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Free · Open access

Cascade de la Diomaz

Multiple waterfalls carving natural potholes into the rock, reached in 30 minutes of walking from Vallon Lake.

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Cascade de la Diomaz and natural potholes carved in rock, near Vallon Lake, Bellevaux, Haute-Savoie
Claude PIARD · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
At a glance
Type
Natural waterfall
Access
Free · No charge
Duration
30 min walk from car park
Best season
April – October
Parking
Free (Vallon Lake car parks)
Animals
Allowed on leash
Stroller / Reduced mobility
Not suitable
Town
Bellevaux

Official source →

What is Cascade de la Diomaz

The Cascade de la Diomaz is a natural waterfall in the Chablais region, at approximately 1,223 m altitude, located on the Diomaz stream, a tributary of the Brevon. It sits on the municipal boundary of Mégevette and Bellevaux, and is reached in 30 minutes of walking from the Vallon Lake car parks.

The waterfall consists of several water falls that flow into potholes known as the "Chartreux potholes", naturally carved into the rock. At the base of the waterfall, a Chartreux cross is engraved in the stone, marking the former boundary of Carthusian monk territory. The trail follows the Diomaz stream through the forest, with several stream crossings via footbridges or at fords.

Activities

What you can do here

Practical

Practical information

Address
Vallon Lake site, La Chévrerie, 74470 Bellevaux View on map
Coordinates
Altitude
~1,223 m
Opening hours
Year-round, daily
Price
Free
Parking
Free (two car parks at Vallon Lake)
Animals
Dogs allowed on leash
Accessibility
Not suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. Forest trail with stream crossings, terrain sometimes slippery.
Access duration
Approximately 30 minutes on foot from Vallon Lake car park
Contact
Alpes du Léman Tourist Office (Bellevaux): 04 50 73 71 53
Access

How to get there

By car

From Thonon-les-Bains (~40 min), reach Bellevaux via the D26 through Vailly and Lullin. In Bellevaux, follow the direction "Lac de Vallon" (D32) to the hamlet of La Chèvrerie. Two free car parks available at Vallon Lake. The trail starts near Saint-Bruno chapel, at the western end of the lake.

Open in Maps

Nearest stops

  • Chez Maurice · Cars Région Haute-Savoie · Y03 · 465 m

Transport data verified on 2026-06-15 · source transport.data.gouv.fr (Licence Etalab 2.0)

When to visit

When to visit

The trail is accessible from April to October without particular difficulty. Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer the best conditions: the waterfall has strong flow after rainfall, and the potholes are clearly visible. In summer, the shaded trail remains pleasant even in hot weather, but water flow may be lower during dry periods. In winter, access can be difficult depending on snowfall. Avoid periods of heavy rain: the trail becomes very slippery and stream crossings can be risky.
Nearby

Where to eat, drink, stay

Photos

Gallery

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is access to the Cascade de la Diomaz paid?

No. Access to the Cascade de la Diomaz is free and open year-round. Parking at Vallon Lake is also free.

How do you get to the Cascade de la Diomaz?

From the Vallon Lake car parks in Bellevaux, allow approximately 30 minutes of walking. The trail starts from Saint-Bruno chapel and follows the Diomaz stream through the forest. Follow the "Cascade de la Diomaz" and "Chartreux Cross" signage.

What is the best season to visit the Cascade de la Diomaz?

Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are the best seasons to visit the Cascade de la Diomaz: water flow is strong and the potholes are clearly visible. Summer remains pleasant thanks to forest shade.

Are dogs allowed at the Cascade de la Diomaz?

Yes. Dogs are allowed on leash on the trail leading to the Cascade de la Diomaz.

Is the Cascade de la Diomaz accessible by stroller or wheelchair?

No. The trail to the Cascade de la Diomaz is not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs. It is a forest trail with several stream crossings, sometimes slippery terrain, and some technical sections near the waterfall.

How much time should you allow to visit the Cascade de la Diomaz?

Allow approximately 1.5 to 2 hours total for the round trip from Vallon Lake car park to the Cascade de la Diomaz: 30 minutes walking each way, plus time to explore the site.

What are the Chartreux potholes at the Cascade de la Diomaz?

The Chartreux potholes are natural cavities carved in rock by water erosion. At the Cascade de la Diomaz, several natural basins succeed each other, forming a remarkable geological landscape.

What is the Chartreux Cross at the Cascade de la Diomaz?

The Chartreux Cross is a cross engraved in stone at the base of the Cascade de la Diomaz. It marked the former territorial boundary of Carthusian monks. A signpost with a yellow arrow indicates its exact location.

Sources

Sources & verification

Multi-source verification at publication. Information may change — confirm with the official operator before travelling.

Published 14 mai 2026·Updated 14 mai 2026

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