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Free Access · Year-Round
Cascade de Chedde
Natural waterfall where the waters of the Ugine torrent divide into two branches around a heart of stone, creating a distinctive shape that earned it the nickname Heart Cascade.
Cascade du Rouget · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA
At a glance
Type
Natural waterfall
Access
Free · No charge
Duration
5–10 min walk from parking
Best season
April – October · Spectacular after heavy rain
Parking
Free (Parc Biolley, Chedde)
Dogs
Allowed on leash
Stroller
Not suitable (unmaintained trail, no accessibility)
Town
Passy
What is Cascade de Chedde
The Cascade de Chedde, also known as the Heart Cascade, is a natural waterfall located in the commune of Passy, in the hamlet of Chedde, at approximately 660 m elevation. It is formed by the Ugine torrent (locally called the Nant de l'Ugine), which emerges from the slopes of Platé mountain. A rock at the summit divides the waters into two branches that rejoin at the base, creating a characteristic heart silhouette.
Since the mid-18th century, the cascade has been a popular stop for travelers journeying from Geneva to Chamonix. Tourists organized their departures to arrive at sunrise, when light painted a rainbow in the water mist. The site once powered nearby mills and sawmills. Today, a discreet small hydroelectric plant is integrated at the top of the cascade. The site was designated a Natural Site of France in June 2024.
The cascade is accessible in 5 to 10 minutes' walk from the Parc Biolley parking area in Chedde, via a maintained trail leading to an observation platform. A second unmarked trail allows visitors to approach even closer to the waterfall. The flow is particularly spectacular after heavy rain or in spring during snowmelt.
Activities
What you can do here
Practical
Practical information
Address
Route des Soudans (D13), hamlet of Chedde, 74190 Passy View on map
Coordinates
45.9287° N — 6.6933° E View on map
Elevation
660 m
Opening
Year-round · Free access
Fee
Free
Parking
Free · Parc Biolley in Chedde (5–10 spaces, unpaved) · 5 min walk to the cascade
Animals
Allowed on leash
Accessibility
Trail not suitable for strollers and wheelchairs (elevation change, uneven surface)
Access time
5–10 min walk from parking
Contact
Passy Mont-Blanc Tourist Office: 04 50 58 80 52
Access
How to get there
By car
From Sallanches (8 km, 12 min): reach Passy then follow D13 toward Chedde/Les Soudans. Parc Biolley parking is on Route des Soudans at Joux hamlet. From Chamonix (35 km, 35 min): take N205 toward Sallanches, exit at Passy, then D13 toward Chedde. From A40 motorway: exit 20 Passy, then D13 toward Chedde.
Open in MapsBy bike
From Sallanches via D13 (8 km, gentle elevation). Bike parking at Parc Biolley.
Open in MapsWhen to visit
When to visit
The cascade is accessible year-round. Spring (April–June) is the most spectacular period due to snowmelt, which swells the Ugine torrent flow and makes the heart shape particularly visible. Summer (July–August) offers pleasant walking conditions, but flow may be less impressive late in the dry season. After heavy autumn rains (September–October), the waters regain their power. In winter, the trail remains passable but can be slippery; partially frozen waters create ice sculptures. The site is less crowded early morning and weekdays, ideal times for photographing rainbows in the mist.
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is access to Cascade de Chedde free?
Yes. Access to Cascade de Chedde is free and open year-round. Parking at Parc Biolley in Chedde is also free.
How do I reach Cascade de Chedde?
From the free Parc Biolley parking on Route des Soudans (D13) in Chedde, follow the maintained trail for 5 to 10 minutes. A platform allows you to admire the heart-shaped Cascade de Chedde.
What is the best season to visit Cascade de Chedde?
Spring (April–June) is ideal for Cascade de Chedde: flow is maximum thanks to snowmelt and the heart shape is spectacular. The site is also impressive after heavy rain.
Are dogs allowed at Cascade de Chedde?
Yes. Dogs are allowed on the trail to Cascade de Chedde, provided they remain on leash. The site has been a designated Natural Site of France since 2024; environmental regulations apply.
Is Cascade de Chedde accessible with a stroller?
No. The trail to Cascade de Chedde has elevation change and uneven surface that does not permit stroller or wheelchair access.
How much time should I allow to visit Cascade de Chedde?
Plan about 30 minutes round trip from Parc Biolley parking to the Cascade de Chedde platform, including viewing time. The unmarked trail adds 10–15 minutes.
Why is Cascade de Chedde called the Heart Cascade?
A rock at the top of Cascade de Chedde divides the waters of the Ugine torrent into two branches that form a heart when they rejoin at the base. This distinctive silhouette earned it the Heart Cascade nickname.
Is there a tourist history associated with Cascade de Chedde?
Yes. Since the 18th century, Cascade de Chedde has been a popular stop for travelers journeying from Geneva to Chamonix. They organized departures to arrive at sunrise and admire the rainbow in the mist.
Sources
Sources & verification
- www.haute-savoie-tourisme.org
- www.passy-mont-blanc.com
- www.ville-passy-mont-blanc.fr
- www.histoire-passy-montblanc.fr
Multi-source verification at publication date. Information may change — confirm with the official operator before travelling.