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France
Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
Besançon
Nans-Sous-Sainte-Anne

La Source du Lison Trail

Easy

4.7

(152)

682

hikers

La Source du Lison Trail

01:57

6.03km

240m

Hiking

Hike the easy 3.7-mile La Source du Lison Trail to discover a powerful waterfall, the Creux Billard chasm, and the majestic Sarrazine Cave.

Last updated: February 26, 2026

Waypoints

A

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

1

633 m

Verneau Spring

Highlight • Cave

This is where the collection water from the largest cave system in the Doubs department comes from. Depending on the weather, sometimes more, sometimes less or not at all after a long period of drought.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

2

2.99 km

Creux Billiards - is a remarkable karst cauldron with a beautiful waterfall.
The whole also forms an underground cave system with the neighboring source - Source du Lison. It is best to visit after long rains.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

3

3.25 km

Lison Spring

Highlight • Cave

At the source of the Lison, you will find a powerful waterfall, which never runs dry, a converted cave that you can enter and a turquoise blue swimming pool. All …

Translated by Google •

Tip by

4

3.99 km

Sarrazine Cave

Highlight • Cave

The Sarrazine cave is a real "wild cathedral" carved into the limestone. 100 meters high and 30 wide, the cave can be seen from afar.
Do not hesitate to approach …

Translated by Google •

Tip by

B

6.03 km

End point

Parking

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Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

4.11 km

1.00 km

504 m

293 m

117 m

Surfaces

2.19 km

2.00 km

1.10 km

328 m

280 m

132 m

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Elevation

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (480 m)

Lowest point (360 m)

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Weather

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Thursday 2 July

27°C

13°C

-- %

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Comments

October 11, 2023,23_10_11 🇫🇷 Source du Lison, Creux Billiards, Grotte Sarrazine
From Nans-sous-Sainte-Anne we start another beautiful tour and the parking space here is also recommended. It goes steeply uphill to the Via Ferrata on the north side of the valley. The Verneau spring and waterfall are almost dry and you are no longer allowed to climb to the grotto. But you feel like you're in the jungle. The rock cone …

Showing Translation

Since it's supposed to rain from midday onwards, today's tour is short. There's a parking lot near the Mairie (former school). We walk through small streets and then a beautiful forest path along the Lison River. The first detour takes us up a path to the Grotte Sarrazine, a huge, impressive rock dome, with a cave at the bottom, into …

Showing Translation

Water, the source of life - and certainly soon of survival too. Contingency plans for the water supply are also being adopted in France. That's why we enjoy this spring gushing out of the Jura mountains and the waterfall that hasn't dried up all the more intensively on this beautiful in-between hiking route, which is well developed and can be …

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I park to access the La Source du Lison Trail?

There is a parking area conveniently located near the trailhead. From the parking, a short, level path of about 200 meters leads directly to the main waterfall area, making it very accessible for all visitors.

Is the trail suitable for beginners or families with children?

Yes, the main route is considered easy and is suitable for beginners and families. The initial paths around the Lison Spring and waterfall are relatively flat and well-maintained. Longer, more challenging options are available for experienced hikers.

Is the La Source du Lison Trail a loop?

Yes, the Komoot route for the La Source du Lison Trail is designed as a loop, starting and ending in Nans-sous-Sainte-Anne. This allows you to experience all the natural wonders without retracing your steps.

What natural features and landmarks can I see along the route?

The trail is rich in geological wonders. You'll encounter the powerful Lison Spring and its spectacular waterfall, a turquoise blue pool, and impressive limestone cliffs. Other highlights include the Verneau Spring, the dramatic Creux Billard — Karst Basin and Waterfall, and the majestic Sarrazine Cave, an 80-meter-high arch carved into the rock.

What is the best time of year to visit the Lison Spring?

The Lison Spring and its waterfall flow all year round. However, it's particularly spectacular during spring, snowmelt, or heavy rains when the water volume is at its highest, creating a truly powerful display. The 'mystical and wild' ambiance is present year-round.

Are dogs allowed on the trail?

While specific regulations for dogs are not detailed, it is generally recommended to keep dogs on a leash when hiking in natural areas like the La Source du Lison Trail to protect local wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors.

Do I need a permit or is there an entrance fee to hike this trail?

No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to hike the La Source du Lison Trail. It is freely accessible to the public.

What kind of terrain should I expect on the hike?

The terrain varies from small, easily accessible paths winding under trees along the Lison river to forested trails, rocky amphitheatres, and paths leading to impressive geological formations. Expect some uneven surfaces and potentially muddy sections, especially after rain.

Does this trail connect with other hiking routes?

Yes, the La Source du Lison Trail intersects with several other paths. Sections of this route overlap with trails such as 'La Source du Lison', 'P’tite GTJ à vélo', and 'Entre Loue et Lison au Pays de Courbet'.

What makes the La Source du Lison a significant natural site?

The La Source du Lison is one of the strongest karstic springs in the French Jura, where the river dramatically re-emerges from a cave after an underground journey. It also holds historical significance as the first natural site in France to be designated for protection in 1899, leading to early environmental conservation laws.

Are there any unique experiences for more adventurous hikers?

Yes, for those seeking a more adventurous experience, it's possible to scramble up a steep patch beside the falls to view the Lison Spring from within the cave. Additionally, during rainy periods, the cavities of the Sarrazine Cave can dramatically spew water, offering a unique and powerful spectacle.

Nearby routes

Easy

4.7

682

La Source du Lison Trail

01:57h

6.03km

240m

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