The Hérisson waterfalls are not named after a hedgehog ("hérisson" in French) but from an ancient word, "Yrisson" which meant "sacred water". They flow from the "Hérisson" torrent which takes its source at the Saut Girard.
Grand Site de France
Hérisson waterfalls, nature’s treasures
The Hérisson waterfalls are part of the "Hérisson Valley & Plateau of 7 Lakes", which is a "Grand Site de France" listed feature. The magnificent landscape of the Hérisson waterfalls changes with every season. A number of hiking trails are available from different starting points. To find out more about the waterfalls and the valley, head for the Maison des Cascades information centre!
A preserved environment in the heart of a valley
The Hérisson waterfalls and valley are one of the region's most extensive natural sites. The Hérisson torrent, which flows for 3.7km, is fed by the lakes of Bonlieu and Ilay.
A place oozing with magic, that you can visit in any season to appreciate the beautiful sight of water tumbling from a height of 65 metres. The waterfalls became a listed "natural site" in 2002.
Moment détente aux cascades du Hérisson en automne Les Droners / Montagnes du Jura
Saut 65m cascade du Hérisson Cecile_Ambacher__Bourgogne-Franche-Comte_Tourisme-
Breathtaking hikes
Good shoes, water flask, and off you go to discover the waterfalls.
There are some lovely hiking trails leading to the Hérisson waterfalls, and a number of starting points at Ilay, Bonlieu and Doucier.
Whichever route you take, you'll see a succession of waterfalls such as the Cascade de l'éventail, the Saut Girad, the Grand Saut, etc. Each has its own charming particularity, which is what makes this such a great place to walk.
To discover all of the waterfalls, there's a 7km loop trail which you chttps://en.montagnes-du-jura.fr/sit/parcours-integral-des-cascades-du-herisson-2an cover in 3 hours. It is free of charge and accessible all year round. But beware, it's slippery in winter, so be sure to wear good shoes!
Why "Hérisson"?
Did you know?
Waterfall secrets at the Maison des Cascades
The Maison des Cascades is a museum and audiovisual centre that plunges you into the heritage of the Hérisson valley and its waterfalls, history and legends.
The Maison des Cascades is the ideal place to discover all the secrets of the waterfalls.
There's also a "souvenir" shop and an area set aside for children.
Connaître les infos pratiques
How to reach the waterfalls?
The Hérisson waterfalls can be found in Jura's "Lake Region".
By car, you can reach the waterfalls by different routes: the low road via Doucier, the middle road via Bonlieu or the high road via the hamlet of La Fromagerie.
You'll find car parks at the starting points of the walks as well as restaurants and shops nearby.
