Cascade des Jarrauds, Mountain waterfall in Saint-Martin-Château, France
Cascade des Jarrauds is a waterfall approximately 15 meters high that forms where the Maulde River meets its tributary the Langladure in the Creuse department. It sits near the village of Saint-Martin-Château.
In 1889, the waterfall became a power source for the nearby town of Bourganeuf, enabling the first long-distance electricity transmission using innovative technology. This early hydroelectric installation marked a milestone in French electrification.
The waterfall draws hikers who come to experience the flowing water and explore the surrounding woodland paths. It is one of several natural destinations in the region that visitors discover while walking through the landscape.
Access is via a walking trail of about 1 kilometer total length that uses several steps and straightforward paths. The walk takes around 30 minutes and is easy enough for most visitors to complete.
At the base of the waterfall stands an operating hydroelectric plant that still generates electricity for the French power grid. This facility is one of the oldest still in operation and continues to serve as an active industrial installation.
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