Top 12 Waterfalls around La Thuile
Best waterfalls around La Thuile are found in the Aosta Valley, a region known for its alpine landscapes and glacial features. La Thuile is situated near the Rutor Glacier, one of the largest in the area, which feeds the prominent Cascate del Rutor. This natural spectacle is a significant landmark, offering a series of powerful cascades. The region provides diverse terrain for exploration, with trails leading through forests and along river gorges.
Best waterfalls around La Thuile
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Last updated: May 17, 2026
Rutor’s First Waterfall
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Roman bridge
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Third Rutor Waterfall
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Rutor Waterfalls
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Centocinquantenario Trail
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Tips from the Community
The first waterfall is the easiest to reach and is located about 20 minutes from the start. Although it is the easiest to reach, you need to be careful because, being wet, you could slip, so remember suitable shoes and be careful.
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Path used for the return from the third waterfall. This itinerary allows you to see the waterfalls from another perspective and enjoy their splendor.
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This path was restored to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Rutor waterfalls, so called, after 1860, by Abbé Chanoux, in the first years of his rectorship of the Little Saint Bernard Hospice. Generated by the stream of the same name, the waterfalls had already begun to attract tourist attention towards the end of the 1800s from a public increasingly sensitive to natural beauty, and for this reason, over time, they have been the subject of various enhancement interventions.
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From this bucolic plateau near the stream you can refresh yourself and indulge in some photography. At the third Rutor waterfall, a steel bridge approximately 16 meters long and 1.20 meters wide, inaugurated in 2014, allows everyone to pass from one side to the other enjoying the extraordinary spectacle of the three waterfalls below. From this point you can descend to La Joux following the path on the other orographic bank or choose to go up to the Deffeyes Refuge (2,494 metres) right at the foot of the Rutor glacier, a very beautiful excursion especially for children. Another option is to veer right after the waterfalls following the direction of the glacial lakes of Bella Comba.
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The three Rutor waterfalls are part of the country's history and are shrouded in myths and legends. Daughters of the lakes fed by the Rutor glacier, the wonderful waterfalls that can be visited in summer are three impetuous waterfalls that throw themselves into gorges and precipices, carving out the rock with all the power of the melting water. Starting from the hamlet of La Joux at 1,603 meters above sea level and located just three kilometers from the town of La Thuile, you can reach the first of the three with a beautiful path up to the third waterfall which is located at 1,996 metres. The first observation point is found shortly after passing the farmhouses of La Joux, along a mule track that passes through coniferous woods. The first waterfall is surprising: the emotion of the rainbow and the force of the water arouse incredible sensations.
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The climb via the Anery is very difficult, steps, roots and stones make the route which is very steep, to be avoided in rainy weather, very slippery path and risk of stream formation as the path is dug by falling rain .
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The Pont Romain is an ancient Roman bridge that crosses the Bon Nant stream, a tributary of the Arve River. The bridge is a remarkable feat of engineering, and it has stood for centuries despite the passage of torrential water. The bridge is also home to a series of small waterfalls, which are carved into the rock by the water.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most accessible waterfalls for families around La Thuile?
The Rutor’s First Waterfall is highly recommended for families. It's accessible via a mule track through coniferous woods from La Joux and is suitable even for children (though not with strollers). The path to this first fall is generally considered easy to moderate, with the first waterfall reachable in about 15-20 minutes.
When is the best time of year to visit the waterfalls in La Thuile?
The waterfalls, particularly the Cascate del Rutor, are best visited during the summer season. This is when the snow has melted, and the trails are safe and fully accessible. The melting glacial ice also ensures the waterfalls are at their most powerful and impressive during these months.
Are there any historical sites or unique features near the waterfalls?
Yes, near the waterfalls, you can find the Roman bridge, a pretty stone bridge over the river. Additionally, the Centocinquantenario Trail, which was restored to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Rutor waterfalls, offers another perspective of the falls and their historical appreciation.
What kind of hiking trails can I find near the Rutor Waterfalls?
The Rutor Waterfalls are accessible via well-marked hiking trails starting from the hamlet of La Joux. The path winds through ancient coniferous forests, gorges, and old mule tracks. The complete hike to the Third Rutor Waterfall takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes and is considered easy to moderate. You can also continue towards the Deffeyes Refuge from there.
What makes the Rutor Waterfalls unique?
The Rutor Waterfalls are unique due to their glacial origin, fed by the Rutor Glacier. This gives the water a distinct, intense blue color from rich mineral content. They consist of three major waterfalls with a combined total height exceeding 700 meters, making them incredibly powerful. An iron bridge near the Third Rutor Waterfall also allows for close-up views of this natural spectacle.
Can I bring my dog on waterfall hikes in La Thuile?
While specific regulations for dogs on every trail are not detailed, generally, the well-marked hiking trails to the Rutor Waterfalls are popular for outdoor enthusiasts. It's advisable to keep dogs on a leash and ensure they are well-behaved, especially on paths that can be busy with other hikers and families. Always check local signage for any specific restrictions.
Are there any viewpoints that offer spectacular views of the waterfalls?
Yes, the Third Rutor Waterfall features a steel bridge, inaugurated in 2014, which allows visitors to pass from one side to the other, enjoying an extraordinary spectacle and panoramic views of the three waterfalls below. The first observation point for Rutor’s First Waterfall also offers impressive views and the chance to see rainbows in the spray.
What other outdoor activities can I do near the waterfalls in La Thuile?
Beyond waterfall hikes, the La Thuile area offers various outdoor activities. You can explore mountain hikes, with routes like 'View of the Valley and Lake – View of Rifugio and Glacier loop from La Joux' available. There are also options for gravel biking and MTB trails, including 'Lake Arpy – Lake Arpy loop from La Thuile'. For more details, you can check the Mountain Hikes around La Thuile, Gravel biking around La Thuile, and MTB Trails around La Thuile guides.
What should I wear for a waterfall hike in La Thuile?
Given the alpine environment and the mist generated by the waterfalls, it's advisable to wear waterproof or water-resistant clothing, especially if you plan to get close to the falls. Sturdy hiking boots with good grip are essential for navigating the trails, which can be wet or uneven. Layers are also recommended to adapt to changing weather conditions in the mountains.
Are there any cafes or places to eat near the waterfalls?
The trails to the Rutor Waterfalls typically start from the hamlet of La Joux, which is about 3 km from La Thuile. While specific cafes directly at the waterfalls are not mentioned, La Joux itself or the nearby town of La Thuile would offer options for refreshments and meals before or after your hike.
How long does it take to hike to the Rutor Waterfalls?
The hike to the first waterfall is relatively short, taking about 15-20 minutes from La Joux. To reach the Third Rutor Waterfall, the complete hike takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. The duration can vary depending on your pace and how much time you spend enjoying the views at each fall.
What is the origin of the Rutor Waterfalls?
The Rutor Waterfalls are primarily fed by the melting ice and snow of the Rutor Glacier, one of the largest glaciers in the Aosta Valley. This glacial origin contributes to their impressive power and the unique blue color of the water.
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