Top 13 Natural Monuments around Saules (BE)
Best natural monuments around Saules (BE) are found in the Bernese Jura region of Switzerland, an area known for its diverse natural beauty. The landscape features extensive pastured woodlands, unique moor landscapes, and dramatic steep rocks. This region provides opportunities for hiking and nature observation, allowing visitors to connect with the natural heritage of the Bernese Jura.
Best natural monuments around Saules (BE)
- The most popular natural monuments is Étang Plain-de-Saigne, a lake that is a raised bog and peat bog of national importance. It is also a significant birdwatching spot, offering a peaceful place to rest and experience the natural beauty of the Franches-Montagnes.
- Another must-see spot is Green Lake, a small artificial lake located in the Jura mountains. It offers a beautiful emerald color due to the reflection of the trees, providing scenic enjoyment.
- Visitors also love Doubs, a river that forms part of the border with Switzerland and features a 27 m high waterfall, the Saut du Doubs. This section of the river, known as Clos du Doubs, offers unique geological and historical significance.
- Saules (BE) is known for its diverse natural features, including lakes, rivers, and caves. The area offers a variety of natural monuments to see and explore, from serene waters to impressive rock formations.
- The natural monuments around Saules (BE) are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 140 upvotes and 80 photos shared.
Last updated: July 10, 2026
Étang Plain-de-Saigne
Highlight • Lake
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Doubs
Highlight (Segment) • River
A special feature is the border of the Doubs along the French-Swiss border. Unlike in rivers otherwise common, the border does not run in the middle of the river, but the Doubs belongs there entirely to France. This resulted from treaties between the Prince-Bishop of Basel and the King of France.
Flowing west from Saint-Ursanne, the Doubs returns to France and flows below Saint-Hippolyte, where it takes on Dessoubre on the left, through a Montagnes du Lomont valley north to Audincourt. Here he takes right after the Allaine, then turns in its lower reaches to the southwest and strives over Baume-les-Dames, Besançon and Dole, where he takes on the left Loue, the Saône, in which he in 170 m height in Verdun-sur-le-Doubs about 16 km northeast of Chalon-sur-Saône opens.
Source: Wikipedia
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Grotto of Sainte-Colombe
Highlight • Cave
Inside the grotto, a small karst spring rises. The water flows as a trickle from a stalagmite into a shallow basin. There is a crucifix under the entrance arch of the grotto, which is dedicated to Saint Columba of Sens, a martyr from the 3rd century. Since the 13th century, the place has been the destination of a pilgrimage that takes place on August 15th. The spring water is said to have miraculous healing powers.
More: de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grotte_de_Sainte-Colombe
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Lac Vert (Gorges du Pichoux)
Highlight • Lake
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Étang de Bollement
Highlight • Lake
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magnificent tuff stones
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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Grotto in the rock with many thank you plaques.
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A lovely rest area by a pond (Etang). It's truly one of the highlights of the tour.
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Beautiful pond! Very nice for hiking!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of natural monuments can I explore around Saules (BE)?
The region around Saules (BE) offers a diverse range of natural monuments, including significant lakes and bogs like Étang Plain-de-Saigne and Étang de Bollement, and the emerald-hued Green Lake. You can also discover impressive rivers such as the Doubs, known for its dramatic waterfall, and unique geological formations like the Grotto of Sainte-Colombe.
Are there family-friendly natural monuments near Saules (BE)?
Yes, several natural monuments are suitable for families. Étang Plain-de-Saigne, Green Lake, and Étang de Bollement are all great for a family outing, offering peaceful settings and opportunities for nature observation. The Grotto of Sainte-Colombe also provides an intriguing experience for all ages.
What outdoor activities can I do near these natural monuments?
The Bernese Jura region, where Saules (BE) is located, is ideal for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking through the wildly romantic Gorges du Pichoux, running along scenic trails, or cycling and gravel biking on routes that explore the diverse landscapes. For specific routes, check out the nearby guides for Gravel biking around Saules (BE), Running Trails around Saules (BE), and Cycling around Saules (BE).
Where can I find viewpoints among the natural monuments?
For stunning views, both Green Lake and Étang de Bollement offer picturesque viewpoints. The emerald color of Green Lake, reflecting the surrounding trees, is particularly scenic. The broader Chasseral Nature Park also features dramatic steep rocks and elevated areas providing panoramic vistas.
Are there any natural monuments with historical or cultural significance?
Yes, the Grotto of Sainte-Colombe is not only a natural cave but also a significant pilgrimage site since the 13th century, dedicated to Saint Columba of Sens. The Doubs river also holds unique geological and historical significance, particularly the section known as Clos du Doubs, and its role in forming the border with Switzerland.
What is the best time of year to visit the natural monuments around Saules (BE)?
The natural monuments around Saules (BE) are beautiful year-round. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and vibrant foliage. Summer is ideal for enjoying the serene waters and cooler cave environments. The Gorges du Pichoux, with its '1,000 springs,' is particularly impressive after rainfall or during spring snowmelt.
Can I spot wildlife at these natural monuments?
Yes, the region is rich in diverse ecosystems. Étang Plain-de-Saigne is a significant birdwatching spot, being a raised bog and peat bog of national importance. The Chasseral Nature Park, which influences the area, is known for its unspoiled nature, offering opportunities to observe various species in their natural habitats.
Are there facilities like picnic areas or fireplaces at the natural monuments?
Yes, some locations provide facilities for visitors. Étang Plain-de-Saigne has benches and tables, and a fireplace is available at the exit of the lake. Étang de Bollement also features a simple fireplace, making it a wonderfully idyllic spot for a break.
What makes the Gorges du Pichoux a notable natural attraction?
The Gorges du Pichoux, located not far from Saules (BE), is a wildly romantic gorge carved by the Sorne River. It's famous for its impressive rock formations and numerous springs, with 'Pichoux' translating to '1,000 springs.' It offers excellent opportunities for hiking and experiencing the raw power of nature, leading to the beautiful Green Lake.
What is the Chasseral Nature Park and how is it connected to Saules (BE)?
Saules (BE) lies within the broader geographical area influenced by the Chasseral Nature Park. This park is celebrated for its unspoiled nature and diverse landscapes, including extensive pastured woodlands, unique moor landscapes, and dramatic steep rocks. While not directly within Saules, it's a significant natural area nearby offering various hiking trails and immersive experiences in its natural beauty.
Are there any unique wetland environments to visit?
Yes, Étang Plain-de-Saigne is a raised bog and peat bog of national importance, representing a unique and valuable wetland ecosystem. While a bit further afield, the Löörmoos Raised Bog is another protected natural monument, formed approximately 12,000 years ago and sustained by rainwater, offering insight into rare wetland environments.
What should I wear for hiking around the natural monuments?
For hiking around the natural monuments, it's advisable to wear comfortable, layered clothing suitable for varying weather conditions. Sturdy hiking shoes are recommended, especially for trails in areas like the Gorges du Pichoux or within the Chasseral Nature Park, where paths can be uneven. Bringing water and sun protection is also a good idea.
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