Les Cascades du Hérisson

While HWMBO was still visiting me in Switzerland, but before our other summer visitors began arriving, we decided to check out a few spots that had been recommended to us for ourselves so that we could give our visitors the "real scoop."  So one day early in June, we headed into the nearby Jura Mountains for a drive into France to visit les Cascades du Hérisson (the waterfalls of the Hérisson river). 

The Hérisson has its source on a high plateau (805 meters = 2,641 feet) in the Jura Mountains between France and Switzerland.  The river then tumbles down a series of slopes for 280 meters (almost 919 feet) in a distance of three kilometers (1.86 miles), forming numerous waterfalls along the way.

When the water is high, the falls are spectacular.  When the water is low, as it was when we visited, the falls themselves are not quite as spectacular and the torrents are mere trickles, but the trail is much less slippery

and one also has time to appreciate the beauty of the other natural scenery that abounds there,

as well as the multi-storied cave systems.

We began with a visit to the visitors' center where we learned about the history of the region, the development of the falls and the industries that once utilized their power,  together with the customs, traditions and legends of the people who have lived there for centuries.  We also viewed a film that showed the falls during the seasons.

We also learned about the various hiking paths.  We could take the entire route, which would last about three hours, or we could break off at any point.  We actually went about three-quarters of the full route.

The site itself has been a listed natural heritage site in France since April 2002 and is also referred to as the "Valley of Seven Waterfalls" for obvious reasons.

We had been warned to wear appropriate footgear (hiking boots or shoes) and to be dressed appropriately.  If the weather is at all damp, the trail can be very slippery.  It is also very steep at points and I was extremely happy to have my walking stick with me.  HWMBO, of course, was too proud to use a walking stick!

We finally stopped at this point,

close to a cave which, according to one of the stories we had been told, had been used by smugglers.

While searching for some of the links that I used in this post this afternoon, I was delighted to discover that a YouTube link from a more recent visit was posted just last week by "drumpiedumpie."  The link gives an idea of what the cascades are like in full spate.  I am much obliged to the poster, so please click on the link and enjoy!