Waterfalls in the Chaudefour Valley

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A beautiful round-trip hike to explore the bottom of the Chaudefour Valley, passing by its three waterfalls. The trail is not very difficult and the elevation gain is reasonable. You will find plenty of signs and markings along the way.

Details

n°81534878
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 8.27 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 25 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 382 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 381 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,391 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,139 m
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Photos

Cascade du Moine
Cascade de la Biche
View of the Dent de la Rancune and Crête du Coq
Sainte-Anne Spring

Description of the walk

The hike starts at the car park of the Chaudefour Valley National Nature Reserve.

(S/E) With your back to the car park, follow the track. The path is easy to find with numerous signs for the various waterfalls. At the first crossroads, turn left towards the Cascade de Pérouse.

(1) Return to the trail and continue climbing. At the next fork, turn left to reach the Sainte-Anne Spring (ferrous spring).

(2) Go back up the track and cross the bridge to reach a crossroads.

(3) Take the path on the left, then reach a second crossroads.

(4) Go straight ahead for a round trip to the Cascade de la Biche.

(5) Retrace your steps, going straight ahead until you reach the second intersection.

(3) Turn left towards the Cascade du Moine.

(6) Return to the starting point by retracing your steps to the Maison de la Réserve Naturelle (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 1,139 m - Nature reserve visitor centre
  2. 1 : km 0.83 - alt. 1,193 m - Cascade de Pérouse
  3. 2 : km 1.31 - alt. 1,195 m - Sainte-Anne Spring - Couze Chambon (rivière) - Affluent de l'Allier
  4. 3 : km 1.85 - alt. 1,233 m - Fourche
  5. 4 : km 2.14 - alt. 1,243 m - Intersection
  6. 5 : km 2.87 - alt. 1,366 m - Cascade de la Biche
  7. 6 : km 5.23 - alt. 1,391 m - Moine Waterfall - Cascade au Moine
  8. S/E : km 8.27 - alt. 1,139 m - Nature reserve visitor centre

Notes

Paid parking from May to September.

Dogs are not allowed in the Chaudefour Valley nature reserve.

This route passes through a protected area, which may be subject to special regulations:

Worth a visit

- Pérouse Waterfall (1)

- Sainte-Anne Spring (2)

- Cascade de la Biche (5)

- Cascade du Moine (6)

Reviews and comments

4.9 / 5
Based on 3 reviews
Reliability of the description
5 / 5
Ease of following the route
5 / 5
Route interest
4.7 / 5
lolo36
lolo36

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 24, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A superb hike at the end of February in sunny weather with few people around at this time of year and lots of snow at the bottom of the valley, which made us wish we had snowshoes!
We didn't make the round trip to the Biche waterfall, which had been reported as very dangerous in winter, but the waterfall was clearly visible from the centre of the valley.
Thanks to the author!

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eb19
eb19
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 18, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Hike with beautiful visual surprises: the view of Crête de Coq facing Dent de la Rancune is fascinating. The climbs (and descents) to the waterfalls are quite steep and rocky: make sure you wear suitable footwear.
Edit: I noted that the route was not very busy at this time of year (September). In the height of summer, it is probably very busy (according to the Murol Tourist Office)

Machine-translated

Savinien
Savinien

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 21, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

A very beautiful route for exploring this popular (and therefore busy) site. No difficulty in finding your way around (everything is well signposted).

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