The Sillans waterfall, a 43 m drop on the Bresque river at Sillans-la-Cascade (Var), has been closed to the public since 2 November 2026 for a second phase of works led by the Var Department. Reopening is planned for 1 May 2027, a provisional date that may change. The works add a metal footbridge, a new viewpoint at the foot of the waterfall and a discovery loop. Swimming at the foot of the waterfall is not allowed.
Key facts
- Status on 6 November 2026: site closed since 2 November 2026.
- Planned reopening: 1 May 2027, provisional date.
- Height: 43 m.
- Swimming: forbidden at the foot of the waterfall.
- From Tourtour: 18 km, about 26 minutes by car.
Is it open right now?
No. The Var Department, which owns the site, closed the waterfall to the public on Monday 2 November 2026. Reopening is announced for 1 May 2027. This is a provisional date: it may slip depending on the weather or the works. This page will be updated when it reopens.
This is the second closure of the year. The site had already been closed until 1 June 2026 for a first phase of works, which set up a one-way route from the right bank to the left bank.
What the works will change
The second phase includes:
- a metal footbridge shaped like a three-armed star, with no intermediate support;
- a new viewpoint at the foot of the waterfall;
- natural stone paths;
- a discovery loop around the site.
The stated aim is to spread visitors out better and protect a habitat that gets very busy in summer.
The waterfall in figures
| Landmark | Value |
|---|---|
| Height of the fall | 43 m |
| River | The Bresque |
| Protection | 369 ha protected natural area, listed picturesque site since 1964, Natura 2000 |
| Managed by | Var Department |
| From Tourtour | 18 km, about 26 min |
Can you swim?
No, not at the foot of the waterfall. Swimming is forbidden there. The site is classified as a protected natural area. When it reopens, follow the signs and instructions posted on site.
Parking and access
In previous seasons, parking was charged from 1 April to 30 September. Conditions for the 2027 season have not been published yet: they will be added here as soon as the reopening is announced.
In summer, access to the site may also be restricted on days of high wildfire risk, as for most of the Var’s wooded hills.
What to do while it is closed
With the waterfall closed, the Haut-Var still has other outings within 30 minutes. From Tourtour, 26 minutes from Sillans:
- the village of Tourtour and its viewpoint indicator;
- the walking loop between Tourtour and Villecroze, suggested by the tourist office;
- the Tourtour market, from mid-March to mid-October.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Sillans waterfall open?
No. The site has been closed to the public since 2 November 2026 for works. The Var Department plans to reopen it on 1 May 2027, a date that may change depending on the weather and the works.
Why is the Sillans waterfall closed?
For the second phase of works on this protected natural area: a three-armed, star-shaped metal footbridge, a new viewpoint at the foot of the waterfall, natural stone paths and a discovery loop. An earlier closure had already lasted until 1 June 2026.
Can you swim at the Sillans waterfall?
No, swimming is forbidden at the foot of the waterfall, on a site classified as a protected natural area. Follow the signs on site when it reopens.
How high is the Sillans waterfall?
43 metres.
Where is the Sillans waterfall?
In Sillans-la-Cascade, in the Var, between Salernes and Aups. From Tourtour, allow 18 km and about 26 minutes by road.
Sources
Information checked against the sources below. Opening times and dates change: confirm before you travel.
- Var Actu, "One of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Var closed until 2027" (3 November 2026, in French), accessed 6 November 2026
- Var Actu, "The site closed until 1 June 2026" (13 March 2026, in French), accessed 6 November 2026
- Travel times: OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap, accessed 6 November 2026
