Best waterfalls around Arc-Sous-Montenot, a commune in the Doubs department of France, offers access to several notable waterfalls and water-related natural sites. The region is characterized by diverse landscapes, including forests, rock faces, and dynamic water features. These sites include powerful springs, karst basins, and tufa waterfalls, often found within gorges. The area provides varied experiences for nature enthusiasts.
Last updated: May 8, 2026
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Highlight • Gorge
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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 region offers several distinctive natural features. You can visit the Lison Spring, a powerful, never-drying waterfall at the foot of a spectacular cliff, featuring a converted cave and a turquoise blue swimming pool. Another highlight is Creux Billard — Karst Basin and Waterfall, a remarkable karst cauldron that is particularly impressive after heavy rains and is part of an underground cave system connected to the Lison Spring. Further downstream, the Lison Waterfalls present small tufa cascades creating serene pools along the river.
Yes, the Lison Spring is considered family-friendly. It's accessible via a well-maintained path alongside the Lison River, making it suitable for a pleasant outing with children.
The waterfalls are often most impressive after heavy rains, particularly sites like Creux Billard, when water flow is at its peak. Spring and autumn typically offer lush scenery and good water levels. While the Lison Spring never runs dry, its power can be enhanced during wetter periods.
While popular, the Lison Spring area, despite its beauty, is often not overly crowded with tourists, especially on weekdays. The Lison Waterfalls, a few kilometers downstream from the spring, are spaced out and create calm, serene environments that can feel more secluded.
You'll find a variety of hiking trails. For example, there's an idyllic Waterfall Trail with Stone Steps, which can be a bit slippery in the rain but offers a unique experience. Many trails follow the Lison River, providing scenic walks. For more options, explore the hiking guide around Arc-Sous-Montenot, which includes routes like the 'Lison Spring – River course to the Sarrazine Grotto loop'.
While specific regulations for each site vary, many natural areas in France are dog-friendly, especially on trails. It's generally advisable to keep dogs on a leash to protect wildlife and ensure the safety of other visitors. The path to Lison Spring is a well-trafficked path, often suitable for dogs.
The Lison Spring features a turquoise blue swimming pool at its base, offering a refreshing spot for a dip. The calm pools created by the Lison Waterfalls downstream also provide serene spots for enjoying the water.
Beyond hiking, the region offers diverse outdoor activities. You can find numerous MTB trails around Arc-Sous-Montenot, with routes like the 'Viewpoint – Lison Spring loop'. There are also excellent options for cycling around Arc-Sous-Montenot, including routes that pass through scenic areas near the waterfalls.
Yes, parking is generally available near the main waterfall attractions. For instance, the Lison Spring has designated parking areas to accommodate visitors accessing the site.
Visitors frequently praise the impressive natural beauty and the tranquility of the sites. The powerful flow of the Lison Spring, the unique geological formations of Creux Billard, and the serene atmosphere of the Lison Waterfalls are often highlighted. Many appreciate the well-maintained paths and the opportunity for peaceful walks along the river.
Yes, the region is rich in water features. The Verneau Spring, an underground river that surfaces near Nans-sous-Sainte-Anne before joining the Lison, is a significant natural feature. Further afield, the Saut du Doubs, on the Franco-Swiss border, is a spectacular 27-meter-high waterfall formed by a major geological upheaval, reachable by foot, horse-drawn carriage, or boat.


Happy to travel a little further afield? Then browse these guides for the best waterfalls around Arc-Sous-Montenot: