Cascade du Dard - Chamonix Mont Blanc - France

The Dard waterfall is a beautiful waterfall located at 1.233 m of altitude. With a height of 20 m, easily accessible, it offers a view of the Aiguilles Rouges range, the Bossons glacier and Mont Blanc. Located in the woods, it allows for a refreshing break in the heart of summer. The presence of an adjacent bar enriches this short walk.

The Dard stream is born from the meltwater of the Pélerins glacier at 2,300 meters above sea level. This glacier, which is very sensitive to various climatic actions, accumulates spring water in its subglacial cavities. In 2009, the bridge downstream of the waterfall was carried away by the rupture of one of these pockets of water.These episodes of floods, of which the best known of the Alps is the one that destroyed the thermal baths of Saint Ger-vais in 1892, they marked the collective memory. Today, the study and understanding of these phenomena allows better control of this risk.

Directions

Starting from the bus station in Chamonix Sud, turn right in front of the Hotel Le Refuge des Aiglons and walk past the Jekyll pub. Turn left up Chemin du Cry and follow it all the way to the end until it bends to the right; look to the left and follow the little overgrown path to the river, turn left under the bridge and climb the stairs on the other side of the road. Follow the hiking signs into the forest to find the start of the trail.

From the Grepon car park in Chamonix, cross towards the ski jump from where you can find the start of the trail. Take the path on your right and follow it through the forest.