プチヴァルの天然記念物・トップ20

A beautiful, easy hike in the Jura Mountains with lovely views.

magnificent tuff stones

The Source du Doubs is a powerful karst spring in a heavily karstified area of the Jura Mountains. It is located near Mouthe, in the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park, at an altitude of 937 m at the foot of the wooded, up to 1419 m high Mont Risoux mountain range, which marks the border between France and Switzerland. The Doubs rises from a cave in the rock from a small, approximately five-meter-deep spring basin. The spring discharges an average of 1740 litres per second and is the exit of a complex cave system with several siphons. The discharge can vary greatly. Several layers of rock can be distinguished on the rock above the spring. Below the spring, the river plunges down over a small waterfall. About two kilometers below the Source du Doubs, the approximately nine-kilometer-long Cébriot flows into the Doubs.

Imposing grotto and at the same time a place of pilgrimage. Here you should switch from the hiking trail near the bridge to the road and pause for a moment and enjoy the gentle coolness and refresh yourself with the water from the Karlsquelle (which is said to have healing powers). A small karst spring arises inside the cave. The water flows as a trickle from a stalagmite into a shallow basin. There is a crucifix under the entrance arch of the grotto, dedicated to Saint Columba of Sens, a 3rd century martyr. The place has been the destination of a pilgrimage on August 15th since the 13th century. The spring water is said to have miraculous healing powers. More: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grotte_de_Sainte-Colombe

The Plain-de-Saigne pond is a small artificial lake located in Montfaucon. It's a great place to picnic and admire the reflections of the sky and trees on the water. You can also learn about the history of the lake, which was once home to a mill and peat extraction site.

The Sorne has dug itself deep into the rocks and today roars between almost vertical walls through the wildly romantic gorge. Numerous springs flow into the Gorges du Pichoux. Are there actually 1,000 sources, as the name “Pichoux” translates to? At the end of the gorge, Lac Vert shines like an emerald in the most wonderful shades of green - a fantastic place for your picnic. The Gorges du Pichoux is located on the road between Bellelay and Undervelier. By public transport or by car go to Sornetan, Le Pichoux.

Grotto in the rock with many thank you plaques.

Exceptional view of the Alps. The ridge is very impressive. Beware of those who are afraid of heights.