Cascade de la queue de cheval

Cascade de la Queue de Cheval is one of the best-known waterfalls of the Haut-Jura, located in the commune of Saint-Claude in the Jura department of eastern France. Its name, which translates as "horse's tail waterfall," describes the long, slender ribbon of falling water that gives the site its distinctive look. The stream drops around 60 metres in total, split into two successive leaps of roughly thirty metres each, before joining the Grosdar stream at the bottom of the valley.

Where is the waterfall located?

The falls sit just outside the town of Saint-Claude, historically known for its pipe-making and diamond-cutting workshops and set among the wooded hills of the Jura mountains. The cascade lies in a forested ravine reached by marked footpaths starting either from the town itself or from a nearby village.

How do you get there on foot?

There are two commonly used approaches to the waterfall.

The Stade Serger route

This path starts at the Serger stadium in Saint-Claude, where a car park is available. From the town centre, the way leads around the cathedral, and at the traffic lights it turns toward the stadium. From there, the trail climbs along the valley up to a viewpoint facing the cascade.

The Chaumont route

The second approach begins in the small village of Chaumont, a few kilometres from Saint-Claude along the RD304 road. The car park is located just past the chapel that is visible from higher up, on a small rise. From this point, the path descends toward the waterfall.

The two routes differ in length and difficulty, so it is worth checking current trail markings and conditions before setting out, especially after rain, when the paths can become slippery.

When is the best time to visit?

The waterfall is at its most spectacular after heavy rain and during the spring snowmelt, when the volume of water is at its highest. During the dry summer months, particularly in August, the flow drops sharply, and the cascade can shrink to little more than a trickle. Visitors planning a trip specifically to see the falls at full strength are better off coming in spring, autumn, or during the winter thaw.

What can you see on site?

One notable feature of the site is the possibility of walking along the right bank to pass directly underneath the falling water, offering an unusual view of the cascade from below. The surrounding ravine is deep and densely wooded, typical of the Haut-Jura landscape, with limestone rock faces framing the stream.

Frequently asked questions

How high is the Cascade de la Queue de Cheval? The total drop is around 60 metres, split into two leaps of about thirty metres each.

Where does the waterfall's name come from? It refers to the long, narrow shape of the falling water, which resembles a horse's tail.

How long does it take to walk there? Depending on the chosen route, from Stade Serger or from Chaumont, a one-way walk typically takes around an hour, though the exact distance and duration vary between sources and trail variants.

Can you get close to the waterfall itself? Yes, the right bank offers a relatively easy path that leads under the falls.

When does the waterfall look its best? It is most impressive after rainfall and during snowmelt, while in summer, especially in August, the water flow can become very weak.

Which watercourse does the waterfall belong to? The stream forming the cascade joins the Grosdar stream at the bottom of the valley.