Glandieu Fall

The Glandieu Fall is a compact but striking waterfall in the Ain department, tucked into the hamlet of Glandieu on the boundary between the communes of Brégnier-Cordon and Saint-Benoît. Here the Gland river reaches the end of its course, dropping abruptly toward the Rhône plain — and that sudden shift from a quiet stream to a rocky cascade is exactly what has been drawing walkers and nature lovers to the spot for generations.

How tall is the Glandieu waterfall?

The Glandieu Fall is made up of two consecutive drops that together reach roughly 60 metres in height. The Gland river tumbles down in stages toward the Rhône plain below, making it one of the most recognisable waterfalls in the Bugey area. The surrounding valley has been protected for its landscape and ecological value, and it still feels largely untouched.

What industrial history does the site have?

Long before it became a hiking destination, the falling water here served a very practical purpose. For decades it powered a marble-cutting workshop set up at the foot of the falls, where the force of the current helped work and shape stone blocks. Traces of that industrial past are still visible in the valley today. Two small hydroelectric plants, one on each side of the communal boundary, still use the drop of the Gland river to generate electricity — a rare case of nature and old energy infrastructure sitting side by side.

How do you get to the waterfall, and what trails lead there?

The most popular approach is the Sentier de l'eau ("Water Trail"), a loop of about 7 kilometres that takes roughly two to two and a half hours on foot. It starts from the parking area near the village hall (salle des fêtes) in Brégnier-Cordon. The outbound leg follows the Gland river up to the falls, while the return crosses the former marshland of the old Rhône floodplain, now a valuable habitat for birds and wetland plants. The route is rated easy to moderate and works well for families, though sturdy shoes are worth wearing given the damp, rocky ground close to the falls. Access to the waterfall itself is free and open all year round.

What else can you do nearby?

The valley around the Glandieu Fall is more than just a viewpoint. The area is used for fishing and caving, thanks to the limestone rock formations typical of the Bugey region. It has also long been a source of water power, as shown by the surviving hydroelectric plants and the former stone-cutting works. Together these elements make for a landscape that blends outdoor activity with a genuine industrial past.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which river forms the Glandieu waterfall?

The falls are formed by the Gland river, which drops toward the Rhône plain at the boundary between Brégnier-Cordon and Saint-Benoît.

How high is the Glandieu Fall?

It consists of two successive drops with a combined height of around 60 metres.

Is there an entrance fee?

No, access to the waterfall is free and available year-round.

What trail leads to the waterfall?

The best-known route is the Sentier de l'eau, a roughly 7 km loop starting from the parking area in Brégnier-Cordon, typically walked in about two hours.

Are there remains of past industrial activity nearby?

Yes, the force of the waterfall once powered a marble-cutting workshop, and two small hydroelectric plants are still in operation today.