Cascade du Dard

Cascade du Dard is a modest waterfall on the outskirts of Bonneville, in the Haute-Savoie department of eastern France, tucked against the lower slopes of the Môle massif. Several waterfalls across the wider Faucigny area share the same name, since more than one local stream is called "Dard" — this particular cascade has its own distinct approach and setting on the Bonneville side.

Where does the trail start?

The walk begins at the Chaffardière car park on the Route de la Gerbe in Bonneville, close to the town's hotel-management school (école hôtelière). From there, an unsealed track known as the Sentier botanique du Dard — the Dard botanical trail — heads toward the hamlet of Saint-Etienne. Covering the route out and back takes roughly an hour at an easy walking pace.

Is it suitable for families?

The path is gentle enough for children from around age 5. Continuing all the way to the waterfall itself is recommended from age 8 upward, since the final stretch includes steeper ground that needs a bit more sure-footedness. There is no technical difficulty involved and no special equipment is required — sturdy walking shoes are enough.

What will you see along the way?

The trail runs through mixed forest of spruce, beech and black pine, joined — somewhat unexpectedly at this altitude — by Scots pine, which gives parts of the woodland an almost Mediterranean feel. Interpretive panels are placed along the route, explaining the local plant and animal life, which makes the walk as much an outdoor lesson as a scenic stroll. Birdlife along the way includes jays, with their unmistakable call, blackbirds, and black kites occasionally seen circling above the valley.

Can you always reach the waterfall?

This is worth checking before setting out: access to the waterfall itself is periodically restricted by a prefectural order on safety grounds, due to the risk of falling rocks and the condition of barriers on the final approach. The botanical trail as a whole stays open year-round, but the last section leading directly to the cascade can be closed for a period, particularly during winter. It is worth checking the current access status with the Bonneville tourist office or on the information boards at the car park before heading out.

Frequently asked questions

Where do you park for the Cascade du Dard in Bonneville? At the Chaffardière car park on the Route de la Gerbe, near the hotel-management school in Bonneville.

How long does the walk take? About an hour round trip, at a relaxed, family-friendly pace.

Is the trail suitable for young children? Yes, the botanical trail itself works well from around age 5; reaching the waterfall proper is recommended from age 8 because of steeper terrain near the end.

Is the waterfall always open to visitors? Not always — a prefectural order can close the final section to the cascade for safety reasons, especially in winter, while the botanical trail remains open year-round.

Is this the same waterfall as the Cascade du Dard in Mont-Saxonnex or elsewhere in the region? No — this is a separate site within the Bonneville municipality, reached from the Chaffardière car park. The name "Cascade du Dard" recurs across the region for different streams, so it is worth confirming the exact commune when planning a visit.