Charlemagne waterfall, Natural waterfall in Xonrupt-Longemer, France.

Charlemagne waterfall is a series of small successive cascades on the Vologne river, about 500 to 600 metres upstream from Lake Retournemer in the commune of Xonrupt-Longemer. The water drops over a moss-covered slope in uneven steps, fanning into several vertical channels before reaching a shallow pool.

Legend says Emperor Charlemagne stopped here in 806 to drink water during his journey through the Vosges Mountains toward Alsace. This connection to medieval times became part of local tradition and the site's identity.

The name comes from a legend: Charlemagne is said to have drunk from the falls in 806 while crossing the Vosges on his way to Alsace. The story ties the cascade to the emperor rather than to any religious or folk tradition.

Reaching the waterfall requires a walk of about 3 kilometers from the Lake Retournemer parking area along marked forest trails. The path is well-signposted and passes through woodland throughout the journey.

The cascade sits on the Vologne, roughly 500 to 600 metres upstream of Lac de Retournemer in the commune of Xonrupt-Longemer. The stream steps down a moss-covered slope in several uneven drops, fanning over a ledge before splitting into separate channels above a shallow pool.