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Free access · Summer only
Cascade de la Belle au Bois
A 30-metre waterfall carving turquoise pools, nestled in forest 30 minutes' walk from Megève town centre. Technical trail, winter access prohibited.
Cascade d'Arpenaz · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA
At a glance
Type
Natural forest waterfall
Access
Free · No charge
Duration
30 min walk from town centre (including 15 min steep road)
Best season
June – October (closed November – March)
Parking
Free (town centre car parks, Place de la Résistance or ice rink)
Dogs
Permitted on lead
Stroller
Not suitable (technical trail, final descent with metal rungs)
Town
Megève
What is Cascade de la Belle au Bois
The Cascade de la Belle au Bois is a natural waterfall 30 metres high, fed by the Planay stream, located on the south-east heights of Megève at approximately 1,136 m elevation. It cascades into a series of turquoise pools carved into the rock, in the heart of dense pine and beech forest. The site is also used for canyoning in summer.
Access is via the Chemin du Maz, partly tarmacked then forest path. The final section is technical: a wooded descent with metal rungs fixed to wet, slippery rocks to reach the waterfall base. An equipped footbridge provides a more accessible elevated viewpoint. The site is closed from November to March for safety reasons (frozen trail).
Activities
What you can do here
Practical
Practical information
Address
Chemin du Maz, 74120 Megève View on map
Coordinates
45,8565° N — 6,6215° E (estimate) View on map
Elevation
1,136 m (waterfall), 1,110 m (trail start)
Opening
13 June to 1 November, subject to weather conditions. Access closed November to March (frozen and dangerous trail).Verified 14 May 2026
Admission
Free
Parking
Free. Megève town centre car parks: Place de la Résistance, ice rink car park. No dedicated waterfall car park.
Animals
Dogs permitted on lead
Accessibility
Not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs. Technical trail with final descent on rungs. Hiking boots essential. Not recommended for children under 7 for the descent.
Access duration
30 min on foot from Megève town centre (including 15 min steep tarmacked road, then 15 min forest trail)
Contact
Megève Tourist Office: 04 50 21 27 28
When to visit
When to visit
Access is open only from mid-June to early November, subject to weather conditions. The site is closed from November to March due to frozen trail (dangerous and slippery). Best period: June and September. In June, flow is still powerful and pools well-fed. In summer (July–August), the trail is busier but the site remains calm compared to major regional waterfalls. In September, autumn colours enhance the forest setting. Prefer weekday mornings to avoid canyoning groups.
Nearby
Where to eat, drink, stay
Bakery, shop
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Gallery
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is there an admission fee for Cascade de la Belle au Bois?
No. Access to Cascade de la Belle au Bois is free and unrestricted from mid-June to early November.
How do I reach Cascade de la Belle au Bois?
From Megève town centre, follow Quai du Prieuré then take Chemin du Maz (between Bar le Saint Paul and Aallard boutique). 30 min walk: 15 min on steep road, then 15 min on forest trail. Cascade de la Belle au Bois is marked by a sign on the left of the trail.
Is Cascade de la Belle au Bois accessible in winter?
No. Access to Cascade de la Belle au Bois is closed from November to March. The trail is frozen, rocks are slippery and conditions are dangerous. Open mid-June to early November only.
Is Cascade de la Belle au Bois suitable for children?
Yes, for the upper section (equipped footbridge). The final descent to Cascade de la Belle au Bois base is not recommended for children under 7: rungs on smooth wet rocks, no safety railings. Hiking boots mandatory.
Can you swim at Cascade de la Belle au Bois?
Technically possible in the pools at the base of Cascade de la Belle au Bois, but water is cold (mountain source) and technical access makes swimming impractical. The site is primarily for contemplation.
What is the best season to visit Cascade de la Belle au Bois?
June and September. In June, flow is powerful and pools well-fed. In September, autumn colours enhance the forest setting of Cascade de la Belle au Bois and visitor numbers are lower.
Sources
Sources & verification
Multi-source verification at publication date. Information may change — confirm with the official operator before travelling.