Cascade Verte

Cascade Verte is a small, striking waterfall hidden in the forest near the village of Échevis, in the heart of the Vercors massif, right on the border between the Drôme and Isère departments in France. The water spills over rocks covered in moss and tufa (calcareous deposits), giving the falls their distinctive green colour and their name. The site sits in the valley of the Vernaison river, close to another well-known local waterfall, the Cascade Blanche, and is one of the more popular short-hike destinations in the Vercors.

Where exactly is the waterfall located?

Cascade Verte lies within the commune of Échevis, in the Drôme department, inside the Vercors Regional Nature Park. The Vernaison valley is known for its narrow rocky gorges and steep slopes, and the waterfall is reached via a path that starts near the Petits Goulets, on the approach from Sainte-Eulalie-en-Royans. The wider area, which also includes the nearby Combe Laval, is famous for its dramatic limestone cliffs and canyons, typical of the Vercors landscape.

How do you get to Cascade Verte?

By car, access is via a departmental road followed by a narrow, winding stretch — partly unpaved — that calls for careful driving and isn't suited to every vehicle. The car park near the trailhead has a limited number of spaces, so arriving early in the morning is advisable during the summer season (July–August) to avoid finding it full. From the car park, a path follows the Vernaison river to the falls; the walk itself is short and doesn't require any particular hiking experience, although the distance quoted varies depending on which route or loop is chosen — from a brief stroll to longer combined itineraries linking several of the valley's waterfalls.

How long is the walk, and how difficult is it?

The shortest option is a round trip of just over a kilometre, taking a little over half an hour — suitable for families with children and for visitors without mountain hiking experience. Longer combined routes exist too, linking Cascade Verte with Cascade Blanche and other falls along the valley, and more demanding itineraries starting from Lans-en-Vercors cover a greater distance and elevation gain, taking several hours and suited to experienced hikers. The trail runs mostly through dense forest, which keeps it shaded even on hot days.

When is the best time to visit?

The waterfall can be visited throughout most of the year, roughly from February to November, though its appearance changes with the seasons and rainfall. The intensity of the green colouring is not constant — it depends on weather conditions and the water level in the river, so no two visits look quite the same.

What else is worth seeing nearby?

Cascade Blanche sits close to Cascade Verte, and the two are often visited together as a single walking route. The broader Vercors area, particularly around Combe Laval and the Petits Goulets gorge, adds spectacular roads cut directly into the rock face and several viewpoints overlooking the Vernaison valley.

Frequently asked questions

Is the walk to Cascade Verte difficult? The shortest route is easy and suitable for most visitors, including families with children; longer variants, such as the one starting from Lans-en-Vercors, are more demanding.

Is parking available? Yes, there is a small car park near the trailhead with limited capacity — arriving early is recommended during the summer months.

Why is the water green? The colour comes from mineral deposits and moss covering the rocks the water flows over, and its intensity varies by season.

Can the visit be combined with Cascade Blanche? Yes, both waterfalls lie close together along the Vernaison river and are commonly visited on the same outing.

What is the best season to visit? The trail is generally accessible from February to November, with the waterfall's character changing according to water levels and time of year.