Top 9 Waterfalls around Montvalezan
Best waterfalls around Montvalezan offer diverse natural experiences in the French Alps, near the Italian border. This region is characterized by its mountainous terrain and proximity to the Aosta Valley, providing access to significant natural landmarks. While Montvalezan itself is a commune in the Tarentaise Valley, the surrounding area, including nearby Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise and across the border into Italy, features several notable waterfalls. These cascades are often fed by glaciers and snowmelt, contributing to their impressive flow, particularly in spring and…
Last updated: October 1, 2026
Rutor’s First Waterfall
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Third Rutor Waterfall
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Rutor Waterfalls
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Centocinquantenario Trail
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Nant Putors Waterfall
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Tips from the Community
Hike to the Cascade du Nant Putors for a refreshing adventure in nature. This magnificent waterfall cascades down the side of a cliff, creating a tranquil and enchanting place where you can stop and enjoy the sound of the water flowing. The trail to the falls is a gentle hike, winding through woodland and occasionally offering glimpses of the surrounding alpine landscape.
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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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Panoramic point where you can enjoy the entirety of the imposing III° Rutor waterfall
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The Rutor waterfall from the Abbe Chanoux 150th anniversary trail
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there waterfalls directly within the commune of Montvalezan?
While Montvalezan itself does not have waterfalls directly within its commune, the surrounding area, including the nearby commune of Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise and across the border into Italy, features several notable cascades. These are easily accessible from Montvalezan.
What are the most family-friendly waterfalls to visit near Montvalezan?
For a family-friendly experience, consider Rutor’s First Waterfall, which is accessible to families with children (though not suitable for strollers). The Third Rutor Waterfall also offers a family-friendly path and a steel bridge for panoramic views. Additionally, the La Raie Waterfall in nearby Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise is considered a half-day family walk with picnic facilities.
What is the best time of year to visit the waterfalls around Montvalezan?
The waterfalls around Montvalezan, including the Rutor Waterfalls and La Raie Waterfall, are particularly impressive in spring and early summer. This is when snowmelt contributes to their flow, making them more powerful and spectacular.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see at the Rutor Waterfalls?
The Rutor Waterfalls are a natural monument featuring three impetuous jumps of water that carve out dramatic gorges and precipices. You'll witness the power of melting water generating the Dora del Rutor, and enjoy viewpoints offering incredible sensations, including rainbows in the spray.
Are there hiking trails that lead to the waterfalls near Montvalezan?
Yes, there are several hiking opportunities. The Rutor Waterfalls are accessed via a mule track through coniferous woods, with the Centocinquantenario Trail offering another perspective. For the La Raie Waterfall, a well-marked forest trail ascends to an equipped viewpoint. You can find more hiking options in the region on the Hiking around Montvalezan guide.
What makes the Third Rutor Waterfall unique?
The Third Rutor Waterfall features a 16-meter long steel bridge, inaugurated in 2014, which allows visitors to cross and enjoy a panoramic view of all three Rutor waterfalls below. It's a great spot for photography and offers options to continue hiking to the Deffeyes Refuge or the glacial lakes of Bella Comba.
Can I find a tranquil spot to relax near a waterfall?
Yes, the Nant Putors Waterfall offers a refreshing adventure with a tranquil and enchanting atmosphere. The trail to these falls is a gentle hike through woodland, providing a peaceful setting to enjoy the sound of flowing water. The La Raie Waterfall also has picnic tables and benches at its viewpoint.
What other outdoor activities can I do near the waterfalls around Montvalezan?
Beyond waterfall visits, the Montvalezan area offers diverse outdoor activities. You can explore numerous hiking trails, enjoy scenic road cycling routes, or tackle challenging MTB trails. Many of these routes offer stunning views of the alpine landscape.
Is the La Raie Waterfall easily accessible from Montvalezan?
The La Raie Waterfall is located in the neighboring commune of Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise, which is only about 3.9 km from Montvalezan. It can be reached by a short taxi ride or a longer walk. The trail to the waterfall typically starts from the Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise resort and is well-marked.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the waterfalls in this region?
Visitors frequently praise the impressive force and beauty of the waterfalls, especially the Rutor Waterfalls with their dramatic gorges. The family-friendly access to many of the falls, the refreshing experience, and the scenic views along the trails are also highly appreciated. The opportunity for cool picnics, particularly at La Raie Waterfall, is another highlight.
Are there any viewpoints or bridges to enhance the waterfall experience?
Yes, several waterfalls offer enhanced viewing experiences. The Third Rutor Waterfall features a steel bridge for panoramic views. The La Raie Waterfall in Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise also has a specially designed belvedere (viewpoint) with picnic facilities, allowing visitors to admire the cascade comfortably.
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Happy to travel a little further afield? Then browse these guides for the best waterfalls around Montvalezan:
