La Balme-D'épy is defined by an unusual combination: the Grotte de la Balme d'Epy is both a natural feature and a religious landmark, with a small chapel directly opposite. A pilgrimage is held at the cave every year on August 15. At the same time, there is a clear limit to your visit: entering the cave is strictly forbidden. The grounds are suitable for picnicking and relaxing, so a stay here can take in the landscape and cultural heritage without planning to go inside the cave.
The Cave and Watercourse
The cave is part of the Natura 2000 network of Schreiber's bats' caves in Franche-Comté. It is also the resurgence of an underground stream; the Ruisseau de la Balme rises at this site. Equipped with diving gear, cavers were able to penetrate just 170 m into the cave. This figure describes an exploration under special conditions, not a route intended for visitors. It helps place the cave as a special natural feature, not as a conventional sightseeing destination.
The Chapel, Fountain and Pilgrimage
The Chapelle de la Balme d'Epy stands opposite the cave and is part of the village's religious heritage. The Sainte-Fontaine at the Grotte de la Balme was worshipped in antiquity. The pilgrimage at the cave, held every year on August 15, is another part of this heritage. These connections belong to different periods and take different forms: the worship is historically associated with antiquity, while the pilgrimage continues as an annual event. The chapel, fountain and pilgrimage are therefore not one and the same, but distinct points of reference for the village's religious history. If you are planning a visit around the pilgrimage, August 15 is the specific date to note on the calendar.
The Second Cave and Its Altar
A smaller cave at the site is called Grange Tenace or Grande Lantenesse. An altar was built in this second cave. Both names refer to the same cave, not to two separate places. The altar should also be distinguished from the Chapelle de la Balme d'Epy opposite the cave: the altar belongs to the cave, while the chapel is a separate structure. This distinction makes it easier to understand the different religious associations at the site.
A Break Outdoors and a Local Connection
The cave grounds are suitable for picnicking and relaxing. La Ferme du Mont d'Epy keeps around fifty sheep in the heart of the Petite Montagne in La Balme D'Epy. The sheep farming adds an agricultural aspect to the experience of the site, alongside its natural and cultural heritage.
The Pilgrimage as a Planning Point
When choosing your dates, August 15 is the key date if you would like to include the pilgrimage in your stay. Otherwise, the landscape, religious heritage and grounds suited to relaxing can be the focus.
Discover more destinations: Gizia, Saint-Germain-Lès-Arlay, Gigny, Chaux-des-Crotenay, Montbarrey, Souvans, Lac Des Rouges Truites, Menotey.
For the broader travel overview: Jura.
