The Cascades du Hérisson in the Jura department form one of the most spectacular waterfall sequences in eastern France, with the river Hérisson dropping more than 280 metres over seven named falls in a gorge of green limestone. The two showpieces are the Cascade de l'Eventail (65 metres, fan-shaped) near the upper plateau and the Grand Saut (60 metres, free-falling) midway through the gorge. The site lies near Ménétrux-en-Joux, approximately 90km southeast of Dijon and 35km from Lons-le-Saunier. A car is essential — no public transport reaches the trailhead at Parking Le Moulin Jacquand on the Route des Cascades.
The walk from the lower car park to the uppermost fall and back takes 3–4 hours at a moderate pace and involves a sustained uphill section on rocky, often wet terrain. Sturdy hiking boots are essential; the path is narrow and uneven above the Grand Saut. The most rewarding approach starts from the Moulin Jacquand car park, follows the Hérisson upstream past the Grand Saut, the Gour Bleu pool, and the Eventail falls to the upper plateau, then returns on the higher path with views over the Jura glacial lakes. Visitors pressed for time can limit the outing to the lower section: the Grand Saut is reached in 1 hour return from the lower car park on a manageable path, suitable for reasonably fit walkers without specialist equipment.
From Dijon, the drive takes approximately 1 hour 10 minutes via the A39 motorway south (toll approximately €5) to Lons-le-Saunier, then the N78 and D127 to the waterfall parking. The car parks charge approximately €4–5. Cell phone signal is weak in the gorge; offline maps should be downloaded before setting out. Nearby Clairvaux-les-Lacs, 10km northwest, has cafés, a lake, and a sandy beach — a convenient end to the day in summer. Water flow is highest from April to June following snow melt in the Jura massif; by August the flow decreases but trails are drier.
How to get there
- Car from Dijon via A39 (toll) to Lons-le-Saunier then N78 and D127 to waterfall parking
Location
Parking Le Moulin Jacquand, Route des Cascades, 39130 Ménétrux-en-Joux
46.6944, 5.8231 View on map
Highlights
- Cascade de l'Eventail: 65-metre fan-shaped waterfall at the head of the Hérisson gorge
- Grand Saut: 60-metre free-falling drop in a narrow limestone canyon — the gorge's most photogenic fall
- Gour Bleu: turquoise limestone pool below the Grand Saut, vibrant after spring rain
- Ridge return path with views over the Jura glacial lakes
- Clairvaux-les-Lacs beach (10km): lakeside swimming and cafés for the post-hike afternoon
Tips for visiting
- Wear waterproof hiking boots — the path is rocky and wet throughout the year, even in summer
- The lower Moulin Jacquand car park fills by 10am on summer weekends; arrive by 9am or use the overflow parking 500m back on the D326
- Carry water and snacks — there is only one refreshment kiosk at the lower parking, nothing on the trail itself
- Download maps offline before entering the gorge; cell signal is weak or absent throughout the route
- Combine with a swim at Lac de Chalain (15km east) or the Clairvaux-les-Lacs beach for a full Jura day trip
When to visit
April to June delivers the most spectacular water flow after Jura snow melt, though the trail can be muddy. July and August offer drier trails and warmer weather for the Clairvaux-les-Lacs lake swim afterwards, but car parks fill early on weekends.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the walk to see all the Hérisson waterfalls?
The full circuit from the lower Moulin Jacquand car park to the Eventail waterfall and back takes 3–4 hours at a steady pace with stops. The shorter out-and-back to the Grand Saut only takes about 1 hour return and is manageable for most walkers without specialist gear.
Is the waterfall walk suitable for children?
The lower section to the Grand Saut is manageable for children aged 8 and above with adult supervision. The trail above the Grand Saut narrows significantly and includes slippery rocks and steep sections. Young children and pushchairs cannot complete the upper section safely.
Is there an entry fee for the Cascades du Hérisson?
Parking at the main car parks costs approximately €4–5. There is no entry fee to walk the trail itself. The refreshment kiosk at the lower parking charges standard café prices.
When is water flow highest at the Hérisson?
April through early June sees the highest water volume following winter snow melt in the Jura massif. By late August the flow decreases noticeably, though all named falls remain visible. Spring visits involve muddier trails; summer visits are drier but busier at weekends.