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Grande cascade de la Doria
The Doria falls 60 metres above the Chambéry valley. A one-hour loop reaches the viewpoint — corniche and cabled passage included, best avoided in the wet.
At a glance
Type
Waterfall
Access
Free
Best season
1 May – 31 October
Parking
Chaffardon car park, route de Lovettaz
Stroller / Reduced mobility
Not suitable for pushchairs (Parc)
Town
Saint-Jean-d'Arvey
Winter access
closed
What is Grande cascade de la Doria
The Grande cascade de la Doria falls 60 metres in the Bauges above Chambéry. The loop starts at the Chaffardon car park on the route de Lovettaz in Saint-Jean-d'Arvey and reaches a viewpoint over the fall in about an hour. The two official sources don't quite agree on the numbers — 2.2 km and +113 m for Chambéry Montagnes, 2.4 km and +119 m for the Parc des Bauges — we keep both.
It is not a stroll to underestimate: the Parc flags a corniche section on the upper path and a cabled passage on the descent, and advises against the route in wet weather, when it turns slippery. The flip side: heavy rain gives the Doria an exceptional flow — the best moment to see it is just after, on a dry trail.
Activities
What you can do here
Practical
Practical information
Start
Chaffardon car park, route de Lovettaz, 73230 Saint-Jean-d'Arvey
Loop
2.2 km/+113 m (OT) or 2.4 km/+119 m (Parc) · ≈1h — sources differ
Season
1 May to 31 October, snow and weather permitting
Caution
Corniche + cabled passage; not advised in wet weather; not for pushchairs
When to visit
When to visit
1 May to 31 October. The flow is exceptional after heavy rain — but the cabled, corniche route wants a dry trail.
Winter
Winter season
Winter access window
Closed (road shut in winter) — Live status: savoie-route.fr
Winter infrastructure
Not specified
Snow panorama
Not specified
Equipment mandated
Loi Montagne II — winter tyres or chains required (1 Nov – 31 Mar)
Nearby
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is the loop dangerous?
It demands a sure foot: a corniche section on the upper path and a cabled passage on the descent. The Parc des Bauges advises against it in wet weather, when it turns slippery.
How long is the loop exactly?
The official sources differ slightly: 2.2 km and +113 m per Chambéry Montagnes, 2.4 km and +119 m per the Parc des Bauges. Count an hour either way.
When is the fall at its best?
After heavy rain: the Parc notes it gives the Doria an exceptional flow. Then wait for a dry trail before going.
Where does it start?
From the Chaffardon car park, route de Lovettaz, in Saint-Jean-d'Arvey. Route open 1 May to 31 October, subject to snow and weather.
Sources
Sources & verification
Multi-source verification at publication. Information may change — confirm with the official operator before travelling.
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