Cirque de Saint-Même

Cirque de Saint-Même is a natural limestone formation holding multiple waterfalls that drop from a karst spring at 900 meters elevation within the Chartreuse region. The rock walls form a tall arena where water flows in stages down to the river below.

Ice ages carved this gorge over thousands of years, with glaciers sculpting the limestone walls and establishing the source of the Guiers Vif river. This long erosion shaped the land into its present form.

This site has long served as a crossing between the Chartreuse mountain range and surrounding valleys, with villages maintaining pastoral traditions tied to the landscape. Local food production and traditional crafts reflect generations living within these Alpine surroundings.

A marked trail loops through the site leading to the waterfalls, with portions passing through forested areas and rocky ground. The best visits happen after heavy rain or during spring melt when water flows are strongest.

Each of the four waterfalls carries its own local name reflecting its location or behavior, with the Cascade Isolée standing apart from the others. These names grew from common usage by walkers and locals who know the place well.