Borne au Lion, Historic boundary stone at Crêt de Chalam, France.
The Borne au Lion is a boundary stone located in the Jura Mountains along a historic frontier line. It sits in a place where forest meets alpine meadow, marked with a carved lion symbol.
The stone was set up in the 1600s to mark the boundary line between regions following major treaties. It represents a territorial arrangement that took shape after political agreements of that era.
The stone bears an engraved lion that represented Franche-Comté and shows how boundaries were once marked in the landscape. Visitors can still see this historic marker and understand how such stones shaped regional identity.
To reach the stone, hikers follow a mountain path through woodlands and open terrain. The route is steep, so sturdy footwear and good fitness are needed, especially in wet or windy conditions.
The site held significance during World War II when the surrounding woods provided shelter for organized groups. A memorial now stands to remember those who were active in this remote mountain area.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.