Louch Waterfall Circular Route from Isola village

This is a must-do short hike if you are visiting Isola. Clearly visible from the village, the waterfall is nearly 90 metres high and offers canyoning opportunities for enthusiasts. The path is well marked and properly maintained.

Details

2974146
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 4.72 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 05 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 269 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 273 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,112 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 858 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Park in the car park behind the aquatic centre.

(S/E) Go around the aquatic centre on the right to reach the main road (M2205) at the "Le Foehn" holiday residence. Walk carefully along the road on the right, then cross at the pedestrian crossing to head towards the Tinée. Cross the bridge behind the leisure centre.

(1) Turn left onto an old road which is much less steep than the road on the right. Do not follow the path along the river. The climb is gradual and easy, with a series of hairpin bends offering beautiful views of the valley and the village of Isola. You will come to an intersection.

(2) Continue right on the main path. After about 300 metres of elevation gain, you will reach a path.

(3) Continue right on this path, which further on turns into a tarmac road and crosses a small hamlet of sheepfolds. Follow the road, ignoring two junctions on the right and the signs for "Cascade de Louch" if you want to do the whole route.

(4) Turn right just after a bridge over the stream that feeds the waterfall, following the signs for "Circular Cascade of Louch". Enjoy the superb view of Isola Village from the top of the waterfall.
The descent to the village follows the path built by the municipality a few years ago. Despite the difference in altitude, the path is fairly easy to follow thanks to the steps and handrails at the most difficult points.

(5) Continue to the left to reach the path that runs alongside the Tinée river. Turn right.

(1) Cross the bridge over the stream again and retrace your steps to return to the car park where you started (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 869 m - Car park behind the aquatic centre. Close to the - Guercha (torrent)
  2. 1 : km 0.32 - alt. 863 m - Crossroads of the circular loop - Tinée (rivière)
  3. 2 : km 1.45 - alt. 964 m - Intersection, on the right
  4. 3 : km 2.61 - alt. 1,085 m - Junction with path on the right
  5. 4 : km 3.49 - alt. 1,109 m - Right towards the waterfall
  6. 5 : km 3.91 - alt. 959 m - Crossroads, left
  7. S/E : km 4.72 - alt. 869 m - Car park behind the aquatic centre.

Notes

Well-maintained trail with no difficulties except for the elevation gain. The view from the top of the waterfall and the descent may make those who are afraid of heights uncomfortable.

Reviews and comments

4.5 / 5
Based on 8 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.6 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.5 / 5
Route interest
4.4 / 5
titi06480
titi06480

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 12, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A very pleasant walk with a gradual incline, well shaded, culminating in the Louch waterfall.
An impressive canyon and a challenging descent!

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rinaldopanozzo
rinaldopanozzo
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 01, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful route without much difficulty; the vertiginous section is very reassuring with steel railings all along the way.

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sempervivum
sempervivum

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 24, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A family walk offering beautiful views of Isola and a well-maintained descent along the waterfall. Although the waterfall had a good flow, it is not very spectacular compared to what can be seen in the Northern Alps. For your information, there is a nice snack bar by the Lac des Neiges.

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bertojot
bertojot

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 26, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

It's quite steep, though.

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DanielANDRE
DanielANDRE

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 18, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very pleasant short hike that took just under two hours.
Even during this somewhat dry period, the waterfall was flowing.

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CLO26
CLO26

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 08, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Easy hike. The first part along a forest path is not particularly interesting, but the descent along the impressive waterfall is very pretty. Great for a quick stroll or to stretch your legs.

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christiangallerne
christiangallerne

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 22, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A lovely, easy family walk. You can make a circular route by retracing your steps and taking a small path on the right.

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LION06
LION06

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 12, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

It was a beautiful day for this special occasion on 12 May 2020. I decided to go on an easy hike in the cool morning air.
To get back into shape after two months of inactivity, there's nothing like doing something fairly easy with an exceptional view. I chose the Louch Waterfall Circular Trail. The description on Visorando by a hiker who says to go left after the holiday centre is a good one. I APPROVE because the climb is gentle and very pleasant, and the various views of the village just get better and better as you progress along the walk.
It's true that after a few hairpin bends, it's nice to relax by the beautiful sheepfolds.
Continue for about 200 metres, and the descent to the waterfall is on the right just after a small bridge.
The slightly steep descent takes you to a spot where you can enjoy the different views of this pretty village.
I arrive at a promontory where the view is worthy of a beautiful postcard.
Taking a break after the metal bridge is refreshing. Take your time because this panoramic view is one to remember...
The descent is gentle but steady. Some of the steps are high, so be careful as they may be wet. Stop to enjoy the view, rather than walking!
Climbing up the waterfall via this descent is recommended if you are in good physical shape.
The day was rewarding in every way.
Easy, enjoyable and not exhausting. 10/10.
RaF

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