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Free access · Year-round
Cascade de Nyon
Natural 10-meter waterfall at the bottom of a gorge on the Dranse de la Manche, reached in 15 minutes on foot from the Nyon cable car parking area.
Krzysztof Golik · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
At a glance
Type
Natural waterfall · Canyoning site
Access
Free · No charge
Duration
15 min on foot from parking
Best season
May – October (canyoning: June – September)
Parking
Free (Nyon cable car parking)
Dogs
Allowed on leash
Stroller
Not suitable (natural trail)
Town
Morzine
What is Cascade de Nyon
The Cascade de Nyon is a natural 10-meter waterfall located at the bottom of a deep gorge, at approximately 1,130 m elevation, in the Manche valley south of Morzine. The cascade is fed by a torrent descending from Mont Nyon (2,020 m), primarily by snowmelt in spring. The site is particularly renowned as a beginner canyoning site, with a 400-meter course accessible to guided beginners.
Access is via a marked hiking trail (Chemin du Renard) that follows the Dranse de la Manche from central Morzine, or via a short 5 to 15-minute path from the Nyon cable car parking area. An observation platform allows viewing of the waterfall from above, and a footbridge spans the torrent at the top of the fall. The site also features a typical restaurant (Restaurant la Cascade de Nyon) in immediate proximity.
In winter, the cascade may freeze partially or completely, offering a magical scenery appreciated by snowshoe hikers and ice climbing enthusiasts. The water, sourced from snowmelt, remains very cold even in summer (a feature noted in canyoning guides). The natural setting of the gorge and the power of the fall after heavy rain make this site particularly impressive.
Activities
What you can do here
Practical
Practical information
Address
Cascade de Nyon, Manche valley, 74110 Morzine View on map
Coordinates
46.16556° N — 6.71161° E View on map
Elevation
1,130 m (canyon site)
Opening
Free access year-round. Guided canyoning activity: June 30 to November 1 (depending on weather conditions).
Admission
Free (waterfall and trail access). Guided canyoning: variable rate depending on provider (certified guide mandatory).
Parking
Free at Nyon cable car parking (GPS 46.165884, 6.716396). Access from Morzine via Manche valley road towards Avoriaz.
Pets
Dogs allowed on leash on the trail. Not recommended for canyoning.
Accessibility
Natural trail with moderate elevation gain (180 m elevation on the full loop from Morzine). Not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs. Observation platform accessible to walkers.
Access time
5 to 15 min on foot from cable car parking. Or 30 min on foot from central Morzine via Chemin du Renard.
Contact
Morzine-Avoriaz Tourist Office: 04 50 74 72 72. Restaurant la Cascade de Nyon: 04 50 79 10 49.
Access
How to get there
By car
From central Morzine, take the D338 road towards Avoriaz / Manche valley heading south. After approximately 2 km, follow signs for 'Téléphérique de Nyon' (Nyon cable car). Free parking available (GPS 46.165884, 6.716396). From there, marked trail to the waterfall (5–15 min on foot). From Thonon-les-Bains: 40 km via D902 then D338 (approximately 50 min). From Geneva: 80 km via A40 Cluses exit, then D902 and D338 (approximately 1h15).
Open in MapsBy bike
Access possible by bike or mountain bike from central Morzine via D338 towards Manche valley (2 km, uphill road). Bike parking at Nyon cable car parking. Marked MTB route 'Green trail 1: Nyon Waterfall Loop' from Pleyney (11 km, 180 m elevation gain).
Open in MapsWhen to visit
When to visit
The site is accessible year-round, but the experience varies by season. Spring (April–May) offers the most powerful flow thanks to snowmelt, with a very impressive waterfall but glacial water. Summer (June–September) is the ideal period for guided canyoning and swimming in the downstream pools, though the water remains very cold. Autumn (October) offers colorful forest scenery and fewer visitors. In winter (December–March), the waterfall may freeze partially or completely, creating spectacular scenery appreciated by snowshoe hikers and ice climbing enthusiasts. Winter access is practicable but requires appropriate equipment (crampons recommended in freezing conditions). The on-site restaurant closes in low season — check before visiting.
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is access to Cascade de Nyon free?
Yes. Access to Cascade de Nyon is free and costs nothing year-round. The Nyon cable car parking is also free. Only guided canyoning activities are paid.
How do I reach Cascade de Nyon from Morzine?
From central Morzine, take the D338 road towards Avoriaz / Manche valley heading south for 2 km. Free parking at Nyon cable car. Then, marked trail of 5 to 15 minutes on foot to Cascade de Nyon. Alternatively, 30-minute walk from Morzine centre via Chemin du Renard.
Can I go canyoning at Cascade de Nyon without a guide?
No, canyoning at Cascade de Nyon is a regulated activity requiring a certified guide. The Nyon canyon is a beginner canyon (400 m, AD difficulty, engagement level 2) with rope rappels requiring professional supervision. Several providers offer guided outings from June to September.
What is the best season to visit Cascade de Nyon?
Cascade de Nyon is impressive in spring (April–May) during snowmelt, with powerful flow. Summer (June–September) is ideal for canyoning and swimming in the pools. Winter offers a unique spectacle when the waterfall freezes (December–March). Autumn has fewer visitors.
Can I swim at Cascade de Nyon?
Yes. Natural pools downstream of Cascade de Nyon allow refreshing swims in summer. Warning: the water remains very cold even in July–August, as it comes from snowmelt from Mont Nyon. Swimming in the main basin of the waterfall is discouraged (strong current).
Is Cascade de Nyon accessible to children and families?
Yes. The trail from Nyon cable car parking to Cascade de Nyon is short (15 min) and practicable with walking children. Warning: not suitable for strollers (natural trail with elevation gain). Supervision required near water (no barriers). Guided canyoning is accessible from age 12 depending on providers.
Sources
Sources & verification
Multi-source verification at publication date. Information may change — confirm with the official operator before travelling.
