Cascade du Py

Cascade du Py is one of the most striking waterfalls in the Champagny-le-Haut valley, in the French Alps, within the commune of Champagny-en-Vanoise (Savoie). The water drops from a height of more than 70 metres, and the roar of the falling water can be heard well before the waterfall itself comes into view. The site sits at roughly 1,400 metres of altitude, inside the boundaries of Vanoise National Park, one of the oldest and best-known protected areas in France.

Where exactly is the waterfall located?

The Cascade du Py lies in the upper part of the Champagny-le-Haut valley, above the main village of Champagny-en-Vanoise. This higher section of the valley, ringed by steep slopes and alpine pastures, serves as the gateway into the heart of Vanoise National Park. The waterfall is formed by a mountain stream flowing down from the higher ridges toward the valley floor.

How do you get to the waterfall?

The starting point is the Laisonnay d'en Bas car park, reachable by road from Champagny-en-Vanoise. From there, an easy, clearly marked trail leads to the base of the falls in roughly twenty to thirty minutes at a walking pace. This is a suitable option for families with children and for anyone who wants to see the waterfall without a demanding hike — no prior mountain experience is needed for this stretch.

Is there a longer route from here?

For visitors looking for a longer outing, the trail continues past the waterfall, running parallel to the stream up a steep series of switchbacks alongside the falls. Once past the top of the cascade, the gradient eases considerably and the path follows the stream on gentler ground. Along the way it passes the Chalet des Caves, and the full stretch up to the Refuge de Plaisance, at 2,160 metres, takes about two hours of walking from the valley floor. This continuation is a genuine mountain hike and calls for reasonable fitness and proper footwear.

Who is this trail suitable for?

The short walk to the base of the waterfall is easy and accessible to nearly everyone, making it a good choice for a family outing or a short excursion during a day spent in Champagny-le-Haut. Continuing on toward the Refuge de Plaisance, however, is a physically demanding climb up the mountainside, better suited to more experienced hikers looking for high-altitude Vanoise scenery. The route also forms part of longer, multi-day treks that continue deeper into the Vallaisonnay valley.

What should you know before visiting?

The waterfall lies within Vanoise National Park, so visitors are expected to follow the park's conservation rules: stay on marked trails, take all litter back out, and respect restrictions on dogs. Because of the height and the steep terrain around the falls, caution is advised, particularly where the rock surface is wet.

Frequently asked questions

How tall is the Cascade du Py? The waterfall drops more than 70 metres.

How long does it take to reach the waterfall? From the Laisonnay d'en Bas car park, the base of the falls is about a 30-minute walk on an easy, marked trail.

Is the trail suitable for children? The walk to the base of the waterfall is easy and works well for families with children. Continuing up toward the Refuge de Plaisance requires better fitness and hiking experience.

Can you reach a mountain refuge from here? Yes — the trail continues alongside the stream to the Refuge de Plaisance at 2,160 metres, a walk of about two hours in total.

Where can you park? The nearest car park is Laisonnay d'en Bas, accessible by road from Champagny-en-Vanoise.