Top 15 Waterfalls around Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise
Best waterfalls around Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise are found in an alpine environment known for its natural features and glacial waters. The region offers a variety of cascades, from easily accessible falls within the resort area to powerful glacial waterfalls a short distance away. These natural spectacles provide opportunities for exploration and immersion in the mountain landscape. The area's terrain includes valleys fed by glaciers and paths through coniferous woods.
Best waterfalls around Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise
- The most popular waterfalls is Rutor Waterfalls, a natural monument that features three powerful cascades. These waterfalls are known for their impetuous jumps of water that carve through gorges and precipices.
- Another must-see spot is Dora di Rhêmes Waterfall, an intermediate waterfall located in Rhêmes-Notre-Dame. This waterfall is fed by the Dora di Rhêmes torrent and is situated within an unspoiled alpine landscape in the Gran Paradiso National Park.
- Visitors also love Rutor’s First Waterfall, a family-friendly waterfall. It is the first of three Rutor waterfalls, accessible via a path through coniferous woods, offering views of the powerful water.
- Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise is known for its glacial-fed waterfalls and tiered cascades. Visitors can explore a variety of waterfalls, from those easily reached on family walks to more powerful falls requiring a short journey.
- The waterfalls around Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 270 upvotes and over 50 photos shared across various highlights.
Last updated: July 3, 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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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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Dora di Rhêmes Waterfall
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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
Located in Rhêmes-Notre-Dame, this beautiful waterfall is fed by the Dora di Rhêmes torrent. Surrounded by an uncontaminated alpine landscape, it is a precious corner of wild nature in the heart of the Gran Paradiso National Park.
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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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A beautiful waterfall that rises in the green of these wonderful mountains.
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It is worth visiting this beautiful waterfall with the mountain bike before visiting the Refugio Benevolo.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there family-friendly waterfalls around Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise?
Yes, several waterfalls are suitable for families. The trail to La Raie Waterfall, starting directly from Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise, is described as an engaging half-day walk. Additionally, Rutor’s First Waterfall is easily accessible via a path through coniferous woods and is suitable for families, even with children who are not in strollers.
What are some easy waterfall hikes in the region?
For an easy and accessible experience, consider the hike to La Raie Waterfall, which starts directly from the Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise resort. It's a convenient half-day walk through the forest. Another option is the path to Rutor’s First Waterfall, which is well-maintained and suitable for less experienced hikers.
Which waterfalls offer the most dramatic views?
The Rutor Waterfalls are renowned for their raw power and dramatic landscape. The series of three cascades carves through gorges and precipices. A steel bridge over the Third Rutor Waterfall provides an extraordinary spectacle and panoramic views of the imposing falls.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see at the waterfalls?
The waterfalls in this region are often fed by glacial waters, creating impressive cascades. You'll encounter features like tiered falls, impetuous water carving through gorges and rocky bars, and picturesque paths through coniferous woods. The Dora di Rhêmes Waterfall, for instance, is set within an unspoiled alpine landscape.
When is the best time to visit the waterfalls around Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise?
The summer months are generally the best time to visit, as the trails are clear and the glacial meltwater feeds the waterfalls, making them particularly powerful. This allows for comfortable hiking and optimal viewing conditions.
Are there any waterfalls that are part of a larger natural park?
Yes, the Dora di Rhêmes Waterfall is located within the Gran Paradiso National Park in Italy. This offers a glimpse of wild nature within a protected alpine environment, appealing to those seeking a more expansive natural experience.
What outdoor activities can I do near these waterfalls?
The region around Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including routes like 'Lac du Clou - La Tarentaise' and 'Ruitor Refuge – La Sassiére loop'. There are also running trails and gravel biking routes available in the wider area.
What makes the Vallon du Nant Cruet waterfall unique?
The waterfall in the Vallon du Nant Cruet is special because it's situated in a charming and picturesque valley, known as the 'cradle of water' from the Fond and Sassière glaciers. It tumbles down large rocky bars and is surrounded by small villages and scenic balcony paths, offering a tranquil setting.
What do visitors enjoy most about the Rutor Waterfalls?
Visitors are particularly impressed by the immense power of the Rutor Waterfalls and the dramatic landscape they create. The unique experience of crossing the steel bridge over the Third Rutor Waterfall, offering an extraordinary spectacle, is also highly praised.
Are there any historical or cultural aspects related to the waterfalls?
The Rutor waterfalls, for example, are part of the country's history and are shrouded in myths and legends. The Centocinquantenario Trail was restored to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Rutor waterfalls, highlighting their long-standing appeal and the efforts made to enhance their natural beauty for visitors.
How long does it typically take to hike to the waterfalls?
The duration varies by waterfall. For instance, the hike to La Raie Waterfall from Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise is generally considered a half-day walk. The path to the First Rutor Waterfall is also relatively short and accessible, while reaching the Third Rutor Waterfall involves a longer ascent through coniferous woods.
Can I find viewpoints to observe the waterfalls from different angles?
Yes, many waterfalls offer multiple observation points. For the Rutor Waterfalls, the path from La Joux provides various spots to view the cascades, and the steel bridge over the Third Rutor Waterfall offers a unique panoramic perspective. The Centocinquantenario Trail also allows you to see the Rutor waterfalls from another perspective.
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