Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.
The walk
From the car park in Lillaz, near Cogne, a lane and then a path lead east out of the village to the foot of the falls on the Urtier torrent. The path climbs beside the lower falls, crosses the torrent by a footbridge and goes up to a viewpoint over the highest fall, then comes back down the other side of the valley to the village.
It is 2.4 km round with 120 m of ascent; allow about an hour. The grade is Easy: a short walk on good paths and steps, steep for a few minutes beside the falls.
The three main falls drop about 150 m in all. Lillaz has a small geological park beside the path, with polished rocks and potholes in the stream bed, and chamois and marmots live on the scree of the Valeille valley nearby. The national park recommends this walk from June to October; in winter the falls freeze and the paths are icy. The rocks by the water are slippery: keep to the path.
The car park at the entrance to Lillaz is paid. Cogne is about 3 km away.
Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.
Good to know
- Three main falls on the Urtier torrent drop about 150 m in all
- Lillaz has a small geological park beside the path
- Chamois and marmots live on the scree of the Valeille
- In the Gran Paradiso National Park, a short walk from Cogne
Getting there
Start: Lillaz car park · Pay and display. 45.59543, 7.39014
Places to stay nearby
Rooms in and around Gran Paradiso: Booking.com → Expedia →
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Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line and figures come from OpenStreetMap and our own checks; take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.