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Loop walk - La Fraîche Waterfall
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Description
Hidden behind giant spruce trees, in a fold in the cliff side, the spray from the waterfall’s cold, clear water only comes into view at the very last minute.
Hidden behind the tall spruce trees, in a fold of the cliff, discover the frothy, limpid waters of the Cascade de la Fraîche. The ideal hike in hot weather to enjoy an exceptional natural mist! From the vantage point, watch the climbers on the Via Ferrata course, crossing the tumultuous waters of the waterfall on a monkey bridge before descending on the zip lines.
Don't leave too early... in the early morning, the in the shade.
Technical Information
Altimetric profile
Starting point
Points of interest
Date and time
- From 15/05/2026 to 30/10/2026
Additional information
Open period
From 15/05 to 30/10.
Updated by
Office de Tourisme de Pralognan-la-Vanoise - 18/08/2025
www.pralognan.com/
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Contact
Phone : 04 79 08 79 08
Email : info@pralognan.com
Website : https://www.pralognan.com/
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/pralognan/
Google+ : https://plus.google.com/116545272486951855082
Location complements
Nearest car park: Barioz car park (10 minutes on foot).
Topo guides and map references
Map references :
Pralognan-la-Vanoise trail map.
Type of land
Grit
Environments
Mountain view
Mountain location
Guidebook with maps/step-by-step
1. From the Place du Barioz, follow the Chemin des Bieux to a hairpin bend, where a large information panel marks the trailhead and access to the Via Ferrata. access to the Via Ferrata.
2. Follow the path to the Fraîche waterfall (path no. 18).
3. At the foot of the waterfall, cross the bridge to the opposite bank and continue along this path to the equipped area.
4. Descend the Creux des Lanches path (near the adventure trail)
adventure trail) which leads to the Pont de Cavin (trail no. 18b) and the village center.
VARIATION: UPPER BRIDGE OF CASCADE DE LA FRAÎCHE
(in addition to the main route) +45 minutes, +50 m ascent, +1 km
Follow the main route to stage 3.
1. From the parking area, continue uphill on the path leading to Les Fontanettes (path no. 19b), then at the intersection turn left down the path (path no. 19c) to reach the waterfall's upper bridge.
2. Shortly after the bridge, continue along the horizontal path to Les Bieux (path no. 17), then to the village center.
Option: from the waterfall's upper bridge, you can go directly to the hamlet of Les Fontanettes.
Animals
Yes
