This is currently our favorite waterfall at a reasonable distance from the Chamonix Valley. Its lies in Switzerland in the valley below Finhaut. The waterfall and cave itself lie at the end of the Gorges Mystérieuses. A steep ravine carved out by the Trient river that flows through it. They have built a long wooden footbridge suspended above the ravine. This is very similar in style to the Gorges de la Diosaz in Servoz. You follow this footbridge until you reach a viewing point for the waterfall. The waterfall is absolutely spectacular. It has a couple of levels with small pools at the bottom of each waterfall. The setting is extra dramatic because the the cliffs around it are so steep and narrow. What also makes this waterfall extra special is that a staircase enables you to go down below the rocks and reach the lowest level of the waterfall. They had to mount a bridge suspended from the rock above it to enable this. This cave is the actual Grotte aux Nymphes. For those unfamiliar with the word "Nymph", it comes from greek mythology and it signifies a female nature deity. Looking at the waterfall and the cave below it you can see how this is quite a magical place and a pretty suitable name.

The easiest way of reaching the Gorges Mystérieuses and the Grotte aux Nymphes is by parking  your car at the Tete Noir parking lot along the 203 main road that runs between the border at Le Chatelard and Martigny passing by the hamlet of Trient. If you are coming from Chamonix then you basically drive in the direction of Martigny. At the parking Tete Noir you will find information signs and route maps. There is steep path that will take you straight to the Gorges Mystérieuses and you could then take the same route back. There is also a longer, less steep path that loops around westward via Le Troulero and Fritelley. You could use both paths to create a loop. Getting to the Cascade aux Nymphes and back from the parking would be roughly a one hour journey. If you are using public transport then your best option is to take the train to Finhaut. The train that runs through the entire Chamonix Valley starts at Saint-Gervais-les-Bains and stops at Vallorcine. From there you can easily connect to the swiss train which runs from Vallorcine to Martigny and stops at Finhaut. From Finhaut there is a fairly steep trail that takes you down to the valley floor to the Trient river. From there it is an easy walk to the Grotte aux Nymphes. You can take the same trail back to Finhaut.