45.60° N · 7.39° E · Gran Paradiso
From the Lillaz car park, a few kilometres from Cogne, an easy walk climbs a track and enters a forest of larches and firs as far as the falls of the torrent, returning beside the Urtier river. It is the park's plan for any age and can also be done in winter.
Part of Gran ParadisoAlps
Step by step
From the car park you cross the hamlet, with its stone and wood houses, to the campsite beside the torrent.
A farm track climbs in a few bends. A sign marks the turn-off to the waterfalls.
The path enters the forest of larches and Norway spruce and reaches the falls. In silence it is easy to see squirrels and, with luck, a roe deer.
Come down by the wide path that runs beside the torrent to the village.
Lillaz is the last hamlet in the Cogne Valley and the waterfalls are almost at the edge of the village. The park suggests doing them as a loop: you go up the Valeille track and come down the wide path along the Urtier torrent.
It is one of the simplest excursions on the Aosta Valley side of Gran Paradiso and, for many families, the first. In an hour you see what makes this park special: a mountain hamlet of stone and wood, a forest of larches and firs, a torrent that leaps down in several steps and, with a bit of luck, squirrels or roe deer. From the car park to the falls you only gain about 60 metres of altitude, from 1,617 to 1,679 m.
It suits anyone: small children, grandparents, those arriving tired from another hike. With a child in a baby carrier it is no problem. With a pushchair, the farm track is passable, but the forest path and the return beside the torrent have stones and roots. If you are looking for a proper walk, use it as an aperitif and continue towards the Valeille or Lake Loie.
Lillaz is a few kilometres from Cogne, at the head of the valley. By car, leave the A5 motorway at Aosta-ovest and follow the signs for the Cogne Valley; from Cogne, a short road climbs to Lillaz, where the starting car park is. Without a car, take the train to Aosta and go up to Cogne on the Svap buses, which serve the valley; check in Cogne how to continue to Lillaz or do the stretch on foot.
All year, with two very different faces. From late spring to early summer, with the thaw, the waterfalls carry more water and make more noise. In July and August it is a cool walk in the shade, but very busy: go early or in the late afternoon. In autumn the larches turn golden. In winter the park includes it among its snow paths: the landscape changes, the water partly freezes and animal tracks are easy to see.
Nothing. The path is free and there is no entry fee. If you park in Lillaz, check whether the car park is paid in season.
Gran Paradiso has strict rules for dogs: they may only be in the valley-floor areas, always on a lead, and from 15 July to 15 September also on some authorised paths. The park publishes maps of the permitted areas; check them before taking your dog to the waterfalls.
In light rain the walk can be done, because it is short and goes largely through the forest, but the stones beside the water are slippery. In a storm, stay in Cogne: the village and its Sant'Orso meadows make for a flat walk without risk.
Who it's for
What to bring
More to do
Tips
The track continues towards the Valeille hanging valley, with glaciers at the back and chamois on the scree cones.
In Lillaz there is a sale of the valley's cheeses.
From Lillaz the path to Lake Loie starts, 3.2 km and 729 m of climbing: another excursion, for half a day.
Animals show themselves more first thing and with little noise. It works with children to turn it into a game.
Wet rocks are slippery. Look at the waterfalls from the path.
Questions
Yes. It is a short walk, classed as easy hiking, which the park recommends for all ages.
Yes. The park includes it among its winter paths; with snow, animal tracks are easy to see.
No. The path is free of charge.
In the park dogs may only be in valley floors and on a lead, and on some paths from 15 July to 15 September. Check the park's maps before going.
One hour for the full loop, without hurrying.
The farm track yes; the forest path and the descent beside the torrent have stones. A baby carrier is better.
Geocaliahttps://www.geocalia.com/en/italy/aosta-valley/gran-paradiso/things-to-do/lillaz-waterfalls
