Top 6 Caves around By
Best caves around By are found in a region characterized by significant karst topography, leading to a variety of underground formations. This area features numerous springs, gorges, and cave systems carved into limestone. The landscape includes dramatic cliffs and underground rivers, contributing to unique geological formations. These natural features make By a notable destination for exploring caves and related natural monuments.
Best caves around By
- The most popular caves is Lison Spring, a cave that features a powerful waterfall…
Last updated: May 11, 2026
Lison Spring
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Sarrazine Cave
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Do not hesitate to approach …
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Verneau Spring
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Creux Billard — Karst Basin and Waterfall
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The whole also forms an underground cave system with the neighboring source - Source du Lison. It is best to visit after long rains.
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View of the Grotte Sarrazine and Lison Waterfall
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Tips from the Community
a big hole
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a perfect place to recharge your batteries
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Remember not to venture too far into the cave
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The spring is simply gigantic and there aren't too many tourists - at least when we were there.
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The Verneau is an underground river in the Franche-Comté Jura. It collects water from the Déservillers plateau and comes to the surface near Nans-sous-Sainte-Anne before flowing into the Lison. It is one of the largest underground rivers in France. During our visit, we found a notice saying that it is forbidden to enter the area around the spring or waterfall.
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This highlight is located on the plateau under which the cave opening is located. It can be found via a dead-end path, but the view is a bit sobering.
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The Sarrasine Cave impresses with its 90 m high portal. A 40 m thick layer of limestone separates it from the upper part of the plateau. The cave system has been explored for about 4 km, and hikers equipped with a flashlight can access it up to a small lake inside. https://www.lieux-insolites.fr
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Very beautifully laid out and developed. There are also interesting information boards, e.g. about the underground connection of the local springs. At the end of the 19th century, a mill owner wanted to divert the water from the spring, which, after intervention by the population and a member of parliament, led to the first French environmental protection law. https://www.montagnes-du-jura.fr/
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular caves to visit around By?
The region around By is known for its karst topography and unique cave systems. Among the most popular are Lison Spring, famous for its powerful waterfall and accessible cave entrance, and Sarrazine Cave, which features a dramatic 90-meter-high portal and an interior with a cave lake and cascades.
Are there family-friendly caves around By?
Yes, Lison Spring is considered family-friendly. It offers a very passable path leading to a powerful waterfall and a converted cave entrance that you can explore. The area also features a turquoise blue swimming pool at the foot of a spectacular cliff.
What kind of unique geological formations can I expect to see in the caves around By?
The caves around By are characterized by significant karst topography. You can expect to see powerful karst springs like Lison Spring and Verneau Spring, which are sources of underground rivers. Formations also include large cave portals, internal cave lakes, and cascades, as seen in Sarrazine Cave.
What is the difficulty level for exploring caves near By?
The difficulty varies. Some sites like Lison Spring are intermediate and easily accessible via a path. Others, such as Sarrazine Cave, are challenging due to tricky sections and internal cascades. The Gouffre Gros Gadeau Cave is particularly challenging, involving descending 110 meters through active water shafts.
What should I wear for caving or visiting cave sites around By?
Given the presence of waterfalls, underground rivers, and potentially wet conditions, especially after rain, it's advisable to wear waterproof or water-resistant clothing and sturdy, non-slip footwear. For challenging caves like Gouffre Gros Gadeau Cave, specialized caving gear would be essential.
When is the best season to visit the caves around By?
Many of the cave sites, particularly those with waterfalls and springs, are most impressive after long periods of rain or during the rainy season. This ensures the waterfalls are powerful and the springs are flowing strongly. For example, Lison Spring and Creux Billard are especially attractive after significant rainfall.
What outdoor activities can I do near these caves?
Beyond cave exploration, the By region offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous MTB trails, cycling routes, and gravel biking opportunities. These routes often pass through scenic landscapes, including gorges and along rivers, complementing a visit to the caves.
What do visitors enjoy most about the caves around By?
Visitors frequently appreciate the dramatic natural beauty, such as the powerful waterfalls at Lison Spring and the impressive scale of the cave portals like at Sarrazine Cave. The unique geological features, including karst springs and underground rivers, are also highly valued.
Is there a cave that is the source of a major underground river in the area?
Yes, Verneau Spring is the source of water from one of the largest cave systems in the Doubs department. It is an underground river that comes to the surface near Nans-sous-Sainte-Anne and is considered one of the largest underground rivers in France.
Are there any caves that are particularly challenging for experienced cavers?
For experienced cavers seeking a challenge, the Gouffre Gros Gadeau Cave is an active water shaft cave where you can descend approximately 110 meters. It involves abseiling and climbing eight small shafts, often next to or within waterfalls, and can be very dangerous in wet conditions due to rapidly rising water.
Can I find a large karst basin or cauldron near the caves?
Yes, Creux Billard — Karst Basin and Waterfall is a remarkable karst cauldron with a diameter of around 60 meters and sides rising 90 meters high. It also forms part of an underground cave system connected to the Lison Spring and is best visited after long rains.
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