Today, I’m taking you to the heart of the Chartreuse Massif in the Cirque de Saint-Même for a beautiful forest walk to discover its waterfalls. This beautiful amphitheater is part of the Réserve Naturelle des Hauts de Chartreuse (National Nature Reserve), between the departments of Savoie and Isère.
The Chartreuse Massif
With its limestone cliffs and relatively humid climate, the Chartreuse Massif is home to many beautiful waterfalls. It is a small massif located between Chambéry and Grenoble, so it is often crowded in summer.



The Chartreuse Massif isn’t too far from Annecy, but I decided to stay a few days to make the most of it. The Cirque de Saint-Même is often described as the perfect family outing, and for good reason: the trails are accessible and easy to follow. That also means it can get pretty busy. Very busy, actually!
To truly enjoy this exceptional site, I planned my visit to the waterfalls of the Cirque de Saint-Même on a weekday, outside of school holidays. It turned out to be the perfect choice for a more peaceful experience.
The trails of the Cirque de Saint-Même
Right at the entrance to the Cirque de Saint-Même, there’s a sign that lays out the different routes. Just like ski slopes, the trails are colour coded to show their difficulty and length.

As you might expect, the most popular trails are Le Fond du Cirque (blue) and Le Sentier des Cascades (green). I decided to take the red trail, Le Circuit des Sources du Guiers, to see all 4 waterfalls.
Blue Route: Fond du Cirque Trail
A very easy and quick walk (about 30 minutes) takes you around the natural amphitheatre of the Cirque de Saint-Même, offering stunning views of the surrounding cliffs and lush greenery. The trail also leads past the impressive waterfall “La Pisse du Guiers”, the highlight of the walk.
Green Route: Cascade Trail
An easy trail of 1.5 hours that allows you to see 3 waterfalls.
Red Route: Sources du Guiers Trail
A 2-hour hike that lets you see all 4 waterfalls and leads to the Grotte des Sources du Guiers.
Black Route: Pas de la Mort Trail
A 4.5h hike that leads to the Hauts Plateaux de Chartreuse. Be aware that this trail does not get close to the isolated waterfall. The trail’s name is “Pas de la Mort” which means …..must be quite rugged to have such a name!
The Waterfalls of the Cirque de Saint-Même
There are four waterfalls at the Cirque de Saint-Même: the Cascade des Sources, Grande Cascade, Cascade Isolée, and the closest one, Pisse du Guiers. I decided to follow the red trail, Circuit des Sources du Guiers, to see them all. The Grande Cascade is often considered the most beautiful. It’s the tallest and most dramatic of the four, making it a real highlight of the walk.
Circuit des Sources du Guiers
I decided to start the hike with the Pisse du Guiers waterfall. It’s the closest and most accessible, which is probably why most people head there first. It’s usually at the end of the trail, but seeing it last often means arriving when it’s already crowded. Since I arrived right at opening time, there wasn’t a single person around. I had the place to myself and was able to take photos without anyone in the frame, a rare treat for such a popular spot!





The Pisse du Guiers Waterfall
The trail crosses a footbridge over the Guiers Vif. Since it was still early, the waterfall was in the shade.

I then headed back and picked up the blue and red trails. The path climbs to the left through the forest, leading to a small viewpoint that offers a glimpse of the Cascade Isolée, tucked away in the greenery. While it can only be seen from the trail at this point, you can get closer to it later at the end of the circuit.

The trail continues under the trees. The Grande Cascade is marked by a sign. However, I decide to keep climbing to reach the Cascade des Sources first. The switchback ascent is quite a workout but not difficult.


The Cascade des Sources
I follow the final section, Pas Ruat, and soon find myself in front of the Cascade des Sources. It’s an incredible experience: I’m completely alone in front of this imposing waterfall.


I spot a cable-protected section a bit higher up, so I decide to take on that part. It’s not too challenging, and soon I find myself at the foot of the cascade’s summit..
I spot a cable-protected section a bit higher up, so I decide to go. It might look intimidating especially if you’re not used to a bit of scrambling. But It’s not too challenging, and soon I find myself at the foot of the cascade’s summit.



I’m standing in front of the entrance to a cave. It’s equipped with a few cables. After climbing some blocks, I spot more cables in the distance. The path leads to the impressive Grotte du Guiers Vif. Since I don’t have the necessary equipment or guidebook, and given that I’m alone, I decide to turn back. Returning to the summit of the waterfall, I take a break and enjoy this beautiful view.

The Grande Cascade
I now descend the trail and arrive at the Grande Cascade. It’s like a postcard! I’m no longer alone; I’m now sharing the spot with families and school groups.



I now cross the bridge and move to the other side of the Guiers Vif. A sign indicates the “Sentier des Cascades” and an unmarked trail leading to the Cascade Isolée. Remember, that’s the one partially hidden by greenery that we could see from the opposite trail. This is an out-and-back trail.
Return
The trail now winds through the forest under beech and fir trees. Given the warm weather, this is a welcome relief. The trail reaches the meadows and then joins the blue trail that leads to the Pisse du Guiers, the first waterfall I visited this morning upon arrival. I cross the Drugey bridge and finish my visit at the starting chalet with a well-deserved ice cream.

Technical Information
Maximum Altitude: 1147 m
Minimum Altitude: 850 m
Distance: about 3 km
Elevation gain: 440 m
Difficulty: Intermediate
Duration: 2h-2h30.
Dogs at the Cirque de Saint-Même
Dogs are welcome at the Cirque de Saint-Même, but only on leashes. They are allowed on the Fond du Cirque and Sentier des Cascades trails, making these routes a great option if you’re exploring the area with your furry friend. However, keep in mind that dogs are not permitted beyond the Sentier des Cascades, as this area is part of a protected natural reserve. Be sure to plan your visit accordingly to enjoy the Cirque de Saint-Même while respecting the local rules and preserving the environment.
Parking at the Cirque de Saint-Même
The 250-space parking lot is paid every day during the summer season (July/August). Check the official website for the latest prices and closures.
- €4.50 for a car or camper van
- €2.50 for a motorcycle
- €15 for a coach
- On weekends and public holidays from May through late September.
What to do if the parking lot is full
You can also access the Cirque de Saint-Même from Saint-Pierre d’Entremont. For the “Sentier des Cascades” hike starting from Saint-Pierre d’Entremont, expect about 3.5 – 4 hours round-trip.