Cascata Gias Fontana

Cascata Gias Fontana in Chiusa di Pesio, province of Cuneo, is one of the most scenic waterfalls in Piedmont, set inside the Marguareis Natural Park in Valle Pesio, close to the French border in the Ligurian Alps. The falls sit at around 1,250 metres elevation, deep in a forest that turns lush green in spring and glows with warm autumn colours later in the year. Gias Fontana is considered the most beautiful waterfall on the upper course of the Pesio stream. The valley has been shaped since the 12th century by the Certosa di Pesio, a Carthusian monastery whose long stewardship of the land has helped make this one of the most biodiverse protected areas in Italy.

How to get there

The classic starting point is Pian delle Gorre, an Alpine clearing at 1,040 metres that is reachable by car in spring and summer. A mountain lodge there serves food, drinks, and traditional Piedmontese cuisine, and also offers overnight accommodation. An alternative start is Villaggio Madonna d'Ardua. There is no public transport to the valley — a car is essential. Journey time is around 30 minutes from Cuneo and an hour from Alba. In peak season the car parks fill quickly, so an early start is worthwhile.

What is the waterfall loop?

The classic 9-kilometre circular route, with around 600 metres of elevation gain, takes four to five hours. From Pian delle Gorre the trail climbs to Cascata Gias Fontana, then continues to the Pis del Pesio — a rare karst phenomenon in which snow-melt water is forced under pressure through a hole in a limestone rock face and shoots roughly 20 metres into the air (active from approximately April to June). The route then descends to the Cascata del Saut, a multi-tiered cascade with two drops that can be viewed from a wooden bridge at its base.

When to visit

Spring and early summer are the peak season: the highest water flows, the most vivid forest greenery, and the best chance of seeing the Pis del Pesio in action (usually May–June). Autumn brings spectacular leaf colour throughout the valley. In winter the trails and waterfalls can freeze, giving the landscape a stark, icy quality — though conditions may be hazardous.

Frequently asked questions

Can I drive to Pian delle Gorre? Yes, the clearing is accessible by car from spring through summer.

What is the Pis del Pesio? It is a karst spring rather than a conventional waterfall: snow-melt water is forced under pressure through a hole in the limestone and shoots roughly 20 metres from the rock face. It is only active during the snowmelt season, typically May to late June.

Is the loop route suitable for beginners? The 9 km circuit is rated as challenging due to 600 metres of elevation gain. Hiking boots and several layers of clothing are recommended — the areas near the waterfalls can feel noticeably cold even on warm days.