One of my favourite waterfalls is in Virieu-le-Grand, about 15mins drive from here. I don't know why it is my favourite waterfall, but I do find it a particular section has a little bit of a fairytale character.
As a child and young adult I have been to Cascade de Clairefontaine many many times and I find it never looses its flair. Though particularly as a child I always found it quite exciting to go there, as sometimes it was quite difficult to reach a particular section.
Parking
Whilst it is quite easy to get nearby the waterfall (as in "walking" or "hiking" distance) I always struggle with parking. There are several sections that look spacious enough to use as parking space, but as there is no signage whatsoever, I am always unsure whether it can be used as parking space.
One first option is, after entering the path to the waterfall, there will be a small green section on the right, just big enough for about 4-6 cars. A couple of days ago, for the first time I have to say, I parked there.
Previously I used to take the car all the way up to the last house on this road and park there, but quite honestly, though there is no signage that prohibits parking there, I always find it a bit rude as this seems to be an apartment block and I feel like I park in smeone's backyard.
Another reason why I didn't park there the last time, is the simple fact that the path is quite narrow. There are a few sections that - if a car comes from the other side - there is no way to go past each other. Very close on one side is either a wall or rock, the other side has the river. So at least one of the cars would have to set back to a safer area.
There is a street that goes quite far up, with very little parking space, but some people seem to find a space either way. Not always in the most practical or safest area, so be careful.
Luckily, whenever we go there, there don't seem to be many people visiting and so far I have always found plenty of parking space.
The Walk
There are basically two main routes to get to the waterfall. There is a street that pretty much goes all the way up, it's a bit longer and goes in wiggly lines upwards. It's a nice route to walk through the forest, depending on season loads of lush bushes and trees and flowers. Our last visit was in the first October week and it was still quite a sight.
The other way is basically a "footpath" cutting through the wiggly lines. Though bearing in mind, it's not a proper footpath, but more a path that has been created over decades people using the shortcut. It's not always safe, depending on how much it has been raining, it can also be quite slippery. As it's not a maintained footpath there will also plenty of plants growing across, and roots, on our last visit I got stuck in a prickly bush that blocked the way. Hardwearing clothes highly recommended.
Getting to the waterfall
Whilst it is quite easy to get nearby the waterfall (as in "walking" or "hiking" distance) I always struggle with parking. There are several sections that look spacious enough to use as parking space, but as there is no signage whatsoever, I am always unsure whether it can be used as parking space.
One first option is, after entering the path to the waterfall, there will be a small green section on the right, just big enough for about 4-6 cars. A couple of days ago, for the first time I have to say, I parked there.
Previously I used to take the car all the way up to the last house on this road and park there, but quite honestly, though there is no signage that prohibits parking there, I always find it a bit rude as this seems to be an apartment block and I feel like I park in smeone's backyard.
Another reason why I didn't park there the last time, is the simple fact that the path is quite narrow. There are a few sections that - if a car comes from the other side - there is no way to go past each other. Very close on one side is either a wall or rock, the other side has the river. So at least one of the cars would have to set back to a safer area.
There is a street that goes quite far up, with very little parking space, but some people seem to find a space either way. Not always in the most practical or safest area, so be careful.
Luckily, whenever we go there, there don't seem to be many people visiting and so far I have always found plenty of parking space.
Good to know
First of all, this is one of the waterfalls that are pretty much children-friendly. Particularly with its roads going up, it is easy to reach, in summer - assuming there is enough water - you can easily dip your feet in or wade with your kids through the water and if you don't mind stand in the waterfall.
But with all wild waterfalls: if it's raining you should avoid going there. The whole area becomes rather slippery, even during dry days sometimes it can get slippery.
There are some bits where you will need to hold your kids hands when walking to the waterfall, particularly on the way up or down using the footpath rather than the street and of course bearing in mind some of the prickly bushes.
When you get to the waterfall, keep your child on your hand whilst walking the last few meters to the water. But in all honesty, it is much safer than most waterfalls in this area and so much safer than when I was a kid.
The kids will love it, it's almost a bit a fairy-tale setting, they love playing with the water, find sticks, throw leaves in the water and follow it down, my daughter - of course - started throwing little pebbles in. Whilst I usually disapprove of this, I think this waterfall has flushed down things much worse than a few little pebbles.
If you don't mind getting wet feet, the waterfall is also a brillian photo setting, with or without people in it. Though careful if you walk in the water, it's mossy and you can easily slip.