Cascades de Gimel

Cascades de Gimel are a set of three consecutive waterfalls formed by the Montane river, in the village of Gimel-les-Cascades in the Corrèze department, central France. Located roughly 12 kilometres from Tulle, they rank among the most visited natural sites in this part of the country.

How many falls are there, and how tall are they?

The Montane drops over three successive steps with a combined height of 143 metres. The first, Grand Saut ("Great Leap"), falls about 45 metres. The second step, known as the Redole, drops around 38 metres. The third and tallest, Queue de Cheval ("Horse's Tail") - named for the way the water fans out as it falls - plunges some 60 metres into a deep basin called the "gouffre de l'Enfer" (Hell's Chasm).

Where exactly are the falls located?

All three cascades sit inside Parc Vuillier, a private landscaped park laid out between 1893 and 1899 by the painter Gaston Vuillier. He designed the paths and viewpoints that still guide visitors past each of the three drops today, from the base of the falls up toward the higher levels.

What is it like to visit?

Because the site sits on private land, entry requires a ticket. A network of marked footpaths winds through the park, letting visitors see all three waterfalls from several angles. The paths can get slippery near the water, so sturdy, non-slip footwear is recommended. The route includes steep sections and stairs, so the park is not suitable for visitors with reduced mobility, and it is not recommended for anyone with heart conditions.

When is the best time to go?

The park operates seasonally, typically opening in March and closing around November. Water volume varies through the year - the falls are usually at their most powerful in spring, after rain and snowmelt, while summer can bring a noticeably lower flow.

Anything else worth knowing?

The Montane valley around the falls is part of the Natura 2000 network, reflecting its ecological value. The village itself, Gimel-les-Cascades, takes the second half of its name directly from the waterfalls - one of the rare cases where a natural attraction ends up naming the settlement built around it.

Frequently asked questions

How many waterfalls make up the Cascades de Gimel? Three: Grand Saut, Redole and Queue de Cheval, with a combined drop of 143 metres.

Which of the three falls is the tallest? Queue de Cheval, at around 60 metres, is the tallest of the three.

Is there an entrance fee? Yes. The falls lie within the privately owned Parc Vuillier, and visiting requires a paid ticket.

How far is Gimel-les-Cascades from Tulle? About 12 kilometres.

Is the site accessible to everyone? Not fully - the paths are steep and can be slippery, and the site is not suitable for visitors with reduced mobility or heart conditions.

When is the park with the falls open? Seasonally, typically from March to November; outside that period the park is closed to visitors.