Cascade de la Pleureuse

Cascade de la Pleureuse is one of the waterfalls that tumble from the rock walls of the Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval, the famous mountain amphitheater in the commune of Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval, in the Haute-Savoie region. It rises in the area known as the Lapiaz de Sales, right at the entrance to the cirque, and together with the neighboring Cascade de la Sauffaz forms one of the most recognizable sights of the site.

Where exactly is Cascade de la Pleureuse located?

The waterfall sits in the Haut-Giffre valley, within the Sixt-Passy nature reserve, in the commune of Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval. The Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval, in whose walls it falls, is the largest rock cirque in the French Alps — a horseshoe-shaped limestone wall several hundred meters high, down which dozens of streams pour once the snow melts. Pleureuse appears right at the entrance to the cirque, next to the Sauffaz and Pissevache cascades, making it one of the first waterfalls visitors encounter on the trail.

Where does the name "the weeping one" come from?

The name Pleureuse (literally "the weeping woman") refers to how the waterfall is fed. Rather than a single, well-defined mountain stream, its water emerges from numerous springs and fissures in the rock, giving the impression of a slow, continuous "weeping" of the cliff face — an image of flowing tears that gave the site its name.

How tall is the waterfall, and how does it compare with the neighboring Sauffaz?

Cascade de la Pleureuse falls from a height of roughly 59 meters. Together with the adjacent Cascade de la Sauffaz, it forms a pair considered among the most striking in the whole cirque, thanks to the volume of water and the height of the drop. Where Sauffaz's flow is more diffuse, Pleureuse's fall is often described as more compact and direct.

How do you get there?

The starting point is the car park at Lignon (Chalet du Lignon) in Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval. From there, an easy, family-friendly trail — though one that still calls for reasonable fitness — leads to both waterfalls, Pleureuse and Sauffaz, in anywhere from about half an hour to an hour depending on pace and source. The path crosses scenic stretches of the valley with views of the cirque's rock walls.

When is the best time to visit?

The cirque's waterfalls, including Pleureuse, are generally accessible from June 1 to November 15, weather and trail conditions permitting. The best time to see the falls at full strength is from mid-May to late June, when melting snow at higher altitude feeds the streams with the greatest volume of water. Outside this window, the flow can be considerably more modest.

Frequently asked questions

Is Cascade de la Pleureuse the same as Cascade du Rouget? No. They are two separate waterfalls within the same Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval, in the commune of Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval. Rouget is regarded as the largest and best known of the whole group, while Pleureuse is a distinct site near the entrance to the cirque, right beside the Sauffaz waterfall.

Can you hike there with children? The trail from the Lignon car park is described as family-friendly, though it does require a reasonable level of fitness — suitable footwear and unhurried pacing are recommended.

How many waterfalls are there in the Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval? The cirque is famous for its so-called "30 cascades" — once the snow melts, its rock walls turn into a true amphitheater of water, and Pleureuse and Sauffaz are consistently named among the most impressive.

Is access to the waterfall paid? The hiking trail itself is open to everyone; any fees would apply to parking in Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval, so it is worth checking locally before your visit.