Restaurant, café, bar
Serving visitors to this site? Appear here.
Become a partner
Free access · April – November
Cascade des Fours
High alpine waterfall originating from the Gouille des Fours (2,030 m), at the foot of Pierre Fendue in the Aravis massif, accessible by steep trail from Lintre.
Rémih · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
At a glance
Type
High alpine waterfall
Access
Free · No charge
Duration
3 h – 4 h round trip from Lintre
Best season
May – October
Parking
Pont de la Flée Car Park (from Lintre)
Dogs
Accepted on leash
Stroller
Not suitable
Town
Sallanches
What is Cascade des Fours
The Cascade des Fours is a high alpine waterfall located in the Combe des Fours, on the territory of Sallanches municipality, in the Aravis massif in Haute-Savoie. It originates from the Gouille des Fours, an altitude lake at 2,030 m, situated at the foot of Pierre Fendue, a split rock block that fell in the middle of the alpine pastures. This waterfall feeds the Fours torrent, a tributary of the Sallanche, which gave its name to the town of Sallanches.
Access to the waterfall is via a hiking trail from the Lintre-Phiterne car park, via Pont de la Flée and the pastures of Combe des Fours. The trail follows the Fours torrent on its upper section and becomes very steep approaching the waterfall. Well equipped with cables and handrails, this section remains demanding and requires caution and sure footing. The waterfall is visible from the surrounding pastures and marks the entrance to the hanging valley leading to Gouille des Fours.
The Combe des Fours offers an exceptional panorama of Mont-Blanc, the Aravis and the Fiz massif. The area also has other natural curiosities such as Pierre Fendue and Portette Pass (2,128 m). The name "Fours" may derive from the former presence of lime or ore kilns, or from a sunny and warm place according to local toponymic sources. The region is frequented by hikers from June to October and practiced as ice climbing in winter.
Activities
What you can do here
Practical
Practical information
Address
Combe des Fours, Chalets de Cœur, 74700 Sallanches View on map
Coordinates
45,9383° N — 6,5597° E View on map
Altitude
Approximately 1,700 m (waterfall) · 2,030 m (Gouille des Fours)
Opening
April 15 – November 15 (subject to snow and weather conditions)
Fee
Free
Parking
Pont de la Flée Car Park (from Lintre-Phiterne), free
Animals
Dogs accepted on leash (pastures and livestock)
Accessibility
Not accessible for mobility impaired or strollers — steep trail, significant elevation gain, cable-equipped passages
Access duration
3 h – 4 h round trip from Lintre car park (7 km · 600 m elevation gain)
Contact
Sallanches Tourist Office: 04 50 58 04 25 · tourisme@sallanches.com
When to visit
When to visit
The Cascade des Fours is accessible from April to November, depending on snow cover. Spring (May-June) offers maximum flow thanks to snow melt, the waterfall is particularly spectacular and the landscape is brilliant green. Summer (July-August) is the busiest period, with ideal hiking conditions and stable weather. Autumn (September-October) is a quiet season, with fewer crowds and autumn colours in the Combe forests. In winter, the waterfall freezes and becomes an ice climbing site, but access is difficult due to snow and requires winter equipment. The best period for family hiking is June to September, with a dry and clear trail. Check with Sallanches Tourist Office before departing at the beginning or end of season.
Nearby
Where to eat, drink, stay
Bakery, shop
Share your hours and specialities with visitors.
Become a partnerStay
B&B, gîte, campsite, holiday let.
Become a partnerPhotos
Gallery
Been there? Share your photos — we'll add them to this page with credit. Tag #loisirs74 or email photos@loisirs74.fr
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is access to the Cascade des Fours charged?
No. Access to the Cascade des Fours is free and open year-round, subject to snow and weather conditions (normally open April 15 to November 15).
How do you get to the Cascade des Fours?
The Cascade des Fours is accessible via a hiking trail from Lintre-Phiterne car park (Sainte-Anne road, D113 from Sallanches). Allow 3 to 4 hours round trip (7 km, 600 m elevation gain). No direct public transport.
Is the hike to the Cascade des Fours difficult?
Yes. The trail to the Cascade des Fours is rated moderate to difficult. The final section, along the waterfall, is very steep and equipped with cables and handrails. Not recommended for families with young children or people unfamiliar with mountain hiking.
Are dogs allowed at the Cascade des Fours?
Yes. Dogs are permitted on the Cascade des Fours trail but must be kept on a leash, due to livestock in the pastures crossed (cattle, sheep).
What is the best season to visit the Cascade des Fours?
The best period to visit the Cascade des Fours is June to September. In May-June, the waterfall is particularly powerful due to snow melt. July-August offer the best weather conditions for hiking.
Can you extend the hike to Gouille des Fours?
Yes. Beyond the Cascade des Fours, the trail continues to Gouille des Fours (2,030 m), an altitude lake that is the waterfall's source. Allow 5 to 6 hours round trip from Lintre, difficult level, for experienced hikers.
Sources
Sources & verification
Multi-source verification at publication date. Information may change — confirm with the official operator before travelling.