Saut de la Saisse, Waterfall near Boissia, Pont-de-Poitte, France
The Saut de la Saisse is a waterfall near the village of Boissia, in the Pont-de-Poitte area of the Jura region in France. It falls over a rocky ledge into Lac de Vouglans and can be seen from the bridge that crosses above the village.
The waters of the Ain have shaped the rocks around the Saut de la Saisse over many centuries, carving out round hollows in the stone known as Marmites de Géants, or Giants' Cauldrons. The site has been visited for generations and has changed little in appearance over that time.
The Saut de la Saisse is well known among fishermen because it marks the point where the Ain river flows into Lac de Vouglans. The name itself means 'Jump of the Saisse,' which refers to the way the water leaps down into the lake over the rocky slope.
The waterfall is reached by a short walk along a marked trail, so comfortable shoes are a good idea since the rocks can be slippery when wet. Winter visits offer a clearer view because the level of Lac de Vouglans drops and the fall stands out more against the exposed rock.
The Saut de la Saisse is also known as a spot where people come to propose marriage, drawn by the sound and movement of the falling water. After heavy rain, the flow grows noticeably stronger and the surrounding rocks turn shiny with moisture, making the scene look quite different from a dry-weather visit.
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