Cascade de Vaucoux

Cascade de Vaucoux is a small forest waterfall tucked away in the commune of Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise, deep in the Sancy massif in the Auvergne region of central France. Water drops roughly 12 metres over a face of volcanic rock, and locals often call the same spot cascade d'Anglard, after a nearby bridge. Unlike the region's headline sights, this waterfall stays quiet most of the year, making it a good pick for visitors who want a short walk and a moment of calm rather than a crowded viewpoint.

Where exactly is the waterfall?

The cascade sits on the Vaucoux stream, a tributary of the Couze Pavin river, inside the Bois de Champs woodland. It lies about three kilometres south of Besse, just off the D36 road toward Compains, close to the Pont d'Anglard bridge. The setting is typical of the Sancy massif: an old volcanic landscape cut through by small streams that tumble down from the former stratovolcano's slopes.

How do you get to Cascade de Vaucoux?

Reaching it takes very little effort. A signposted path leaves the roadside and leads down to the waterfall in around ten minutes; the round trip runs about twenty minutes. The walk is rated easy, but the final stretch toward the water can turn slippery after rain, so sturdy walking shoes are worth packing even for such a short outing.

Is there parking nearby?

This is the one practical catch. There is no dedicated car park at the site — visitors simply pull over on the shoulder of the D36 near the signpost marking the trailhead. During the busier summer months, roadside space along this stretch can fill up quickly, so arriving early or later in the day helps.

What else is worth seeing close by?

Cascade de Vaucoux sits within easy reach of other natural landmarks in the Sancy area. Lake Pavin, one of Auvergne's best-known volcanic crater lakes, is less than ten minutes away by car. The trail to the Chiloza waterfalls also starts just a few minutes from Vaucoux, so the two can easily be combined into a single outing focused on the natural sites of Besse-et-Saint-Anastaise.

Who is this waterfall best suited for?

Because the walk is short and requires no real physical effort, Cascade de Vaucoux works well for families with children, older visitors, and anyone with limited time who still wants to see something beyond the main Sancy attractions. It also appeals to nature photographers, especially after rainfall when the stream carries more water and the fall looks fuller.

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Cascade de Vaucoux? The waterfall drops about 12 metres over volcanic rock in the Bois de Champs woodland.

How long does it take to walk there? The path from the roadside to the waterfall takes around ten minutes one way, so about twenty minutes for the round trip.

Is the trail difficult? No, it is considered short and easy, though the final approach can be slippery after rain, so proper footwear is recommended.

Where can I park? There is no formal car park — visitors leave their vehicles on the shoulder of the D36 road near the signpost pointing to the waterfall.

Does the waterfall have another name? Yes, it is also known as cascade d'Anglard, named after the nearby Pont d'Anglard bridge.

What other sights are nearby? Lake Pavin and the trail to the Chiloza waterfalls are both a short distance away, making it easy to pair Vaucoux with another natural stop in the Sancy massif.