Located in the small hamlet of Glandieu, just outside the village of Saint-Benoît and about 40 km from Aix-les-Bains, this stunning waterfall is a must-see when exploring the Ain department. If you’re coming from Annecy, it’s around an 80 km drive, but definitely worth the detour, especially if you’re heading to Lyon via the scenic backroads.
Open year-round, the waterfall offers a different experience with every season. While it’s photogenic no matter when you visit, it’s especially spectacular in spring, when the snowmelt feeds its flow and creates a powerful cascade. And if you’re lucky enough to visit in winter, you might even catch it frozen, a truly magical sight!
Made up of two successive drops, the Glandieu Waterfall plunges a total of 60 meters. What makes it truly unique is the lush green moss covering the rocks, giving the entire cascade a vibrant, almost jungle-like feel.
A small path to the right leads you closer to the waterfall. Unfortunately, swimming is not allowed, but luckily, Lake Bourget isn’t far if you’re looking to cool off. I visited in the morning, just as the sun was rising. The colours were stunning, and sunlight filtered through the greenery. The village was still asleep, the waterfall peaceful, and I had the place entirely to myself.
The Glandieu Waterfall is truly a beautiful spot, and although it’s a bit off the beaten path, it’s well worth the detour if you’re exploring the southeastern part of the Ain region. Attracting over 80,000 visitors each year, it’s one of the area’s key natural highlights. The site also features a lovely 7 km hiking trail known as the Sentier de l’Eau (Water Trail), perfect for a short nature walk.
Accés à cla ascade Glandieu Ain
The Glandieu Waterfall is located in the hamlet of Glandieu, part of the commune of Brégnier-Cordon, in the Ain department. It’s easily accessible by car and can be found just off the D1504 road. Free parking is available nearby, just a short walk from the falls. Be aware that the village is small, so it’s best to visit outside of peak hours during the high season to avoid crowds and ensure easy parking. I’ve pinned the starting point on the Google Maps link below:
Address: 926 Rue de la Cascade, 01300 Brégnier-Cordon, France
