Best natural monuments around Malans are characterized by significant karst formations, including powerful springs, deep caves, and impressive waterfalls. This region offers a landscape shaped by water, with underground rivers emerging into dramatic natural features. Visitors can explore unique geological sites that showcase the natural processes of erosion and water flow. The area provides opportunities to observe diverse natural monuments within a concentrated geographical setting.
Last updated: June 21, 2026
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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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The natural monuments around Malans are primarily characterized by impressive karst formations. You'll discover powerful karst springs like Lison Spring, deep caves such as Sarrazine Cave, and dramatic waterfalls. The landscape is shaped by water, with underground rivers emerging into spectacular natural features.
Among the most popular natural monuments are Lison Spring, known for its powerful, never-dry waterfall and accessible cave. Another must-see is Sarrazine Cave, with its impressive 90-meter high portal. Visitors also highly recommend Creux Billard — Karst Basin and Waterfall, a remarkable karst cauldron.
Yes, Lison Spring is considered family-friendly. It offers an accessible path to a powerful waterfall, a converted cave you can enter, and a beautiful turquoise swimming pool, all at the foot of a spectacular cliff.
Lison Spring is one of the most powerful karst springs in the French Jura. It features a waterfall that never runs dry, a converted cave that visitors can explore, and a stunning turquoise blue pool. It's a popular excursion destination, especially after long rainy periods when the water flow is most impressive.
Sarrazine Cave is often described as a 'wild cathedral' carved into limestone, with a portal approximately 90 meters high. You can approach its entrance to appreciate its immense scale. Inside, there's an internal corridor leading to a cave lake, though further exploration can be tricky, especially after rain.
For sites like Creux Billard — Karst Basin and Waterfall and Lison Spring, the waterfalls are most spectacular after long periods of rain. This ensures a powerful flow and a more dramatic experience. However, the natural beauty is present year-round.
Yes, the Malans area offers numerous hiking opportunities. You can find various routes, including those that pass by natural monuments. For detailed hiking trails, you can explore the Hiking around Malans guide, which includes routes like the 'Gouille Noire Viewpoint – La Piquette Viewpoint loop from Amondans'.
Beyond exploring the natural monuments, the region is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find dedicated guides for Running Trails around Malans and Cycling around Malans. These guides offer routes of varying difficulties, allowing you to experience the diverse landscape.
Verneau Spring is the emergence point for the collection of water from the largest cave system in the Doubs department. It's an underground river in the Franche-Comté Jura that eventually flows into the Lison. Its flow varies significantly with weather conditions.
The Gouille Noire Viewpoint offers a great vantage point. From here, you can overlook the Canyon of Amondans, the Loue river, and the Malans stream, which flows into the Loue. It's known for its views of the deep, dark waters of the canyon.
Visitors frequently praise the dramatic geological formations, the powerful waterfalls, and the unique experience of exploring the caves and springs. The sheer scale of features like the Sarrazine Cave portal and the beauty of the Lison Spring are often highlighted. The area is appreciated for its natural beauty, with over 190 upvotes and 180 photos shared by the komoot community.


Extend your search for the best caves by checking out these guides of the top ones around Malans: