The Saine's source

The Saine, or formerly the “Sène” springs from an intimate location at the foot of a rocky amphitheatre under the eastern slope of the Croz Mont mountain forest. Its waters have travelled a long way underground through galleries that have been carved over time into the limestone. Its flow rate varies, not according to the rainfall on that day or the previous day, but according to the rainfall having occurred several days before over the massif. The source once sprung from much higher up in the rocky fault. Today, it only uses these old exits during times of high flow rates. Above Foncine-le-Bas, the flood and temporary waters of the Creux des Joyaux are said to occur due to excess waters in the Saine’s underground reserves.

In the dry meadow around you, you may notice small blue flashes: the mountain alcon blue and the large blue live close to the star gentian and Breckland thyme. They will only lay their eggs on these plants. Once hatched, the caterpillars feed on the flowers, before falling to the ground. They give off a special smell, which ants respond to by carrying them to their nest to protect them through the winter. In the early summer, they turn into butterflies and leave the antihill.

“Following the 1349 plague epidemic, the Sires of Chateauvillain (the village of Sirod) favoured the settlement of thirty heads of family from Switzerland, Bugey and Savoie. They granted them lands here and there at the valley’s discretion. The vast scattering of hamlets and isolated houses in this landscape is the result of this seigneurial decision.” (CPIE of the High Doubs). From this viewpoint, learn about other stories that are interwoven with this landscape from the interpretive signpost.

Managed by the association “Le Rucher du Bayard” (The Bayard’s apiary), this educational apiary opens its doors to the fascinating world of bees. Events every Monday and every Thursday in July and August on reservation with the Tourist Office of Foncine-le-Haut on 03 84 51 93 11.

This trail, punctuated by many markers, shows the diversity of typical local plants (yellow gentian, thyme, hawthorn, etc). in this dry rocky pasture, and its evolution depending on pastoral activity.

On the hills of Foncine-le-Haut, the belvedere of the Roche fendue overlooks the heavenly combe, protected by a Biotope Protection Order benefitting its riparian birds and limestone ledges. It also offers a view of the spectacular erosion of a layer of grey marls in the ravine of les Arboux, which is reactivated during each spell of rain.

The hazel grouse is a member of the same family as the Western capercaillie. While it once lived in all Jura forests, it now only survives above 600 metres in altitude. In a territory ranging from 10 ha to 50 ha, the hazel grouse seeks a mosaic of environments resembling a patchwork with grassy areas and a dense and leafy understorey bush cover, which allows it to both feed (catkins, buds, hawthorn, raspberries, etc.), to feed its chicks and to protect itself from predators (martens, foxes, etc.). It is so discreet, you would be lucky to see one.

The belvedere offers a 180-degree panoramic view over the lac à la Dame, the combe of Entre-Deux-Monts, the Gorges of Malvaux and the Côte Poutin, by overlooking the village of Planches-en-Montagne and the hamlet of Nevreaux.

The Saine springs near the village of Foncine le Haut, at an altitude of 892 m, and runs into the Ain river after travelling approximately 19 km. The rare installations along the Saine have allowed to maintain an interesting diversity of aquatic habitats (comprised of large blocks, stones, gravel, etc.). Combined with the quality and undeniable freshness of its waters, the Saine is a river that is perfectly suited to the needs of the brown trout. It is therefore one of the rivers with the most fish in the département of the Jura.

The brown trout is a fish that is entirely suited to the Jura’s rivers, with their fresh and torrential waters. It has a slender fusiform body that is perfectly adapted to fast swimming. It feeds on the larvae of aquatic insects but also on small fish (including other trout!) However, this species is very sensitive to the quality of water and to the artificialisation of waterways, which often goes hand in hand with the destruction of spawning grounds, caches and feeding grounds. Obstacles to the movement of trout also hinders the development of their numbers.