The Saut des Cuves is where the Vologne river tumbles over a series of large granite boulders, carving natural rock basins along the way. Free entry, no hiking required, a short family stop on the road between Gérardmer and Lac de Longemer. From La Bresse: 25 minutes by car via Cornimont and Gérardmer.
The waterfall and its natural setting
The Vologne, a river rising in the Vosges mountains and flowing through Gérardmer, descends here over a jumble of granite boulders shaped by centuries of erosion. The water carves rounded basins (the “cuves”, or vats, that give the site its name) before continuing down the valley. The successive steps are under a metre each, and the main drop, the one that carries the name Saut des Cuves, is about 3 metres high. The spectacle is most striking in spring, when snowmelt swells the flow and white foam contrasts with blue-grey granite.
The setting is forested and cool even in summer. Rocks break through the surface everywhere, and a few walkways let you get close to the river. The classic photo stop is taken from the footbridge or from the banks right beside the water.
The fairy bridge legend
A local legend clings to the area. The Pont des Fées, a stone arch bridge, crosses the Vologne nearby, on the boundary of Gérardmer and Xonrupt-Longemer. Vosges folk tradition holds that a fairy lured knights into building it before dawn. The bridge is still standing: built in 1763, restored between 1782 and 1838, and listed as a historic monument by the decree of 11 February 1972. Another version of the tale has the Dames vertes dancing with late travellers as far as the Saut des Cuves.
Getting there and practical information
From La Bresse (about 25 minutes): head towards Cornimont, then Gérardmer via the D486. In Gérardmer, take the D417 towards Xonrupt-Longemer. The site is signposted on the left, between the two villages.
From Gérardmer (about 5 minutes): follow the D417 towards Colmar and Xonrupt-Longemer. The site is at the Saut des Cuves roundabout, on the boundary between the two communes.
Parking: free, roadside on the D417. Spaces are limited in high season: arrive before 10am on sunny days in July and August.
Access: free and open year-round. The path over the boulders is short (a few minutes) and manageable for children aged 4-5 and older who can walk on rocks. Not suitable for pushchairs.
Duration: 20 to 30 minutes for a simple visit with photos.
Best time to visit
The site is accessible year-round and changes character with the seasons:
- Spring: the Vologne is at its peak after snowmelt. The basins overflow, the force of the water is impressive. Best time for dramatic photos.
- Summer: cool and shaded, perfect on hot days. Flow is lower, the basins easier to see clearly.
- Autumn: the beeches surrounding the site turn colour. Late afternoon light is very photogenic.
- Winter: the river can partially freeze. Rocks become icy: exercise real caution, especially with children.
Combine with
The Saut des Cuves fits easily into a half-day outing:
Lac de Longemer: continue along the D417 towards Xonrupt-Longemer and you reach one of the large lakes of the valley. Swimming there is unsupervised and allowed only at the Domaine and Clairière beaches, as the Xonrupt-Longemer town hall points out. Read our guide: Lac de Longemer and Xonrupt.
Swimming in the Vosges lakes: if you want to spend more time in the water, see our selection of the best swimming spots in the Vosges lakes.
Cascade de Tendon: waterfall enthusiasts will find it worth the detour to the Cascade de Tendon. Official listings give the Grande Cascade a drop of about 30 metres in a forest setting. Note that vehicle access to the Petite Cascade has been banned since 4 August 2026 because of the fire risk.
Chalets in La Bresse: ideally placed 25 minutes away, our La Bresse chalets make a great base for trips to Gérardmer, the Saut des Cuves, and the valley lakes.
Before you go
- Open access year-round, in conditions that vary with the weather and with the orders in force
- No toilets on site
- No food on site: Gérardmer (5 minutes away) has plenty of options
- No accessibility facilities are listed for the site: the surroundings are natural, rocky terrain
- Dogs welcome on a lead
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Frequently asked questions
Is the Saut des Cuves free to visit?
Yes, access is completely free. The nearby car park is also free of charge.
Where do I park for the Saut des Cuves?
A free car park sits along the D417 (route de Colmar), at the Saut des Cuves roundabout between Gérardmer and Xonrupt-Longemer. A short path leads from it to the waterfall.
Is the Saut des Cuves suitable for young children?
Yes, the approach is short and runs over granite boulders. Children enjoy walking alongside the river and watching the gorge.
Can you swim at the Saut des Cuves?
No. Currents are strong and rocks are slippery. Swimming is dangerous and not recommended here. For a swim, the nearby Lac de Longemer allows unsupervised bathing at the Domaine and Clairière beaches only.
How long does a visit to the Saut des Cuves take?
The visit itself takes 20 to 30 minutes. Combined with a stop at the nearby Lac de Longemer, plan for a pleasant half-day.
How do I get to the Saut des Cuves from La Bresse?
From La Bresse, head towards Cornimont then Gérardmer. The D417 between Gérardmer and Xonrupt-Longemer runs past the site. Allow about 25 minutes by car.