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Cascade de Courmes (16)
kajenn
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 813 W: 242 N: 793]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/g-g-g.gif) (2265) | Deep below Gordon the river Loup is squeezed into a rift between the steep mountainsides in Gorges du Loup. The narrow road D6 - called Route des Gorges - follows the river on the eastern side all the way from Pont-du-Loup to Bramafan.
For about 6 kms (4 mi) the road and the river shares whatever space available, which means that - although the sights are many - parking is sparse. And at a couple of places the road is tunneled through the rocks, which was paid for by the Cycling Club of France(!) early in the 20th century.
Just at the end of one of these tunnels I found this beautiful fall, where a veil of water is spread by the breeze. It falls 40m (131ft) from the edge onto the pool in the hollow cliff below, continues under the road and another 25m (82ft) down to the Loup river.
It's called Cascade de Courmes after the village which is situated at a cul-de-sac above the fall. This is a small rural village with only 88 inhabitants in typical stone houses - and an 'auberge' with a reputation reaching far outside Alpes Maritimes.
The only way to access the fall was to park on the other side of the tunnel (see WS) and walk back - a bit intimidating with the traffic - only to be met by signs forbidding entrance to the 'pool area'. They were easily infringed on a hot August afternoon.
And the coolness was refreshing!
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