Waterfalls around By are a prominent feature of the French Jura region, characterized by its unique karst topography. This geological landscape gives rise to powerful springs, underground rivers, and distinctive waterfall formations. The area offers a variety of natural attractions, including waterfalls emerging from caves and flowing through gorges. Exploring these sites provides insight into the region's hydrological processes and natural beauty.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
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Even more beautiful at golden hour
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Up stone steps = outdoor gym edition.
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a perfect place to recharge your batteries
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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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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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The French Jura region around By is known for its unique karst topography, which creates a variety of waterfall types. You'll find powerful springs like Lison Spring, which emerges from a cave, and remarkable karst cauldrons with waterfalls such as Creux Billard. There are also series of smaller tuff waterfalls within gorges, like the Lison Waterfalls, offering tranquil environments.
Yes, Lison Spring is considered family-friendly. It features a powerful waterfall, an accessible cave, and a turquoise pool, all reachable via a very passable path under the trees.
Many waterfalls in the region, especially those fed by karst springs, are most impressive after periods of rain. For example, Creux Billard is best visited after long rains. The Lison Spring is perennial and never runs dry, making it a good option year-round, though it can be quite busy on weekends.
The path to Lison Spring is described as a 'very passable little path' under the trees, making it suitable for many visitors. While some trails might involve stone steps, like the Waterfall Trail with Stone Steps, these are generally manageable, though they can be slippery in the rain.
The area around By offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including routes like 'Poupet Cross – Mont Poupet loop' or 'Croix de Poupet loop'. For cycling enthusiasts, there are MTB trails such as 'Lison Waterfalls – Lison Valley loop' and gravel biking routes like 'Lison Spring – Lison Valley loop'. You can explore more options on the Hiking around By, MTB Trails around By, and Gravel biking around By guide pages.
The Verneau Spring is the emergence point for water from the largest cave system in the Doubs department. It's part of one of the largest underground rivers in France, collecting water from the Déservillers plateau before flowing into the Lison. Its flow varies significantly depending on recent weather conditions.
While the main highlights are well-known, the French Jura region has many smaller cascades and springs due to its karst landscape. The Lison Waterfalls, a series of small tuff waterfalls, offer a quiet and beautiful place with vast expanses of calm water between each cascade, providing a tranquil experience away from more crowded spots.
Visitors frequently appreciate the natural beauty and tranquility of the area. Many highlight the powerful and perennial flow of Lison Spring, the impressive dimensions of Creux Billard, and the peaceful atmosphere of the Lison Waterfalls. The unique geological formations and the opportunity for scenic walks are also highly valued.
Yes, there is a specific highlight called the Waterfall Trail with Stone Steps. This idyllic path features stone steps, which can be a bit slippery in the rain, so caution is advised.
The waterfalls in this part of the French Jura are primarily defined by its karst topography. This means the landscape is characterized by soluble bedrock, leading to features like powerful springs, underground rivers, caves, and distinctive waterfall formations where water emerges from the ground or flows through gorges and basins, such as Creux Billard.
Yes, several waterfall locations offer excellent viewpoints. Creux Billard is noted as a viewpoint, offering impressive views of the karst cauldron. The Lison Waterfalls also provide scenic spots along the gorges, ideal for capturing the tranquil water expanses.


Happy to travel a little further afield? Then browse these guides for the best waterfalls around By: