The Launes de la Cagne in Vence

de fr

This lovely little walk, via the Riou trail, will take you to the banks of a pretty river, La Cagne.
Young and old alike can enjoy the deep pools and waterfalls.
A geographical curiosity. A very beautiful spot.

23/04/2024: The hike is only accessible up to point 3 due to work being carried out after heavy rain.

Details

n°9378492
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 5.89 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 1h 50 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 64 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 68 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 461 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 416 m
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Photos

Launes waterfalls at the end of the walk
The waterfall
Waterfall and pool.
Waterfall and pool.

Description of the walk

Parking is 200 metres away on the left, after the junction of Chemin du Riou and Chemin du Baou des Noirs.
Magnificent view of the Baou de Saint-Jeannet close to the car park.

(S/E) From the car park, follow the tarmac road northwards.

(1) Marker 122. Continue straight ahead to the junction leading to the kennels (end of the tarmac road).

(2) Turn slightly to the right and continue along this path, which becomes a track through beautiful woodland. You will reach a barrier and a bridge over the River Riou.

(3) Go around the barrier, then pass in front of a building with four doors and cross the narrow bridge over the Riou, lined with fig trees.
After the bridge, follow the path through the woods to the steps and pools.

(4) At the staircase of about fifteen steps, close to the cliff, you will find the first area of marshland.
No walking equipment is required up to these steps.

Please note that you will need suitable footwear for the rest of the trail.

The rest of the trail is after the stairs, on the left and along the cliff.

(5) Enjoy the waterfalls and pools.
Retrace your steps to return to the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 429 m - Car park: Chemin du Riou X Chemin du Baou des Noirs
  2. 1 : km 0.37 - alt. 419 m - Marker 122.
  3. 2 : km 0.44 - alt. 419 m - Crossroads at the kennel.
  4. 3 : km 2.03 - alt. 424 m - Barrier and bridge over the Riou river.
  5. 4 : km 2.6 - alt. 423 m - Stairs against the cliff.
  6. 5 : km 2.95 - alt. 457 m - Waterfalls of the - Cagne (fleuve)
  7. S/E : km 5.89 - alt. 430 m - Car park: Chemin du Riou X Chemin du Baou des Noirs

Notes

Bring your swimming gear.

No special equipment is required up to point (4).
Between points (4) and (5), the trail is steep, so walking shoes are recommended.

Worth a visit

Marker 122
Continue this walk with a round trip to Baou des Noirs and its magnificent panorama.

Visit Vence and its ramparts.

Reviews and comments

4.6 / 5
Based on 24 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.6 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.6 / 5
Route interest
4.5 / 5
bernard bb
bernard bb

Hello, and thank you, Fanee, for this review
A lovely spot, best visited on days other than Sunday
Hiking friends

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fanee
fanee

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 21, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : No

A short, leisurely walk to get a glimpse of the hills above Vence.
It’s a bit of a drive to get to the waterfalls, which are lovely!
Don’t go at the weekend – it gets very busy.

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bernard bb
bernard bb

Hello henri.ferraro

"Interest of the route" Average, but I note that "The end of the walk reveals its full beauty" – that’s spot on
Best regards, Rando

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henri.ferraro
henri.ferraro

Overall rating : 3.3 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 27, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : No

The walk gets off to an easy start, with the first section following a tarmac track that lacks any particular charm. But soon, this monotonous path gives way to a very gentle hiking trail – flat and pleasant, ideal for children. The end of the walk reveals its full beauty, particularly thanks to small pools of crystal-clear water where, in summer, it must be delightful to cool off. This peaceful spot also invites you to relax, offering a small beach where you can sit down for a bite to eat surrounded by nature.

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bernard bb
bernard bb

Thank you, Nathy 69, for your refreshing opinion
Best regards, b.

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Nathy 69
Nathy 69

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 01, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A lovely walk, the series of waterfalls is magnificent. Good walking shoes are really necessary at the end.
We tried to follow old red markings to climb higher, but they disappear into the woods. Too bad.

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bernard bb
bernard bb

Thank you for your review

By writing "very nice"
says it all :-)
best regards, Rando, B

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User 14335827

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 06, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

Very nice

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User 26643380

Overall rating : 5 / 5

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

Very pleasant walk. Easy and shaded. Pools and waterfalls. Refreshing.

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bernard bb
bernard bb

Thanks, pincemaille, for this advice.
Always be vigilant, indeed.
Best regards, rando, b.

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pincemaille
pincemaille

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 09, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A very pleasant walk. After the first waterfall, you can go on to a second and then a third waterfall. Very beautiful, but much less crowded. The path is steep and a little vertiginous, but no major difficulties. Take care with children.

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bernard bb
bernard bb

Thank you, guygelas06, for this review. A nature walk with friends, b.

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guygelas06
guygelas06

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 02, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

An easy and pleasant walk, mostly shaded, recommended for all families with children, provided you avoid the last 400 metres (wet and slippery steps). I would do it again

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bernard bb
bernard bb

Thank you ninimouans for your opinion
A special place full of charm
best regards, B.

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ninimouans
ninimouans
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 26, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

We tried hiking during the construction period and were very frustrated that we couldn't get past the paved road. So we went back and really enjoyed the lush meadows and waterfalls. It was wonderful! It should be noted, however, that between points 4 and 5, you can't be afraid of heights because the trail is narrow and completely steep.
We added the climb to Baou des Noirs. The elevation gain is only 200 metres, but... over a distance of 800 metres. The climb is therefore very tough. That said, it was worth it for the beautiful view from the top. Thank you to the author for this beautiful walk.

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