Cascade de Liadouze

Cascade de Liadouze is a small waterfall in the commune of Saint-Julien-de-Jordanne, tucked into the volcanic heart of the Auvergne region in the Cantal department of France. It sits high in the Jordanne valley, surrounded by the slopes of the former Cantal volcano, one of the largest stratovolcanoes in Europe, making it a quiet stop for hikers moving away from the busier trails nearby.

Where exactly is the waterfall located?

The falls are fed by the Luc stream, a tributary of the Jordanne river, close to the small hamlet of Liadouze. Water drops roughly 20 to 25 meters, at an altitude of around 950 meters above sea level. The surrounding landscape combines wooded slopes and open pasture typical of this volcanic corner of the Cantal.

How do you get to the cascade?

The usual starting point is the village of Mandailles, from where you head toward the pass leading up to Puy Mary, one of the best-known landmarks of the Cantal. About 3 kilometers past the village, a turn to the right leads toward the hamlet of Liadouze. It is important not to cross the bridge over the Jordanne — from that point the path follows the riverbank upstream until the waterfall comes into view. A sign on site points hikers in the right direction.

Visitors should be prepared for a walk that can be difficult and slippery, especially after rain, and getting right up to the base of the falls is limited by steep, unstable banks. This is better suited to hikers comfortable with rougher terrain than to a casual family stroll.

What hiking routes pass through this area?

The upper Jordanne valley, where Liadouze sits, forms part of a network of trails linking Mandailles-Saint-Julien with the surrounding peaks. One well-known loop combines the climb to Puy Griou, a distinctive volcanic summit visible from a distance, with a visit to the cascade — the full route runs close to 16 kilometers and takes over five hours, starting from the Col de Pertus. A separate path also connects Mandailles-Saint-Julien to the village of Rombière, following the Jordanne valley and passing near Liadouze along the way.

When is the best time to visit?

Given the altitude and mountainous terrain, late spring through early autumn is generally the most reliable window, when trails are dry and passable and stream levels make it safer to approach the water. Winter conditions and heavy rainfall can make the approach considerably harder.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is the Cascade de Liadouze? The waterfall drops about 20 to 25 meters, fed by the Luc stream in the Jordanne valley.

Is the walk to the waterfall difficult? Yes, the path along the river can be steep and slippery, and reaching the base of the falls closely is limited — extra care is recommended, especially after rain.

Where should I start the hike from? The simplest approach is from Mandailles, heading toward Puy Mary and turning off toward Liadouze after about 3 kilometers, without crossing the bridge over the Jordanne.

Are there other hiking routes nearby? Yes, the area is part of the upper Jordanne valley trail network, including a popular route up Puy Griou and a path toward Rombière.