Cascades du Hérisson
A series of seven cascades along the Hérisson River valley in the Jura department of France, linked by riverside trails and a signature natural landscape of the Jura lakes region.
Over about 3.7 km, the Hérisson River drops nearly 300 metres, forming seven tiers of waterfalls, including the fan-shaped L'Éventail (about 65 m), the Grand Saut, the Saut de la Forge and the Saut Girard. A riverside trail takes about 2 hours one way, with steps and slippery stone paths in places, so wear non-slip shoes. A common route starts from the Maison des Cascades on the downstream side near Ménétrux-en-Joux and climbs up, or begins at the Ilay car park upstream and descends past the main falls. The site itself is free, though parking is charged in peak season. Nearby Jura lakes such as Lac de Bonlieu and Lac d'Ilay can be visited in the same trip. There is no direct public transport, so a car is almost essential; from Geneva the drive takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The trail may close in winter or after heavy rain.
Opening hours
Open all day (trails may close when icy in winter)
Nearby sights
- CERN Science Gateway
- International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum
- Palais des Nations
- Musée Ariana
- Broken Chair
- Conservatory and Botanical Garden of Geneva
- Bains des Pâquis
- Brunswick Monument