Cascade de Môtiers and its cave: an adventure in the footsteps of Rousseau

A waterfall and its secret cave in the heart of the Val-de-Travers

Above the village of Môtiers, in the Val-de-Travers, a waterfall tumbles nearly 27 metres down the limestone cliff of the Jura. At its foot opens a natural cave, the famous “grotte de la Cascade”, where Jean-Jacques Rousseau loved to take refuge in the 18th century. The site is reached in about ten minutes from the village, along a forest trail. Depending on the season and the rainfall, the waterfall is generous or more discreet, but the setting of rock, moss and forest is always worth the detour.

What your children will discover

Children experience a real little exploration here: the roaring waterfall, then the dark entrance to the cave where you have to get the lamp out. Inside, the darkness is total and you can sometimes make out bats. You talk about the limestone rock, the water sculpting the mountain, and Rousseau who came here to dream more than 250 years ago. Along the way, the trail of 60 bronze pebbles, engraved with his quotations, turns the walk into a treasure hunt.

What you do there and the atmosphere on site

From the village, you reach the waterfall in about ten minutes on foot. The most adventurous continue to the cave: the last few metres are slippery and fitted with a fixed rope, and depending on the season you go in dry-footed or through a little water. The atmosphere is forest and rock, cool and calm. Good to know on the safety side: a lamp is essential, and you should never enter the cave in rainy weather, as the water level can rise quickly.

Before you go

• Recommended age: from 6, for the trail and access to the cave.
• Duration: about 10 min to the waterfall; allow ~1 h for the waterfall and cave loop.
• Price: free, open access.
• Booking: none.
• Stroller/wheelchair accessibility: no (forest trail, climb to the cave with a rope).
• Transport: Môtiers station (Val-de-Travers line) then ~10 min on foot; parking in the village.
• What to bring: a torch or headlamp is essential for the cave, good shoes, a jacket (it is cool).
• Best season: from spring to autumn; the waterfall may be reduced after a long dry spell.

Tips from parents

• Bring a lamp for each child: the darkness is total from the cave entrance.
• Never enter the cave in rainy weather: the water level can rise dangerously.
• Good shoes: the last few metres to the cave are slippery, with a fixed rope.
• Follow the trail of 60 bronze pebbles: Rousseau's quotations mark out the walk.
• Check the flow after a dry spell: the waterfall may be reduced.

Useful information

• Address: Môtiers, 2112 Val-de-Travers (Neuchâtel).
• Official website: information on Val-de-Travers Tourisme and Neuchâtel Tourisme.
• Opening times: natural site with open access in the warmer months.
• Access: Môtiers station then ~10 min on foot; parking in the village.

Want other outings? Find all our activities in Môtiers.

Why we recommend it

Because in one hour, free of charge, you give children a waterfall, a real cave to explore by lamplight and a dive into the history of Rousseau. A burst of adventure and discovery in the heart of the Val-de-Travers, provided you follow the safety instructions.

In a nutshell

A 27 m waterfall and its cave reachable on foot, in the footsteps of Rousseau in Môtiers: a small, free nature adventure from age 6, in the heart of the Val-de-Travers.