, the waterfalls had already begun to attract tourist attention towards the end of the 1800s from a public increasingly sensitive to natural beauty, and for this reason, over time, they have been the subject of various enhancement interventions.
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Tips from the Community
The first waterfall is the easiest to reach and is located about 20 minutes from the start. Although it is the easiest to reach, you need to be careful because, being wet, you could slip, so remember suitable shoes and be careful.
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Path used for the return from the third waterfall. This itinerary allows you to see the waterfalls from another perspective and enjoy their splendor.
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This path was restored to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Rutor waterfalls, so called, after 1860, by Abbé Chanoux, in the first years of his rectorship of the Little Saint Bernard Hospice. Generated by the stream of the same name, the waterfalls had already begun to attract tourist attention towards the end of the 1800s from a public increasingly sensitive to natural beauty, and for this reason, over time, they have been the subject of various enhancement interventions.
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From this bucolic plateau near the stream you can refresh yourself and indulge in some photography. At the third Rutor waterfall, a steel bridge approximately 16 meters long and 1.20 meters wide, inaugurated in 2014, allows everyone to pass from one side to the other enjoying the extraordinary spectacle of the three waterfalls below. From this point you can descend to La Joux following the path on the other orographic bank or choose to go up to the Deffeyes Refuge (2,494 metres) right at the foot of the Rutor glacier, a very beautiful excursion especially for children. Another option is to veer right after the waterfalls following the direction of the glacial lakes of Bella Comba.
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The three Rutor waterfalls are part of the country's history and are shrouded in myths and legends. Daughters of the lakes fed by the Rutor glacier, the wonderful waterfalls that can be visited in summer are three impetuous waterfalls that throw themselves into gorges and precipices, carving out the rock with all the power of the melting water. Starting from the hamlet of La Joux at 1,603 meters above sea level and located just three kilometers from the town of La Thuile, you can reach the first of the three with a beautiful path up to the third waterfall which is located at 1,996 metres. The first observation point is found shortly after passing the farmhouses of La Joux, along a mule track that passes through coniferous woods. The first waterfall is surprising: the emotion of the rainbow and the force of the water arouse incredible sensations.
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The climb via the Anery is very difficult, steps, roots and stones make the route which is very steep, to be avoided in rainy weather, very slippery path and risk of stream formation as the path is dug by falling rain .
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The Pont Romain is an ancient Roman bridge that crosses the Bon Nant stream, a tributary of the Arve River. The bridge is a remarkable feat of engineering, and it has stood for centuries despite the passage of torrential water. The bridge is also home to a series of small waterfalls, which are carved into the rock by the water.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Rutor Waterfalls a must-visit attraction near Bourg-Saint-Maurice?
The Rutor Waterfalls are a series of three powerful cascades fed by the Rutor glacier, considered among the most beautiful in the Aosta Valley. They carve through gorges and precipices, creating a dramatic landscape. Visitors can experience the 'emotion of the rainbow and the force of the water' at the first waterfall, and a bridge over the third waterfall, inaugurated in 2014, offers enhanced viewing of the entire spectacle. The area is also rich in history and local legends.
Are there other notable waterfalls to explore besides the Rutor Waterfalls?
Yes, beyond the Rutor Waterfalls, you can explore the Rosuel Waterfall Trail, a scenic four-mile loop. Other waterfalls worth visiting for a day trip include Les Cuves du Buizin, Cascade de la Cavette, and Cascade de Costeplane, all offering picturesque natural settings near Bourg-Saint-Maurice.
What kind of hiking trails lead to the Rutor Waterfalls?
You can access the Rutor Waterfalls via a beautiful mule track that winds through coniferous woods, starting from the hamlet of La Joux, just three kilometers from La Thuile. This trail leads to all three waterfalls, with the third being at an altitude of 1,996 meters. The Centocinquantenario Trail was restored to celebrate the waterfalls' long-standing appeal and offers another perspective on the cascades.
Are the Rutor Waterfalls trails suitable for families?
Yes, the path to the First Rutor Waterfall is accessible for families, including those with children (though a stroller might not be suitable). The overall trail to all three waterfalls is considered family-friendly, offering a rewarding experience for various skill levels.
What is the best time to visit the waterfalls around Bourg-Saint-Maurice?
The Rutor Waterfalls are fed by melting glacier water, making them particularly impressive during the warmer months when the flow is at its strongest. Summer is generally the best time to visit to experience their full power and enjoy the hiking trails in pleasant weather.
What unique features can I find at the Third Rutor Waterfall?
The Third Rutor Waterfall features a steel bridge, approximately 16 meters long, which allows visitors to cross from one side to the other. From this vantage point, you can enjoy an extraordinary spectacle of all three waterfalls below. It's also a great spot for photography and offers options to continue towards the Deffeyes Refuge or the glacial lakes of Bella Comba.
What outdoor activities can I do near these waterfalls?
Bourg-Saint-Maurice serves as an excellent base for various outdoor activities. Besides waterfall hikes, you can find numerous MTB trails, mountain hikes, and running trails in the surrounding area. Options range from moderate to difficult, catering to different fitness levels.
Are there any historical sites near the waterfalls?
Yes, the Rutor Waterfalls themselves are steeped in history and local myths. Additionally, you might encounter historical elements like the Roman bridge, a charming stone structure over a river, which can be a pleasant rest stop during your explorations.
What do visitors enjoy most about the waterfalls around Bourg-Saint-Maurice?
Visitors particularly appreciate the raw power and natural beauty of the glacier-fed cascades. The accessibility of many trails, especially to the first Rutor waterfall, makes them enjoyable for a wide range of hikers. The dramatic landscapes, the 'emotion of the rainbow,' and the historical context also contribute to a memorable experience.
How can I get to the Rutor Waterfalls?
The Rutor Waterfalls are accessible from the hamlet of La Joux, which is located just three kilometers from La Thuile. From La Joux, a well-maintained mule track leads directly to the waterfalls.
Are there any viewpoints or specific spots for photography at the waterfalls?
Absolutely. The first observation point for the First Rutor Waterfall offers incredible sensations and opportunities to capture the rainbow effect in the mist. The bridge at the Third Rutor Waterfall provides a panoramic point to photograph all three cascades and the surrounding landscape.
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