Cooling Off at the Saint-Benoit Waterfall

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During our stay in La Norma, we decided to take a trip to the Cascade de Saint-Benoit in Avrieux, just a 15-minute drive away. This 90-meter-high waterfall is a hidden gem and turned out to be the perfect destination for a summer day.

Before I continue, here’s a tip: set your navigation to Chapelle Saint-Benoit instead of the waterfall itself. This will take you to the parking spots opposite the waterfall rather than to the top, a rookie mistake we made that added an extra 30 minutes to our drive. But once we arrived, it was more than worth it. The Saint-Benoit waterfall is impressive, and the surroundings are enchanting. The clear, cool water flows along shallow streams filled with large and small stones, a paradise for children. Our kids spent hours building dams, climbing the rocks, and exploring nature. The little salamanders darting across the rocks particularly captivated our son. Although he tried his best to catch one, these quick creatures always outsmarted him.

The Saint-Benoit waterfall and its surroundings quickly became one of our favorite spots. The water was wonderfully cool, and the many trees provided plenty of shade, making it ideal during hot summer days. There were picnic tables scattered along the water. A recommendation: bring your own chairs, and perhaps a small table, if you plan to visit around lunchtime. The locals know this spot well, and the picnic tables are often taken. Also, sitting on the ground isn’t ideal due to the large ants that roam around the trees. They won’t harm you, but it’s not the most comfortable experience. Parking is limited along the mountain road, so don’t head to the waterfall too late if you want to park close by. There are also toilets available near the parking spots.

In short, the Cascade de Saint-Benoit turned out to be a unique and adventurous spot, perfect for families looking for a fun outdoor activity for the kids while also wanting to relax in nature. We all agreed that this is a special place, and it’s just a quick trip from the chalet!