Heatwave in Haute-Savoie: where to cool down

60 m waterfall accessible via secure trail in 30 min to 1 hour from Angon, Vérel or Talloires. Free access year-round above Lake Annecy.

Heart-shaped waterfall in Passy-Chedde, formed by the Ugine torrent. 5 min walk from free parking. Free access year-round, classified natural site.

70 m waterfall classified since 1909, visible from the valley or 30 min walk from Burzier. Free access year-round in Sallanches, Haute-Savoie.

270 m waterfall overlooking Sallanches, 3rd highest in France and 1st in the Alps. Protected site since 1991, S-shaped rock fold, summer swimming. Free access.

30 m waterfall in a forest near Megève town centre. 30 min walk access, equipped footbridge. Summer opening only. Free entry.

Waterfall with natural potholes and Chartreux cross, 30 min walk from Vallon Lake. Free access year-round in Bellevaux, Haute-Savoie.

10 m waterfall in a gorge near Morzine, accessible in 15 min on foot from the cable car. Beginner canyoning site. Free access year-round.

30 m waterfall with natural pool, 30–40 min hike from Les Lindarets. Free access year-round in Vallée d'Aulps, Haute-Savoie.

Mountain waterfall fed by the Gouille des Fours, at the foot of Pierre Fendue in the Aravis massif. Free access, demanding hike, Sallanches.

30-meter waterfall on the Nant du Chinaillon, accessible in 20 minutes' walk from Chinaillon. Local legend, sculpted gorges, easy walk year-round.

20 m waterfall at 1,233 m altitude near the Mont-Blanc tunnel entrance. Free access, 45 min walk from Chamonix centre, views of the Aiguilles Rouges.

80 m waterfall nicknamed 'Queen of the Alps', accessible year-round from Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval. Free access, parking, GR5 trails, Giffre Valley.

The largest alpine cirque with 500-700m cliffs and 30+ waterfalls in spring. Marked trails, paid parking, free access to Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval.

4.1 ha glacial lake at 1,452 m, Natura 2000, at the foot of the Bargy. Free access via Morsulaz, seasonal refreshment bar. Mont-Saxonnex, Haute-Savoie.

High-altitude lake at 2,352 m in the Aiguilles Rouges reserve, facing Mont-Blanc massif. Access via Flégère or Col des Montets, Chamonix.

High mountain lake at 2,275 m in the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve. Free access via trail from Planpraz, 3h30 round trip. Fishing permitted, distinctive crescent shape.

Artificial 50-hectare lake with supervised beach, swimming, pedal boats, paddle, go-kart racing and Mont-Blanc views. Free access year-round in Passy.

Mountain lake 15 ha, 1080 m, formed by a landslide in 1943. UNESCO geosite, interpretation trail, fishing. Bellevaux, Haute-Savoie.

Small alpine lake at 1,358 m at the foot of the Aravis range, accessible by car. Easy 2.7 km loop, starting point for hikes, cross-country skiing in winter.

Lake, 2 km loop, animal park, tree-top adventure, fishing, seasonal pool. Free year-round access at Cruseilles, Haute-Savoie. No swimming in the lake.