Cascade du Rouget – Guide to an Epic Waterfall in Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval
The Cascade du Rouget is a gorgeous waterfall in Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval.
Also known as the “Reine des Alpes” (Queen of the Alps), this waterfall has 2 drops and it’s over 90m high (296ft)!
Let’s see everything you need to see the waterfall & details of a great hike.
Where is the Cascade du Rouget
The Cascade du Rouget is located in Haute-Savoie, in the Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval area. It’s located on the eastern part of the department, next to the border with Switzerland.
Location: Google Maps
Just 10mn south from the village of Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval, the Cascade du Rouget is a massive waterfall. It’s located below the more famous Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval, which is around 20mn drive north.
How to Get to the Cascade du Rouget, Haute Savoie
First, you’ll need to get to Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval.
The best way to reach the area is definitely by car. Here are the driving times from the main nearby cities:
- from Chamonix: 1h6
- from Geneva: 1h10
- from Annecy: 1h15
You can also get a bus, and you have 2 options:
- Bus 94 from Cluses: 2 buses a day, takes 1h, costs 6€ for one-way ticket.
- Bus 102 from Annemasse: 6 buses a day, takes 1h20, costs 6€ for one-way ticket.
For these 2 buses, you’ll need to book in advance. Go to the link above, and call the number on the page to book your ticket.
Once you’re in Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval, you can literally drive all the way to the waterfall.
By car
It only takes 7mn to reach the waterfall from the city, driving south on the D29 through Salvagny. Keep driving straight on the road, then you’ll reach a bridge 5mn after Salvagny. Cross the bridge, and you’ll see the waterfall to your right, just on the side of the road.
There you’ll be able to park your car on the side of the road, right after the bridge.
The road is closed in winter from Salvagny. You’ll need to walk around 35mn to reach the waterfall, and you can rent snowshoes in the village.
By foot
If you don’t have a car, you can walk to the waterfall from the village. It takes 1h along the departmental road, on a low incline. I wouldn’t recommend this option, but it can be done.
Another option is to try to get a taxi in the city, that will bring you to the waterfall.
Randonnée Cascade du Rouget Hike Details
There is no specific hike to get to the waterfall, as it’s right on the side of the road.
However, there’s a great hike starting from the waterfall, that leads to 2 other waterfalls, the Cascade de la Pleureuse and the Cascade de la Sauffaz.
Here are the details of the hike:
Randonnée Cascade du Rouget
2h30 
4.8km / 3 miles
450m / 1,476ft 
450m / 1,476ft
Hike distance: The distance of the hike is 4.8km / 3 miles including the return trip.
Hike duration: If you simply go down & back up, it will take you around 2h30 for the full loop. Depending on weather, the trail can be harder to navigate if wet which will make the hike longer.
Hike elevation: with a total of 450m uphill climb (1,476ft), you’ll be climbing during all the hike to the waterfalls. It’s a big elevation change for such a short hike.
Hike difficulty: the hike is short, but it climbs hard. You’ll reach the Chalet du Lignon midway in your climb, which is a nice place to rest before hiking the second half. The trail is easy to follow, but watch your steps especially near the waterfalls as it can get quite slippery.
You can also drive to the Chalet du Lignon after seeing the Cascade du Rouget, and hike to the 2 waterfalls from there (short 1h hike)
Auberge de la Cascade du Rouget Restaurant
Looking for a spot to rest, get a drink and something to eat? Well you’re in luck, because there’s the Auberge de la Cascade du Rouget, right next to the waterfall.
The best part? They have an outdoor terrace with a view over the waterfall!
Opening times: every day from 1st May to 30th September
Phone: +33 4 50 34 19 94
Website: Auberge de la Cascade du Rouget
Visit Haute-Savoie
Planning your trip to Haute-Savoie? You’ll find below a few other travel guides & key spots to see in the area.
Best hikes around Annecy:
Great outdoor destinations near Annecy:
The BIG guides:
I hope you enjoy your trip to Annecy and to France; if you have any questions, let me know in the comments below, I always reply.
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