Cascade du Dard

Cascade du Dard is a waterfall roughly 70 metres high in the commune of La Giettaz, tucked into the Aravis massif in Savoie, France. It should not be confused with two other waterfalls sharing the same name elsewhere in the region — one in Cevins (Tarentaise) and another in Mont-Saxonnex (Haute-Savoie). This particular Dard is fed by the Nant du Dard stream, a tributary of the Arrondine river, and drops over a schist rock face visible from the departmental road linking Flumet and La Giettaz.

Where does the walk to the waterfall start?

The starting point sits right in the centre of La Giettaz, on the square by the church, home to the local tourist office (La Giettaz en Aravis). Free parking is available nearby, making the approach by car straightforward even during the busy summer months. From there, the path drops down a small communal road toward the picturesque Pont du Poète, a footbridge crossing the Arrondine.

How long and how demanding is the walk?

The round trip covers about 2.3 kilometres and takes roughly an hour at an easy pace. It's a low-difficulty outing suited to families with children and to visitors without mountain-hiking experience, since the terrain is mostly flat or gently sloping. After crossing the bridge, the trail follows the right bank of the Arrondine, descending gently toward the chapel of Notre-Dame des Glières. Yellow trail markers keep the route easy to follow even without a paper map.

What should walkers watch out for along the way?

The one point requiring extra care is crossing the departmental road — it's worth looking both ways and keeping hold of children, since traffic can be fairly steady there, especially on weekends. On the far side, the path climbs slightly, opening up a view of the falling cascade. The waterfall itself forms where the Nant du Dard stream meets a hard schist cliff, abruptly interrupting its course and sending it tumbling down roughly 70 metres.

When is the best time to visit?

The waterfall is at its most impressive in spring and early summer, when melting snow from the higher slopes of the Aravis feeds the stream with a strong flow. In summer, during dry spells, the flow can thin out noticeably, though the walk itself stays pleasant thanks to the tree cover lining the Arrondine. In winter, the cascade can partially freeze, forming striking icicles and ice draperies across the rock face — a sight photographers appreciate, though it calls for extra caution on an icy path.

Is the route suitable for children and older visitors?

Yes — given its short distance, gentle elevation change, and clear waymarking, the walk to Cascade du Dard ranks among the easier outings around La Giettaz. Sturdy footwear is still worth packing, since the path can turn damp and slippery after rain, particularly near the riverbank.

Frequently asked questions

How tall is the Cascade du Dard in La Giettaz? The waterfall drops from a height of roughly 70 metres.

How long does it take to reach the waterfall? The full round trip is about 2.3 km, taking around an hour at a relaxed walking pace.

Where does the trail begin? In the centre of La Giettaz, at the church square near the tourist office, crossing the Arrondine via the Pont du Poète footbridge.

Is this the same waterfall as the ones in Mont-Saxonnex or Cevins? No. It's a separate waterfall sharing the same name, located in the commune of La Giettaz within the Aravis massif, with no geographic connection to the other two.

Is the trail suitable for children? Yes, thanks to its short distance and gentle profile, though care is needed when crossing the departmental road.