The Hérisson River, small but mighty
The Cascades du Hérisson, yes, Hérisson as hedgehog, are among the most spectacular natural sites in the Jura Mountains. But don’t let its name fool you: the river doesn’t take its name from the animal! Hérisson comes from the Latin Heria, meaning sacred river. And once you’ve witnessed its impressive course, you easily understand why the ancients considered it sacred!
The Hérisson River is a relatively short mountain stream, only 21 kilometers long. It rises at an altitude of 805 metres on the Champagnole plateau, where it forms the natural outlet of Lake Bonlieu.
Calm and swift on the plateau, it plunges suddenly into a vast natural depression, locally called a reculée, a steep, blind valley typical of the Jura region, which forms a breathtaking rocky amphitheatre. From there, the Hérisson River plunges down a 3-kilometre slope with a 300-metre drop, leaping from one limestone ledge to another in a spectacular series of cascades.
After its descent punctuated by waterfalls, the river continues through the valley, flowing into Lac du Val, then into Lac Chambly, passing by the village of Doucier, and finally joining the Ain River at a place called La Combe de la Fin.
Hérisson, the river of 31 waterfalls
Nicknamed the Rivière aux 31 cascades – River of 31 waterfalls, the Hérisson offers a wild and picturesque spectacle. Seven waterfalls stand out in particular, but all 31 of the Hérisson’s cascades are absolutely breathtaking:
Le Grand Saut, an impressive 60-metre drop, truly lives up to its name, and L’Éventail – Big Leap, the most iconic (see header), where the water cascades in a fan shape over rocky steps, forming a magnificent 65-metre staircase of foam and mist.
Other spectacular waterfalls include Le Saut Girard, a 35-metre drop that marks the river’s first rapid; Cascade du Moulin Jeunet, named after an old mill; Le Saut de la Forge, a spectacular semi-circular waterfall; Le Saut du Château Garnier; and the magnificent Gour Bleu, renowned for its dazzling turquoise pool.
Many of these names echo the history of the region, where mills and forges once harnessed the power of the river.
A trail to follow the water’s path and Cascades du Hérisson
The good news? You won’t miss a thing at this natural spectacle!
A well-maintained footpath runs alongside the river, allowing you to admire each waterfall. The hike is magical in every season, but it’s particularly spectacular after heavy rains, when the river is swollen with snow-melt, and in the heart of winter, when the falls transform into shimmering curtains of ice.
However, during periods of drought, the Hérisson River’s flow can dwindle to a mere trickle, which may diminish the dramatic effect of the falls, but never their beauty!
Want to learn more about the Cascades du Hérisson? Head down to the valley; the Maison des Cascades (Waterfall House) offers an in-depth look at the geology, hydrology, and natural history of the region, an ideal stop before or after your hike.
It is therefore no surprise that, since 2002, the Hérisson River and its entire valley, which covers nearly 1,200 hectares, have been protected as a listed natural site, recognized for their exceptional beauty and environmental value. Whether you are a hiker, a nature lover, or simply looking for breathtaking scenery, the Cascades du Hérisson Waterfalls are a ‘must-see’: a stunning blend of geology, water, and unspoiled nature, right in the heart of the Jura Mountains.
Wikimedia Commons: Header L’Eventail and Saut Girard by JGS25 is CC BY-SA 4.0 – Le Gour Bleu by @ S@ndrine is CC BY 2.0 – Le Grand Saut by StephanieBLyon is CC BY-SA 4.0
