Pont-de-Poitte: River Landscape, Reservoir and Cultural Heritage

A changing river landscape

Saut de la Saisse changed with the Vouglans reservoir. Before the reservoir was filled, the River Ain plunged about 15 metres there. As the lake filled, the waterfall largely disappeared. In winter, it may become partly or fully visible again when the reservoir level is lowered to generate electricity. If you mainly want to experience Saut as a waterfall, plan your visit around this seasonal condition.

Belvédère sous les côtes offers views of Lac de Vouglans and the surrounding landscape. The viewpoint was restored and landscaped with the involvement of the Conservatoire du littoral. The viewpoint and Saut de la Saisse show two different sides of the area: views across the lake and the transformation of the former waterfall.

Rock formations and hiking routes

Between Pont-de-Poitte and Patornay lie the Marmites de la Rivière d’Ain: formations created by erosion in the Ain’s limestone riverbed. Their geological appeal lies in the rock formations shaped by the water in the riverbed. A hike along Route de la Saisse is recommended to see the unusual rock formations created by river erosion, all the way to Saut de la Saisse. Check local conditions before setting out.

For a longer hike, the GRP Tour du lac de Vouglans offers a clear itinerary: the route is 85.5 kilometres long and designed to be completed over four hiking days. In Pont-de-Poitte, access is via the road to Port de la Saisse, where the car park is located. If you are planning this tour, check the route details again before departure. The distance and duration help you gauge the scope of this multi-day hike.

Water and history in Pont-de-Poitte

Port de la Saisse has a free slipway for launching boats. The harbour is mainly used by anglers; recreational boaters and other water sports enthusiasts also use it. If you are planning to use the slipway, check the local operating conditions.

The local architectural and industrial history also reflects a variety of uses. The church in Pont-de-Poitte is dedicated to Saint Brictius and Saint Vincent. In the hamlet of Poitte, there is another renovated church, deconsecrated in the 12th century and now used as a residence. There is also a stone washhouse from the 20th century. Its steep roof is covered with small tiles.

The industrial remains in Pont-de-Poitte include the Forges de la Saisse. They are listed as part of the Jura’s industrial heritage and classified as a metallurgical works and hydroelectric power station. The Saut de la Saisse site was associated with the forges and a hydroelectric power station that operated until 1970. Alongside the former waterfall, the site also tells the story of the industrial use of hydropower.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Maurice-Crillat, Sampans, Vernantois, Foncine-Le-Haut, La Pesse, La Tour-Du-Meix, Villard-Saint-Sauveur, Bletterans

For the regional travel overview: Jura.