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Free access · Year-round
Cascade du Dard
A 20-metre waterfall located at 1,233 m altitude on the Dard torrent, which descends from the Pélerins Glacier. Panoramic views of the Aiguilles Rouges and Mont-Blanc.
Rémih · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
At a glance
Type
Natural waterfall
Access
Free · No charge
Duration
45 min walk from Chamonix town centre (Grépon car park), or 10 min from the tunnel access road car park
Best season
April – November (subject to snow conditions)
Parking
Free (Grépon car park, or parking on the tunnel access road)
Dogs
Allowed on lead
Town
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
What is Cascade du Dard
The Cascade du Dard is a 20-metre waterfall located at 1,233 m altitude in the commune of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, Haute-Savoie. It sits on the course of the Dard, a torrent descending from the Pélerins Glacier in the Mont-Blanc massif and flowing into the Arve, near the north entrance of the Mont-Blanc tunnel.
Accessible after a short forest hike from Chamonix centre (approximately 45 minutes) or a 10-minute walk from the car park on the tunnel access road, the waterfall offers an impressive natural spectacle amid lush greenery. It is the last in a series of cascades where the tumultuous, sparkling water forms a true marvel of nature. An adjoining chalet-café (Chalet du Dard) allows you to enjoy refreshment and rest facing the waterfall, with clear views over the Aiguilles Rouges range, the Bossons Glacier and Mont-Blanc.
The Dard torrent originates from the melting of the Pélerins Glacier at around 2,300 metres altitude. This glacier, highly sensitive to climate variations, accumulates meltwater in sub-glacial cavities. In 2009, the bridge downstream of the waterfall was swept away by the rupture of one of these water pockets — a glacial flood phenomenon whose most famous example in the Alps remains the one that destroyed the Saint-Gervais thermal baths in 1892. Today, the study and understanding of these phenomena allow for better control of this risk.
Activities
What you can do here
Practical
Practical information
Address
Route du Tunnel du Mont-Blanc, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc View on map
Coordinates
45.9197° N — 6.8847° E (approximate) View on map
Altitude
1,233 m
Opening
Year-round (access subject to snow and weather conditions — generally passable April to November)Verified 14 May 2026
Fee
Free
Parking
Free — Grépon car park (central Chamonix) or car park on the Mont-Blanc tunnel access road
Animals
Dogs allowed on lead
Accessibility
Not accessible by pushchair or wheelchair (forest trail with elevation gain)
Access time
45 min walk from Grépon car park (central Chamonix), or 10 min from the tunnel access road car park
Contact
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Tourist Office — chamonix.com
Access
How to get there
By car
From Annecy (1 hour), take the A40 towards Chamonix, exit 21 (Chamonix). On arriving in Chamonix, two options: (1) park at Grépon car park (town centre) and walk 45 min to the waterfall, or (2) continue on the Mont-Blanc tunnel access road and park before the last bend (10 min walk). From Geneva (1 hour 15 min), A40 then Route Blanche to Chamonix.
Open in MapsBy bike
Roger Frison-Roche cycle path (green route) connects Chamonix centre to Grépon car park. From Argentière or Les Houches, dedicated cycle paths along Route Blanche. Note: final section to the waterfall is not cyclable (forest footpath).
Open in MapsWhen to visit
When to visit
The Cascade du Dard is accessible year-round, but optimal conditions fall between April and November. In spring (April–June), flow is at its maximum thanks to snowmelt and the Pélerins Glacier — the spectacle is particularly impressive, with tumultuous water and powerful roaring. In summer (July–August), the waterfall offers a much-appreciated cool refuge on hot days, and the adjoining chalet-café is open for refreshment on the terrace. In autumn (September–October), the colours of the surrounding forests enhance the setting, and visitor numbers drop. In winter, access depends on snow conditions — the trail may be covered with ice in places and become difficult to traverse; the waterfall can even be partially frozen during cold snaps, forming ephemeral natural sculptures. For an optimal experience and favourable light for photography, choose a morning visit.
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is access to the Cascade du Dard free?
Yes. Access to the Cascade du Dard is free and open year-round. The Grépon car park (central Chamonix) and the tunnel access road car park are also free.
How do I reach the Cascade du Dard?
The Cascade du Dard is accessible on foot from central Chamonix (45 min walk from Grépon car park via the Chemin à Batioret) or in 10 minutes from the car park on the Mont-Blanc tunnel access road.
What is the best season to visit the Cascade du Dard?
Spring (April–June) is the ideal period for the Cascade du Dard: flow is at its maximum thanks to snowmelt and the Pélerins Glacier. Summer offers a cool refuge, and autumn brings beautiful forest colours.
Are dogs allowed at the Cascade du Dard?
Yes. Dogs are permitted on the trail leading to the Cascade du Dard, provided they are kept on lead throughout the walk.
Is the Cascade du Dard accessible by pushchair or wheelchair?
No. The trail to the Cascade du Dard passes through forest with moderate elevation gain (around 200 m from Grépon car park) and is not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs.
How much time should I allow for a visit to the Cascade du Dard?
Allow 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours for a round trip from Grépon car park (central Chamonix), including time to view the Cascade du Dard. From the tunnel access road car park, 30 to 45 minutes is sufficient. Add extra time if you wish to eat at Chalet du Dard.
Sources
Sources & verification
Multi-source verification at publication date. Information may change — confirm with the official operator before travelling.
