La Source du Lison Trail
La Source du Lison Trail
4.7
(144)
659
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
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
633 m
Verneau Spring
Highlight • Cave
Translated by Google •
Tip by
2.99 km
Creux Billard — Karst Basin and Waterfall
Highlight • Gorge
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
3.25 km
Lison Spring
Highlight • Cave
You will reach it along a very passable little path, under the trees and along the Lison.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
3.99 km
Sarrazine Cave
Highlight • Cave
Do not hesitate to approach its entrance, if only to measure its proportions. Avoid rushing into this cave, it can be tricky, especially if it has rained the previous days.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
6.03 km
End point
Parking
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
Highest point (480 m)
Lowest point (360 m)
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Weather
Powered by Foreca
Sunday 17 May
14°C
6°C
81 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 14.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
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
Trail Reviews
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 Creux Billard and the source of the Lison are also beautiful. The Sarrazine cave is very impressive
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 which, after a little scrambling, you can walk about 50 meters, unless an avalanche of water gushes out after a heavy rain. In that case, the outlet of the Lison spring is too narrow, and the pressure forces the water up to the grotto. Today, there is only a small lake there, with a waterfall of travertine limestone behind it. The cave continues above it, but is not accessible. The small stream disappears with a hollow, echoing burble into the cave between the rocks, only to bubble merrily out again further down among the mossy rocks. We have to retrace our steps to continue to the source of the Lison (Komoot was temporarily confused by a lack of GPS signal). The karst spring is beautiful, with deep, dark green water. You can walk along and through the rock face (be careful, the rocks are very slippery) to a lookout point directly above the water outlet. It was actually already closed by a sign, but presumably already closed for frosty days due to the risk of rockfall. We climbed it anyway... Another detour leads even higher to the Creux Billard, a karst basin whose tributaries feed the spring below. A forest path leads us past an ancient, gigantic oak tree, then, partly paved, back to the village. A path, also supposedly closed but diligently used, leads up to the source of the Verneau, which also looks very picturesque. There's a cave here, which can only be accessed with appropriate equipment and knowledge, as well as several climbing routes for which registration is required. We content ourselves with gazing at the beautiful waterfall at its source and hike back to town. A few rays of sunshine make me doubt the weather forecast, but as soon as we get back, it starts to rain heavily for the rest of the day...
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 done without preparation, because the Fromagerie du Lizon invites you with home-brewed, tasty beer and snacks a relaxing break - even if this is not really necessary on the route😊. Unfortunately, there was no more time for the museum.