Cascade de Razis

Cascade de Razis is a waterfall in the village of Crévoux, in the Hautes-Alpes department of southeastern France, close to the Ecrins National Park massif. Fed by the Crévoux mountain stream, it drops through a shaded larch forest and makes for a popular short excursion for visitors staying in the valley.

Where does the walk to the waterfall start?

The trailhead sits at the Pont du Plan car park, roughly 800 metres beyond the hamlet of La Chalp, part of the commune of Crévoux. From there a signed path follows the course of the Torrent de Crévoux upstream through the valley.

What is the route to the waterfall like?

Known locally as the "Parcours des Fées" (Fairy Trail), the opening stretch is dotted with wooden sculptures and small art installations tied to local folklore. The path threads through larch woodland and crosses the stream several times, sometimes over small footbridges, sometimes by fording shallow water. The return leg follows a different line: an old irrigation channel repurposed as a forest track, passing the so-called Cabane des Espagnols on the way back to the car park.

How long does the hike take and how difficult is it?

The full loop covers around 7 to 8 kilometres and typically takes between two and a half and three hours, with roughly 300 to 325 metres of elevation gain. The highest point of the circuit reaches close to 1,976 metres. The walk is rated easy and is well suited to families, requiring no technical experience or climbing gear, though sturdy footwear helps at the stream crossings.

What will you see along the way?

Wildflowers line the meadows near the stream, butterflies are common in summer, and marmots can often be heard whistling from the rocky slopes above the valley. The waterfall itself tumbles over a series of rock steps, creating a cool, damp pocket of forest that makes for a welcome break on a hot day. In winter, when the flow partly freezes, the cascade becomes a destination for ice climbers.

Frequently asked questions

Where does the Cascade de Razis trail begin?

At the Pont du Plan car park, about 800 metres past the hamlet of La Chalp in the commune of Crévoux.

Is the walk suitable for children?

Yes. It is classified as an easy, family-friendly route, though it does involve several stream crossings that younger children may need help with.

How long does the full walk take?

Around two and a half to three hours to cover the 7-8 km loop, depending on pace and the number of stops.

Can the waterfall be visited in winter?

Yes — in winter the cascade partly freezes and draws ice climbers, though reaching it in snowy conditions calls for extra caution and appropriate mountain experience.

What is the "Parcours des Fées"?

It is the name given to the first section of the trail, where wooden sculptures and art pieces inspired by local fairy legends are set along the path.