Moulin-Marquis Fall

Cascade du Moulin-Marquis ranks among the tallest waterfalls in France, tucked inside the dramatic Bournillon rock cirque in the Vercors massif, within the commune of Châtelus in the Isère department. The water drops in stages down a cliff face of nearly 400 meters — some sources put the figure closer to 450 meters — making it one of the country's most striking vertical falls. It is fed by the Bournillon stream, which emerges from a spring just upstream of the cascade, technically already in the neighboring commune of Saint-Julien-en-Vercors in the Drôme department, so the site effectively straddles the boundary between two departments.

How do you get to the waterfall?

The starting point is the Bournillon car park, located just behind a former hydroelectric power station. From there, a trail follows the Bourne river upstream, and after a few hundred meters branches off to the right, climbing toward the Moulin-Marquis cascade. It's a short but scenic approach, offering views of both the waterfall itself and the enormous rock arch known as the porche de Bournillon, along with the entrance to the cave of the same name.

How long does the hike take, and who is it suited for?

The route is considered easy and accessible to most visitors, including families with children. The full loop covers roughly 5 kilometers, and walking it with stops for photos and views typically takes about three hours. That makes a visit to Moulin-Marquis suitable both as a relaxed half-day outing and as part of a longer exploration of the Bournillon cirque.

Can you get closer to the waterfall or into the cave?

At the base of the cascade lies a fragile tufa formation (tufière), protected at the European level — visitors should avoid stepping into the streambed or disturbing this area. Crossing the stream toward the porche de Bournillon is also discouraged, since the terrain on that side is unstable, slippery, and prone to rockfalls. It's also worth noting that access to the Bournillon cave itself, from the arch entrance, is periodically restricted by local authorities, so it's best to check current conditions before setting out.

What else makes this site distinctive?

The Bournillon cirque and the Moulin-Marquis cascade are among the signature sights of the Vercors' karst landscape, a region known for its deep valleys, cave systems, and sheer rock walls. In winter, when temperatures drop enough to freeze the falling water, the cascade turns into a striking wall of ice, drawing ice climbers from across the Rhône-Alpes region. In summer, the crowd shifts to hikers and nature photographers, drawn by the contrast between the green valley walls and the white column of falling water.

Frequently asked questions

How tall is the Moulin-Marquis waterfall? It drops roughly 400 meters, with some sources citing figures closer to 450 meters, placing it among the tallest waterfalls in France.

Where does the trail to the cascade start? At the Bournillon car park, located behind a former power station near Châtelus.

How long does the hike take? The full loop, with stops to take in the views, usually takes around three hours.

Is the trail difficult? No — reaching the viewpoint for the cascade is considered an easy hike suitable for families, though the ground near the streambed can be slippery.

Can you visit the Bournillon cave? Access is sometimes restricted by local authorities, so it's worth checking current conditions before planning a visit.

Is the waterfall visible year-round? Yes, though its appearance changes with the seasons — a flowing cascade in summer, and partially frozen in winter.