Waterfalls around Les Déserts France offer a diverse natural landscape in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. This area is characterized by its mountainous terrain and numerous water features. Visitors can explore several waterfalls, often accessible via hiking trails. The region provides opportunities to observe natural water formations and geological features.
Last updated: July 6, 2026
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This waterfall is one of the many waterfalls that the Doria forms along its course, from the Doria hole 400m higher up, to its confluence with the Leysse, 2km further down. It is however the highest of these. https://www.chamberymontagnes.com/que-faire/visites-culture-patrimoine/grande-cascade-de-la-doria-saint-jean-darvey-fr-5783870/#:~:text=Cette%20cascade%20est%20l'une,plus%20haute%20de%20celles%2Dci.
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Possibility of soaking the feet and bathing under the waterfall for the bravest, a cave is hidden behind the waterfall
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Very nice walk, cool, difficult passages: stony climbs and passage at the source. But GORGEOUS!!! And for the followers, you can bathe in the water holes of the source, as I did this day!
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Very nice waterfall, hidden just under the road. Easily accessible in 5 minutes!
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The Pontet has eaten away at the limestone for many years, forming water points over a few hundred meters, including three successive waterfalls. The first waterfall, above the Sécheron bridge, is a 7 meter high slope where the water gains speed in two successive jumps. The second waterfall, under the same bridge, is a powerful cataract 6 m high which plunges into the void via an immense staircase above a small cave. The third waterfall is the most impressive and the most difficult to reach. This 30 m high waterfall is located in a narrow gorge carved into a steep rock face. It can be visited from a wooden bridge. The pools dug into the rock are particularly impressive. They were probably used for bathing in the past.
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Small accessible walk, with a pretty waterfall at the end
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Do not miss the sequence of these beautiful waterfalls, a short 15-minute walk, a must
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Yes, the Jacob-Bellecombette Waterfall is considered family-friendly, offering a short 15-minute walk to a sequence of beautiful waterfalls. The Pissieu Waterfall also features a small, accessible walk.
The region is known for its diverse natural formations. At Waterfalls on the Nant du Pontet, you can observe pools carved into the rock by the water over many years. The Cascade de Tufs, mentioned in regional context, is also notable for its crystal-clear waters cascading over unique limestone formations.
While the regional context mentions the Cascade de Tufs as ideal for a refreshing dip, and the Waterfalls on the Nant du Pontet have impressive pools that were likely used for bathing in the past, always exercise caution. Water temperatures, especially at Pissieu Waterfall, are described as ice-cold spring water.
You'll find a variety of hiking trails. For instance, a small path leads steeply uphill from Cascade de la Doriaz to its source, the 'Trou de la Doriaz', which is considered challenging due to slippery surfaces. For broader hiking options, explore the Hiking around Les Déserts guide.
Yes, the path leading to the source of Cascade de la Doriaz, the 'Trou de la Doriaz', is steep and can be slippery, requiring a safety rope in parts. The third waterfall of Waterfalls on the Nant du Pontet is also described as the most impressive and difficult to reach, located in a narrow gorge.
Beyond waterfall visits, the area offers various outdoor pursuits. You can find routes for gravel biking, mountain hikes, and general hiking around Les Déserts.
While specific seasonal tips for Les Déserts aren't provided, waterfalls are generally most impressive during spring and early summer due to snowmelt and increased rainfall. Autumn offers beautiful foliage, and winter can present unique frozen landscapes, though accessibility might be limited.
Many waterfalls offer excellent viewpoints. Cascade de la Doriaz can be viewed from a bridge, and the Waterfalls on the Nant du Pontet feature a wooden bridge for viewing the impressive third fall. The regional 'Chemin des Cascades' is also noted as a picturesque path ideal for photography.
The 'Trou de la Doriaz' is the source of the Cascade de la Doriaz. A small, steep path leads uphill to it from the main waterfall. Be aware that the surface can be slippery, and a safety rope is present, indicating a challenging section.
The Pissieu Waterfall is popular for its ice-cold spring water and a small, accessible walk that leads to it. It's also noted as a good spot for a picnic, with many small blocks available.
Yes, the Waterfalls on the Nant du Pontet consist of three successive waterfalls, with the third being the most impressive at 30 meters high. The Jacob-Bellecombette Waterfall also features a sequence of beautiful falls.
The terrain varies. Some paths, like the one to Pissieu Waterfall or Jacob-Bellecombette Waterfall, are described as small and accessible. However, the path to the source of Cascade de la Doriaz is steep and can be slippery, requiring caution.


Happy to travel a little further afield? Then browse these guides for the best waterfalls around Les Déserts: