Did you know that there are many beautiful waterfalls to discover in and around Paris? We don't always suspect their presence, and yet it only takes a few steps in some parks to see a waterfall appear between the foliage. In Paris, the waterfall in the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont cascades into a theatrical grotto worthy of a romantic film set. Not far away, in the Bois de Boulogne, the Grande Cascade, designed under Napoleon III, attracts walkers in search of coolness. And in Vincennes, a small drop off the edge of Lac des Minimes creates a discreet but soothing waterfall.
But it's above all the area surrounding the capital that is home to some real nuggets. Some of these natural waterfalls, set in rolling countryside, make you feel as if you've left the Île-de-France. Here's our selection of waterfalls to discover for a refreshing getaway or to indulge your desire for a long photo pose.
Built under Napoleon III in the heart of the Bois de Boulogne, the Bois de Boulogne waterfall is inspired by the romantic landscapes of English gardens, with its artificial rocks and peaceful trickle. To discover it, take metro line 9 to Porte de Saint-Cloud, then walk up the Allée de la Reine Marguerite towards the lower lake. Along its banks, an unassuming footpath leads you to this waterfall hidden between the trees, like a natural stage as you turn the corner.
Created in 1867 when the Buttes-Chaumont park was redeveloped under Napoléon III, the Buttes-Chaumont waterfall is a 32-metre artificial waterfall concealed in a grotto carved out of the rock. Its romantic, mineral decor is inspired by Alpine landscapes. For technical reasons, the water supply to the grotto's large cascade may be cut off, notably from April to September, to water the park. To get there, take line 7bis or 5 to Buttes-Chaumont or Laumière station, then enter the park via one of the main entrances. As you go down towards the center of the park, follow the path to the grotto: the waterfall awaits you, emerging in an unexpectedly cool setting in the heart of one of Paris's steepest parks.
Nestled in the Bois de Vincennes, the cascade of Lac des Minimes evokes the rural landscapes of an English garden, with its peaceful flow and discreet rocks. Created to enhance strolls around the lake, it continues the landscape legacy intended by Napoleon III in the Parisian woods. To get there, take line 1 to Château de Vincennes, then walk about 15 minutes along the Route de la Tourelle to the northeast of the wood. Once at the edge of Lac des Minimes, walk along the shore to discover this discreet waterfall, like a natural secret buried in the greenery.
In the heart of the Parc de Bagatelle in the Bois de Boulogne, the romantic waterfall hides behind a small bridge and moss-covered rocks, in an 18th-century English garden atmosphere. Created to accompany the architectural fantasy of the site, it accentuates the picturesque charm of this flower-filled park. To get there, take line 1 to Porte Maillot, then cross the woods on Allée de Longchamp to the park entrance. By following the winding paths, you'll discover it on the edge of the artificial stream, like a poetic scene sprung from time, just a few steps from the rose gardens.
In the heart of the Chevreuse valley, the Vaux de Cernay waterfall winds its way between mossy rocks and shady undergrowth, in an almost wild setting that stands in stark contrast to the urban waterfalls of Paris. Formerly the property of the monks of Cernay Abbey, the site has been shaped by run-off from the Ru de Cernay, creating several natural waterfalls. To get there from Paris, take the RER B to Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse, then a bus (line 39-17) to Cernay-la-Ville, or walk about 1h30 from the station through the forest. The path skirts the abbey and leads you to this waterfall, a natural gem nestled in the heart of the Yvelines.
In the vast grounds of the Parc de Saint-Cloud, the monumental waterfall is part of a setting that is both classic and spectacular, designed in the 17th century to enhance the perspective of the French gardens. Currently undergoing restoration until 2027, this beautiful waterfall cascades down from the stones. To get there, take line 10 to Boulogne - Pont de Saint-Cloud, then cross the Seine on foot to enter through the park gate on the museum side. As you climb towards the center of the estate, the waterfall gradually comes into view, like a water theater sculpted into the hillside, with a panoramic view of the whole of Paris in the background.
In the gardens designed by Le Nôtre in the Parc de Sceaux, the waterfall elegantly fits into the large central perspective between the Grand Canal and the château. Conceived as an element of hydraulic staging, it unfolds in tiers in a style that is both masterful and spectacular. To get there, take the RER B to Sceaux or Parc de Sceaux, then walk for ten minutes along the park's paths to the central basin. Below the château, the waterfall comes to life, particularly during summer floods, bringing freshness and harmony to this remarkable garden.
In the Dr. Fauvel park in Villennes-sur-Seine, the romantic waterfall flows between grottoes and rocks, in a setting inspired by 19th-century English gardens. Restored in 2021, it pays tribute to the village doctor. To get there, take the RER A to Villennes-sur-Seine, then walk 5 minutes along rue du Parc: the waterfall is revealed in the heart of a verdant setting just a stone's throw from the station.
