Charabotte waterfall, ENS de l'Ain

The Charabotte waterfall is a 115-metre waterfall set in lush green surroundings. Whether it's revealed at its full height or hidden from view by vegetation, approaching it is always a breathtaking experience.
This imposing site can be visited either from the bottom of the valley at Chaley, or from the Hauteville plateau.

The reculée ends at the bottom of the valley with the Charabotte waterfall, one of the highest in France at over 110 metres. It marks the start of the Albarine Gorge, named after the river that feeds it and rises in Brénod. The water from the falls then flows through the Hauteville valley to the Golet du Thiou.

The site has been listed as a "natural monument of artistic interest" since 1909.

The Charabotte waterfall was awarded the "Espace Naturel Sensible" or "ENS" label by the Département de l'Ain in 2015. True natural and landscape jewels of the Département de l'Ain, these sites benefiting from the ENS label are on the one hand preserved thanks to local management and on the other hand made accessible to as many people as possible when the fragility of the site allows.