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Cascade d'Angon
A 60-meter waterfall in a spectacular canyon, accessible via a secure trail carved into the cliff face above Lake Annecy.
Cascade du Rouget · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA
At a glance
Type
Natural waterfall
Access
Free · No charge
Duration
30 min to 1 hour depending on starting point (Vérel or Angon)
Best season
Spring (peak flow) · Summer (cool forest coverage)
Parking
Paid (May to September) · Free off-season
Dogs
Allowed on leash
Stroller
Not suitable (steep trail, chains)
Town
Talloires-Montmin
What is Cascade d'Angon
Cascade d'Angon is a natural 60-meter waterfall located on the foothills of the Bornes-Aravis massif, above Lake Annecy. Fed by the convergence of the Nant d'Oy (sourced on the slopes of La Tournette) and the Nant de Grenant (descending from Lanfonnet), it plunges into a narrow, spectacular vertical canyon. The site is accessible via three marked hiking trails from Angon, Vérel, or Talloires, all converging at the base of the main waterfall.
Access to the waterfall is via an aerial trail carved into the cliff face, secured by metal barriers refurbished in 2018 and chains. This narrow, sometimes slippery path passes beneath a smaller waterfall before reaching the main cascade. The final section requires crouching under rock and progressing with cable assistance in a humid, mineral environment. The site is also a premier canyoning destination near Annecy, with 60-meter rappel descents possible in summer.
In winter, the waterfall freezes partially or completely, offering a different spectacle prized by photographers. In spring, flow is maximal thanks to snowmelt. In summer, hiking is particularly enjoyable for the cool forest cover and refreshing mist generated by the waterfall's spray. The site also offers occasional views of Lake Annecy, notably Duingt Castle and the peninsula from trail clearings.
Activities
What you can do here
Practical
Practical information
Address
Vérel start: Chemin de la Closette, 74290 Talloires-Montmin · Angon start: Route des Vignes (villa no. 234), 74290 Talloires-Montmin View on map
Coordinates
45.83278° N — 6.21639° E (base of main waterfall) View on map
Altitude
Approx. 675 m (waterfall) · Angon start: 465 m · Vérel start: approx. 750 m
Opening hours
Free access year-round · Avoid during rain (slippery ground) · Waterfall sometimes frozen in winter
Price
Free
Parking
Vérel (Chemin de la Closette): paid May to end September (€2/hr, €18/day, 30 min free in 2023). Angon (Route des Vignes): paid May to September. Talloires: public parking between two roundabouts. Limited spaces at Angon.
Animals
Dogs allowed on leash
Accessibility
Not suitable for strollers · Steep trail, chains and passages under rock · Children must be held in final section · Not recommended for those prone to vertigo
Access duration
From Vérel: 10–15 min (short, minimal elevation) · From Angon: 30 min to 1 hr (300 m elevation gain, steep climb) · From Talloires: 1–1.25 hr (400 m elevation gain) · Fairy Bridge loop: 2.5 hr
Contact
Talloires Lac Annecy Tourist Office — talloires-lac-annecy.com
Transport
Bus line 20 (east shore of Lake Annecy) · F1 shuttle to Vérel in summer season (stop 'Cascade') · Bike path to Angon/Talloires
Access
How to get there
By car
From Annecy, follow D909 east shore of Lake Annecy toward Talloires (~15 km). Option 1 (Vérel, short access): 1 km after Talloires, turn left toward Col de la Forclaz. Climb 3 km; at Vérel hamlet entrance turn right onto Chemin de la Closette (parking). Option 2 (Angon, classic access): continue past Talloires, 1 km toward Angon, climb Route des Vignes to villa no. 234 (limited parking). Option 3 (Talloires, long access): park at main car park between two Talloires roundabouts, take Route du Vivier.
Open in MapsBy bike
Bike path from Annecy to Talloires and Angon (east shore). Climb to Vérel possible on e-bike. Approximately 15 km from Annecy centre.
Open in MapsWhen to visit
When to visit
Spring (April–May) is the best season to admire the waterfall at full power, thanks to snowmelt generously feeding the two Nants. Flow is then impressive and the spectacle breathtaking. Summer (June–September) offers a different experience: the forest trail is shaded and pleasant even in strong heat, and mist generated by the waterfall creates a refreshing atmosphere particularly valued during heat waves. This is also canyoning season, with groups rappelling the main cascade. Autumn (October–November) is quieter, with beautiful forest colors and reduced crowds, ideal for enjoying the site in peace. In winter, the waterfall freezes partially or completely depending on temperatures, offering an ethereal spectacle prized by photographers—but the trail can be slippery and dangerous in frost or after snowfall. Absolutely avoid hiking during rain or just after a shower: the final cliff-side trail becomes extremely slippery on wet limestone, and water spray makes progression hazardous.
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is access to Cascade d'Angon paid?
No. Access to Cascade d'Angon is free and open year-round. Only parking is paid May to September (€2/hr, €18/day in 2023 at Vérel and Angon), free off-season.
How do I get to Cascade d'Angon?
Three starting points for Cascade d'Angon: from Vérel (10–15 min, shortest access), from Angon via Route des Vignes (30 min to 1 hr, steep climb), or from Talloires (1–1.25 hr, longest). Bus line 20 and F1 shuttle in summer.
What is the height of Cascade d'Angon?
The main Cascade d'Angon measures 60 meters in height. There are actually two waterfalls at the site: a smaller one the trail passes beneath, and the main 60 m cascade at the canyon's end.
Is hiking to Cascade d'Angon difficult?
The hike to Cascade d'Angon is moderately difficult. The final cliff-side section is exposed, secured by barriers and chains, but the ground can be slippery. Good hiking boots mandatory. Children must be held. Not recommended during rain.
Can you swim at Cascade d'Angon?
No, swimming is prohibited at Cascade d'Angon itself. Swimming is possible in the Nant d'Oy at Fairy Bridge level (10–15 min upstream from the waterfall) if flow is not too strong. Swimming recommended at Angon beach on the lake after the hike.
What is the best season to visit Cascade d'Angon?
The best season for Cascade d'Angon is spring (April–May) for maximal flow with snowmelt, or summer (June–September) for cool forest cover and canyoning. In winter, the cascade can be frozen, spectacular but access is slippery.
Is Cascade d'Angon accessible with children?
Yes, Cascade d'Angon is family-friendly from Vérel (10–15 min, minimal elevation), but the final section requires holding children by the hand at all times. The trail is equipped with barriers and chains. Slippery ground; good boots essential. Angon start steeper, less suitable for young children.
Is there canyoning at Cascade d'Angon?
Yes, the Angon canyon is a premier canyoning destination near Annecy. Eight waterfalls total, with main Cascade d'Angon (60 m rappel) as the finale. Accessible with professional guided instruction. Practiced in summer; Ice Canyoning possible in winter with appropriate gear.
Sources
Sources & verification
Multi-source verification at publication date. Information may change — confirm with the official operator before travelling.
