When autumn arrives, Haute-Savoie empties of crowds and is covered in gold. It’s the ideal time to explore its gorges and waterfalls: grazing light, fiery forests, calm torrents. Here are the must-see sites, opening periods, and good tips to enjoy them.
Why is the off-season the best period?
- Reduced crowds: you can find the silence of the footbridges and trails.
- Sublime colors: beeches, maples, and larches contrast with the white foam.
- Ideal light: softer, it reveals the relief and textures of the walls.
- Cool temperatures: perfect for walking in the gorge without heatwaves.
Gorges to explore in autumn
1) Gorges du Fier (Lovagny, Annecy)
The star site: a footbridge about 25 m above the torrent in a narrow canyon. In October, the reddish vegetation frames the walls; the atmosphere is magical.
- Opening: usually until late September / early October depending on the weather.
- Practical: paid site, dedicated parking, route on footbridges.
- Photo tip: wide-angle lens + fast shutter speeds to freeze water in dark areas.
2) Gorges du Pont du Diable (La Vernaz, Chablais)
Spectacular canyon carved by the Dranse. Vertiginous stairs and footbridges, cool and sonorous atmosphere.
- Opening: guided tours, reduced hours outside summer.
- To combine: Vallée d’Aulps, Abondance village, shores of Lake Léman.
3) Gorges de la Diosaz (Servoz, Chamonix valley)
A succession of powerful waterfalls in a narrow gorge, accessible by a trail equipped with wooden footbridges.
- Opening: often until early October (to be checked).
- Atmosphere: very forested, particularly colorful in the off-season.
- More information: Les Gorges de la Diosaz
Spectacular waterfalls not to miss
4) Cascade du Rouget (Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval)
Nicknamed the Queen of the Alps, it falls in two large drops (~90 m). In autumn, the grazing light caresses the walls.
- Access: nearby parking, 5–10 min walk. Possible wet trail.
- Combo: Bout du Monde loop in the Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval.
- More info: La cascade du Rouget
5) Cascade d’Angon (Talloires, Lake Annecy)
A jewel nestled above Lake Annecy, in a narrow gorge.
- Access: hiking version from Talloires (1h30 round trip, steep sections) or shorter from Vérel.
- Photo: tripod + ND filter for silky water; caution on slippery rocks.
6) Cascades de la Diosaz (Servoz)
Along the footbridges, several successive very photogenic waterfalls. The off-season offers a nearly “Canadian” palette.
7) Cascade de la Belle au Bois (Megève)
Romantic atmosphere 15 minutes on foot from the center of Megève, in the heart of a forested valley.
- Practical: short trail but sometimes muddy; favor shoes with grips.
8) Cascade d’Ardent & Lake Montriond (Chablais)
Beautiful fall in a wooded setting, perfect to combine with the tour of Lake Montriond, sublime in October.
3 “turnkey” Gorge & Waterfall itinerary ideas
Around Annecy (day trip, easy+ level)
- Morning: Gorges du Fier (visit on footbridges).
- Noon: lunch in Lovagny or in Annecy old town.
- Afternoon: hike to Cascade d’Angon (Vérel version if tight schedule).
Chablais & Aulps (day trip, family-friendly)
- Morning: Gorges du Pont du Diable.
- Noon: cheese dairies of Abondance (AOP).
- Afternoon: Cascade d’Ardent + tour of Lake Montriond.
Giffre Valley (day trip, easy)
- Morning: Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval (Bout du Monde).
- Noon: stop in Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval.
- Afternoon: Cascade du Rouget and nearby viewpoints.
Opening hours, safety & best practices
- Openings: several gorge sites close end of September / early October depending on weather and safety. Check the day before.
- Shoes & clothing: grippy soles, waterproof jacket; cooler air and permanent humidity at the bottom of the gorge.
- Slipperiness: leaves, wet steps and footbridges: caution, hold the handrail.
- Long exposure photography: stable tripod, delayed shutter release; stay behind guardrails.
- Respect the environment: stay on footbridges and trails; no swimming in prohibited areas.
Best conditions for photography
- Light: late morning or mid-afternoon in the gorge; overcast sky ideal as a natural “diffuser.”
- Equipment: polarizing filter (reduces reflections), ND (water trails), microfiber cloth (spray).
- Composition: include a handrail, moss, or an orange leaf in the foreground to provide scale.
FAQ – Gorges & waterfalls in the off-season
Which gorges remain open in October?
Depending on the weather, Gorges du Fier and Gorges de la Diosaz often close in early October. The Pont du Diable operates with reduced hours. Check official announcements the day before.
Can you visit with children?
Yes, most routes are on secure footbridges, under adult supervision. Avoid strollers (stairs) and prefer baby carriers.
What equipment to bring?
Grippy shoes, waterproof jacket, water and snacks. For photography, compact tripod and ND/polarizing filters.
Are dogs allowed?
Varies by site (often prohibited on footbridges). Check in advance.
