Cascade de Faymont

Cascade de Faymont is a multi-tiered waterfall in the municipality of Le Val-d'Ajol, tucked into the forested Vosges massif in the Vosges department (Grand Est region), not far from Remiremont and Plombières-les-Bains. It is one of those corners of the region where nature and industrial heritage sit side by side - at the foot of the falls lies an artificial basin that for decades powered the machinery of a nearby sawmill.

Where exactly is the waterfall located?

Faymont is a small hamlet within the municipality of Le Val-d'Ajol. The waterfall sits right along the road linking Remiremont to Val-d'Ajol - driving that route, in the hamlet of Faymont, just before the old sawmill, you need to turn right. A parking area for visitors lies about 100 metres from the sign marking the cascade, so the walk from the car takes only a minute or two.

What does the waterfall actually look like?

The waters of the Dréhart stream drop here in several stages, adding up to a total elevation difference of roughly twenty metres. The final and lowest drop measures about 2.5 metres and empties into an artificial basin. That basin is no accident - it was built as a reservoir to supply the old Faymont valley sawmill, which used the force of falling water to drive its machinery through a hydraulic system. Today it is a quiet, scenic spot, but its shape is a direct legacy of that industrial past.

Is there a hiking trail from the falls?

Yes. From the cascade you can set off on a loop of about 8.7 km, marked with blue trail signs, typically completed in around 3 hours with roughly 255 metres of elevation gain. The route starts right at the waterfall - on the right bank of the torrent, a steep but clearly marked path climbs quickly to a paved track. From there the trail continues along a forest road through coniferous woods, with a steady, gradual ascent. Along the way, a short detour leads to Roche Joséphine, a rocky outcrop just off the main path. The loop also passes the Chapelle du Motiron and the Croix du Remoiriot, both familiar landmarks in this part of the Vosges.

What is the connection between the waterfall and Faymont's industrial past?

Faymont has a rich industrial history built around three main establishments: the De Buyer factory, in operation since 1830, the sawmill fed by the reservoir at the cascade, and a former weaving mill. The sawmill was founded by Charles Lecuve, an industrialist from Raon-l'Étape who built a substantial timber-processing business across the Vosges. Traces of that activity - starting with the basin at the foot of the falls - are still visible reminders of how local streams were harnessed to drive machinery before the region was electrified.

Frequently asked questions

How do you get to Cascade de Faymont? From Remiremont, head towards Val-d'Ajol. In the hamlet of Faymont, just before the old sawmill, turn right - the parking area is about 100 metres from the sign marking the waterfall.

Is there parking near the waterfall? Yes, a small car park sits close to the viewpoint over the falls.

How long is the hike from the waterfall? The full loop covers about 8.7 km and takes roughly 3 hours, with around 255 metres of elevation gain.

Is the trail difficult? The section right by the waterfall is steep, though well marked. The rest of the loop follows gentler forest tracks, but sturdy footwear is recommended.

What else is worth seeing nearby? Along the loop you can reach the Roche Joséphine viewpoint, the Chapelle du Motiron and the Croix du Remoiriot, all found on the same walking route.