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France
Auvergne Rhône Alpes
Saint-Jean-De-Maurienne

Modane

Top 3 Waterfalls around Modane

Best waterfalls around Modane are found within the Maurienne Valley and at the gateway to the Vanoise National Park. This region provides access to various waterfalls, each with distinct characteristics. The area's geography includes alpine landscapes and valleys, offering diverse natural settings for waterfalls. Modane serves as a base for exploring these natural features.

Best waterfalls around Modane

  • The most popular waterfalls is Rifugio Scarfiotti, a hut that is situated in a valley surrounded by waterfalls and lakes. It…

Last updated: June 21, 2026

Rifugio Scarfiotti

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On the way up or down the Col de Sommeiller you will pass Rifugio Scarfiotti where you can enjoy a snack and a drink.

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Beautiful waterfalls behind the Scarfiotti refuge. On days with a little wind, the water bounces off the rocks and forms a kind of steam, pleasantly refreshing those around you from the summer heat. A unique sensation, to try.

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Lac de Luitel and Frozen Waterfall

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If you like to scramble and have a tingling in your stomach because of black ice, you've come to the right place.

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Depending on the season and weather conditions, here is a great sight on downwelling bodies of water.

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Gabriele Cislaghi
July 23, 2024, Waterfalls Behind Rifugio Scarfiotti

Imposing waterfalls and easily accessible from the refuge

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waterfall behind Scarfiotti refuge

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Arrival Scarfiotti refuge, finally fresh 🙃

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I had already been to the Scarfiotti Refuge about ten years ago. It was nice to go back. It is in a beautiful valley surrounded by waterfalls and lakes and of course mountains. The new management is made up of young guys, very kind and welcoming. Excellent general cleaning. We stayed overnight in the shared dormitory - we requested a sheet bag - but being a Friday night it was just us. Abundant breakfast as well as a very abundant dinner, which was welcome because we had arrived by pedaling. Ideal place for an overnight stay and for the subsequent departure towards Sommeiller, but also as a stop for a lunch. Excellent and recommended.

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On the way up or down the Col de Sommeiller you will pass Rifugio Scarfiotti where you can enjoy a snack and a drink.

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A bucolic place with its pond and waterfall behind. I must say that the cuisine didn't enthuse me the last time I went up there (August 2022) but not stopping here is a crime

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The icing on the cake...behind the Refuge

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Nice refuge located between the Rochemolles dam and the pian dei morti

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are there family-friendly waterfalls around Modane?

Yes, several waterfalls in the Modane area are suitable for families. The Waterfalls Behind Rifugio Scarfiotti are noted as family-friendly, offering a refreshing experience. Additionally, the Saint Benoit Waterfall near Aussois is easily accessible and features designated picnic and barbecue areas, making it ideal for a family outing.

What is the best time to visit the waterfalls in the Modane area?

The summer months are generally excellent for visiting, as the refreshing mist from cascades like the Waterfalls Behind Rifugio Scarfiotti is particularly enjoyable. Waterfalls in the Vanoise National Park also offer a beautiful spectacle, with their appearance changing significantly depending on the season and weather conditions, providing different views throughout the year.

Are there any challenging waterfall hikes near Modane?

For those seeking a more challenging experience, the Lac de Luitel and Frozen Waterfall highlight involves scrambling and can present conditions like black ice, making it unsuitable for less fit hikers or children. The Polset Waterfalls, nestled at 1850 meters, are also accessible solely on foot via a hike from the hamlet of Polset, promising a rewarding journey through charming landscapes.

Where can I find amenities like picnic areas near waterfalls?

The Saint Benoit Waterfall, located near Aussois, is a great option as it features designated picnic and barbecue areas. This makes it a convenient spot for visitors to cool off and relax after enjoying the impressive 90-meter cascade.

What unique natural phenomena can I experience at Modane's waterfalls?

At the Waterfalls Behind Rifugio Scarfiotti, you can experience a unique sensation on windy days when the water bounces off the rocks, creating a refreshing 'steam-like' effect. This natural mist is particularly enjoyable during the summer heat.

How accessible are the waterfalls near Modane?

Accessibility varies. The Saint Benoit Waterfall is easily accessible either via a hike or by parking nearby. The Hermillon Waterfall is also quite accessible, requiring only a relatively short 20-minute walk from its convenient location less than a 10-minute drive from Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne. In contrast, the Polset Waterfalls are only accessible on foot, requiring a hike from the hamlet of Polset.

What kind of wildlife might I see near the waterfalls?

When hiking to the Polset Waterfalls, you have the potential to spot local wildlife such as chamois or marmots, adding to the natural splendor of the panorama in the Polset valley.

What outdoor activities can I do near the waterfalls around Modane?

The Modane area offers diverse outdoor activities. You can explore hiking trails, including moderate routes like the Historic Maginot Line crossing to Col de la Vallée Étroite. For cyclists, there are road cycling routes and gravel biking opportunities, such as the challenging Colle del Sommeiller route, often passing by scenic spots like Rifugio Scarfiotti.

Are there any waterfalls visible from a distance or easily spotted?

Yes, the Hermillon Waterfall is conveniently located and widely visible from the center of Hermillon, making it easy to spot even before you begin the short walk to its base.

What do visitors enjoy most about the waterfalls around Modane?

Visitors appreciate the refreshing natural beauty and the diverse experiences offered. Many enjoy the unique sensation of the mist at the Waterfalls Behind Rifugio Scarfiotti, the stunning alpine landscapes surrounding places like Rifugio Scarfiotti, and the changing spectacle of water in the Vanoise National Park. The combination of natural beauty and accessibility for various activity levels is highly valued.

Can I find accommodation or places to eat near the waterfalls?

Yes, the Rifugio Scarfiotti is a hut situated in a valley surrounded by waterfalls and lakes, offering a place to enjoy a snack and a drink, and even provides overnight stays. This makes it an ideal stop for those exploring the nearby cascades.

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Happy to travel a little further afield? Then browse these guides for the best waterfalls around Modane:

BessansBonneval-Sur-ArcTermignonLanslebourg-Mont-CenisBramansSaint-Sorlin-D'ArvesSaint-Colomban-Des-VillardsAussoisVillarodin-BourgetAvrieux

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