Debutant caving – Jura

There is a beautifully produced caving guide to the Western Swiss Jura, but it is rather expensive and provides a very dry description of the caves.

Gouffre des Chanceaux

I can only say: “don’t bother”. The first pitch leads to a cramped rift. There is supposed to be a passage to another pitch, leading to a room, but the passage had filled up in June 2022.

Grotte de Bramaboef

Very easy cave a short walk from parking in Valserhone. No special equipment needed besides old clothes and a headtorch. Should be avoided in wet weather. More details:
https://www.visinand.ch/Speleo/Ain/Grotte%20de%20Bramab%C5%93uf/Grotte%20de%20Bramab%C5%93uf.htm

Grotte de la Pontoise

Straightforward cave with a fixed metal entrance ladder to take you down into an otherwise largely flat cave. No special equipment needed besides old clothes and a headtorch. It takes about an hour to explore the cave. More details:
https://www.visinand.ch/Speleo/Jura/Grotte%20de%20la%20Pontoise/Grotte%20de%20la%20Pontoise.htm

Grotte de Naye

Fun cave on a high plateau, accessible by mountain train. Can make a through trip if the lower entrance is not blocked by snow. No special equipment needed besides old clothes and a headtorch. More details:
https://www.visinand.ch/Speleo/Fribourg/Haut_Intyamon/Grotte_de_Naye/Grotte_de_Naye.htm