Cascades des Tufs - Cuisance

Cascades des Tufs is a waterfall on the Cuisance river, tucked inside one of the most striking valleys in the French Jura. It sits within the commune of Les Planches-près-Arbois, a short drive from the wine town of Arbois, and ranks among the most visited natural sites in the area.

Where is it and how do you get there?

The falls lie inside the reculée des Planches, a valley closed off on three sides by limestone cliffs roughly 245 metres high, making it the deepest reculée in the entire Jura. The walk starts right in the village of Les Planches-près-Arbois: simply follow the lane that runs toward the valley alongside the river. A clearly marked path tracks the Cuisance and reaches the base of the falls in under fifteen minutes of easy walking — depending on where you park, the distance runs from about five hundred metres to a kilometre.

What gives the rock its distinctive shape?

The waterfall forms a wide, fan-shaped shelf between 8 and 10 metres high and roughly fifteen metres across. It is built from tufa, a type of limestone that forms when water rich in dissolved calcium carbonate loses carbon dioxide as it trickles over stones, moss and plant roots. The carbonate that is released settles out layer by layer, building up the porous, honeycomb-like rock typical of tufa formations. Both above and below the main shelf, the water pools behind small natural tufa dams called gours, giving the whole scene a calm, terraced look.

Where does the water in the Cuisance come from?

The Cuisance rises deep inside the reculée, emerging through numerous fissures carved into the rock. A short distance upstream from the falls sits the river's small source basin, and further back still is the Grotte des Planches, a cave shaped by the underground course that feeds the Cuisance. This karst system is what keeps the waterfall supplied with the mineral-rich water needed to keep building the tufa.

What else is worth seeing nearby?

The whole reculée des Planches is a protected site, listed under the Natura 2000 network for the flora and fauna tied to its damp, limestone habitat. Near the start of the trail there are small local eateries where visitors can stop before or after the walk. Arbois itself, the wider town this area is best known through, is famous for its winemaking tradition, including the distinctive vin jaune, and for its connection to Louis Pasteur, who carried out fermentation research in the town.

Frequently asked questions

Can you swim at the waterfall?

No. Swimming is prohibited for both people and animals, and dogs must be kept on a leash throughout the valley.

How long is the walk to the falls?

From the centre of Les Planches-près-Arbois, it takes about fifteen minutes along a flat, well-marked path that follows the river.

Is the trail suitable for children?

The path is short and gentle, so it works well for families, though it's worth taking care near the water where rocks can be slippery.

What is tufa, and why does the rock look the way it does?

Tufa is a limestone deposit that forms as calcium carbonate carried in the water settles out of solution. It gives the falls their pale, porous texture, most visible where the water spreads thinly over the rock.

Are there other natural sights close by?

Yes — a short walk further into the valley leads to the Cuisance's small source basin and to the Grotte des Planches, a cave linked to the river's underground course.