Pissevache Waterfall, between Vernayaz and Miéville, is a 116 m waterfall fed by the Salanfe in the Rhône Valley. You reach it via a short forest trail and discover a site that has inspired artists and served industry.
Waterfalls & cascades
Pissevache Waterfall
Main highlights
- 116 m drop split into several veils of water, fed by the Salanfe
- Hydraulic heritage linked to the mills, trip hammer and water-powered sawmill of the 17th to 19th centuries
- Trail of around 100 metres through the forest, lined with information panels
Overview
Pissevache Waterfall plunges 116 m between Vernayaz and Miéville. It divides into several veils of water that form a white curtain. Its name is said to come from the French saying “Il pleut comme vache qui pisse” (it’s raining like a pissing cow), which supposedly inspired a passer-by to rename the former Salanfe waterfall.
From the 17th century, local people harnessed its power. Until the 19th century, the water drove mills and other water-powered works. At the end of the 18th century, a mill with a stamping press, a trip hammer and a water-powered sawmill were put into service. A power plant was later built at the top.
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What to see and do
A maintained trail crosses the forest to the foot of the waterfall. The path is only about 100 metres long. Information panels line the route, presenting the history of the site and the points of interest of the Vernayaz area.
At the foot of the falls, you can watch the veils of water and the spray. The site also illustrates the shift from craftsmanship to industry : after the mills, a water intake was built higher up in the gorge to supply the turbines of the power plant.
For centuries, painters, poets, writers and engravers have described or depicted the waterfall, which became a romantic image of the Alps. Its appearance changes with the seasons.
Practical information
Access : from the main road between Martigny and Saint-Maurice, or via the A9 motorway, Vernayaz exit.
On site : a free car park is located near the start of the trail.
Visit duration : the access path is about 100 metres long, so the visit is short.
Suitable for : the short trail allows visitors of all kinds to see the waterfall.
Visiting tips
The flow is strongest from April to October, with the snowmelt, especially in spring. It has, however, decreased since the construction of the Salanfe Dam upstream.
If you get close to the falls, bring waterproof clothing : the spray can be heavy.
Nearby attractions
- The Trient Gorges, near Vernayaz, are narrow, deep gorges spanned by two bridges.
- The Fondation Pierre Gianadda, in Martigny, hosts art exhibitions and features a sculpture park.
- The Salanfe Dam holds back, at more than 1,900 m above sea level, a lake overlooked by the Dents du Midi.
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