The Basins and the Saut du Doubs

The pools and the Saut du Doubs

The Doubs waterfalls and pools are a small natural treasure, a remarkable site that we never tire of discovering throughout the seasons, the high and low waters. On foot, by boat, or even by horse-drawn carriage, there are several ways to approach the Saut du Doubs waterfall and discover its wonders. A getaway to a little Canada for some, certainly a natural wonder that will not leave you indifferent.

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The waterfall is currently dry.

The site remains accessible, as do the site discovery activities: boat trips in the Doubs basins, carriage, restaurant.

The Doubs River Basins and the Saut du Doubs Waterfall

The Saut du Doubs waterfall, before being a waterfall it's a natural reservoir that we call the Doubs BasinsThe river, nestled between mountains and cliffs, is there 100 to 200 m wide and the depth of its waters varies from 30 to 40 m. The natural variation of its water level is a particularity of the basins studied by geologists at the international level. Between floods and low water levels, the water level varies by almost 20 m !

 

The Saut du Doubs, impetuous, is the result of a landslide that blocked the water's passage 14,000 years ago. 27 m waterfall, ends the course of the river in apotheosis before continuing its journey.

>>> The Doubs basins and the Saut du Doubs waterfall form a discovery trail to be explored in boats in canoe, carriage ou On foot.

Doubs river basins, waterfall, Saut du Doubs boat
Doubs waterfall, autumn, pools, boat, Doubs cliffs, Jura pays horloger©Aerodyne France
waterfall, Saut du Doubs river, waterfall
Tailards viewpoint overlooking the basins and the Doubs waterfall pays horloger water
Doubs river basins, waterfall, Saut du Doubs, paddleboarding, canoeing

Go to the Saut du Doubs by boat in the heart of the Bassins

Boat

Embark in the city center From Villers-le-Lac, you first sail near the houses then you pass along pastures where Montbéliarde cows graze peacefully before leaving “civilization” behind you.

You then enter wild mode… And enter the heart of the pools where it is not uncommon to observe chamois surprisingly clinging to the cliffs.

Doubs basins, river boats, Doubs jump, valley, cliffs Pays Horloger
Doubs Basins Doubs Falls, valley Pays Horloger water cliffs

There is only good on the waterways that we take full advantage of these incredible landscapesThe journey continues between the cliffs to the landing stage.

You finish the route on foot to see the waterfall. The paths are well laid out through the forest and allow you to access the platform located just above the waterfall. You can also gain some height at the second point of view to appreciate the Saut du Doubs in its entirety.

How do I get to the Saut du Doubs by boat?

To take the boat, head to Villers-le-Lac where 2 companies offer you a cruise on the Doubs Basins (from Easter to All Saints' Day).

> Boat companies: The Panoramic Stars and the Doubs jump boats.

©MICHEL Panoramic Stars
2 place Maxime Cupillard
25130 VILLERS-LE-LAC
learn moreSee the website
©©Boats of the Saut du Doubs
The Red Lands
25130 VILLERS-LE-LAC
learn moreSee the website

Go to the Saut du Doubs by horse-drawn carriage

Comtois horses carriages pays horloger Doubs jump

By Horse-Drawn Carriage

Vary the modes of transport, leave in a carriage to access the belvedere. You continue the walk, on foot this time to access the cascade. Downhill all the way, rest assured, you won't have to go back up the slope on foot. And yes, once you've finished exploring the Saut du Doubs, cross the border, via the footbridge. Direction the Switzerland to take the boat and navigate the poolsYou disembark at Les Brenets, on the Swiss side, where a shuttle will pick up passengers.

How to get to Saut du Doubs by horse-drawn carriage?

To take the Horse-drawn carriages of the Saut du Doubs, direction La Courpée, on the heights of Villers-le-Lac.

©Pascal VIENNET

Go to the Saut du Doubs on foot

By foot

Go to the Saut du Doubs via the small paths in the middle of the forest the lookouts which suddenly appear behind the fir trees, creating a "wow" effect whether you see them for the first time or not. You will observe the Doubs, from above, when it is wide and windingKites and other birds of prey are never far away, so keep your binoculars handy.

Doubs basins belvedere, Tailillards pays horloger Doubs Jura jump
Doubs waterfall waterfall pays horloger swears

How to access the Saut du Doubs waterfall on foot:

To enjoy the views, first stop at the small parking lot of the Doubs Basins belvedere, also known as the Taillards viewpoint. It's only a short walk to enjoy the view. To access this parking area, located on the heights of Villers-le-Lac, at the Vierge crossroads, head towards Pissoux, then turn right; a sign will indicate "belvédère".

To access the Saut du Doubs car park, take the road again (direction Pissoux) for a few meters and stop at car park of the Visions to begin the descent, on foot of course, which will take you 2,5 km further to the Saut du Doubs.

You can also take the small road to Les Combes (one way), which should be avoided in camper vans.

For those who want to hike, the loop 31 This 11 km trail promises a wonderful discovery of the Saut du Doubs site and the Châtelot dam, another reservoir, this time artificial. The GR5 also passes through here.

The little extra to access the Saut du Doubs

Access to the Saut du Doubs is possible by public transport only via Switzerland. A postal bus connects Le Locle to Les Pargots and a scenic train runs from Le Locle to Les Brenets.

Go to the Saut du Doubs by canoe / kayak / paddleboard

paddle canoe basins doubs river CK pays horloger

By canoe / kayak / paddleboard

Simply magic ! Navigate aboard your canoe or on your paddle, in the Doubs Basins for an extraordinary spectacle full of humility! We feel very small in our boat, in the heart of the basins, between these beautiful cliffs. The bravest can try to go to the landing stage to see the famous waterfall.

Go canoeing to the Saut du Doubs

Go to the Saut du Doubs on an electric scooter

electric scooter

By electric scooter

A fast and quiet way to get around, the electric scooter can be an interesting alternative for respectfully accessing this magnificent natural site.

Go by scooter to the Saut du Doubs

The favorite of...

This activity was tested by a passionate local. Here is what he had to say:

©pays horloger
Logo confidences

Marielle Vaulthier

Quote leftPlay Border JumpRight

On foot, head towards the Saut du Doubs. Don't stop at the viewpoint; continue your walk along the Doubs Gorges towards the Chatelot Dam. If you're a seasoned hiker, you can make a loop and cross the Doubs River to the Swiss side on the Japanese footsteps.

gourmet break

A few steps from the waterfall, sit down at the Absinthe restaurant in a 1900s atmosphere with absinthe and local cuisine to be enjoyed peacefully.

For an unusual meal, enjoy an extraordinary experience with a meal cruise, you will have your meal in a boat in the middle of the basins.

Snack breaks and picnics are also available on site.

©RESTAURANT - L'ABSINTHE
©Doubs jump boats
©MICHEL Panoramic Stars

A treasure hunt at Saut du Doubs

A fun activity to do as a family Starting from the house at the Saut du Doubs site. Your challenge: find Josephine's father's treasure, a smuggler who has just been arrested!

This treasure hunt It is aimed at children aged 6 and up, is free, requires no reservation, and is available from April to the end of October.

treasure hunt of the smuggling trails arrest pays horloger
treasure hunt contraband pays horloger PNR Doubs watchmaker

The treasure hunt at Saut du Doubs

Choosing when to go to the Saut du Doubs

Spring

Doubs waterfall jump pays horloger

If you prefer thrills, opt for spring, when the melting snow and bad weather make the Saut du Doubs strong and powerfulYou'll hardly dare approach it…

Summer

Saut du Doubs waterfall summer park pays horloger

In summer, the discreet waterfall allows itself to be tamed, it is outlined on the rocks.

Autumn

Doubs jump basins autumn mountains Jura pays horloger waterfall

Doesn't it have a bit of a Canadian feel to it?

Autumn and its beautiful shimmering colors A boat trip in the heart of the basins… and suddenly you’ll feel like you’ve changed continents.

Winter

Doubs waterfall, winter, snow, ice pays horloger©Corinne Vasselet BFC Tourism

In winter, while it is rare to see the Saut du Doubs waterfall frozen, it is much less rare to see the Doubs river and its basins trapped under the iceGreat shows are in store.

♥ Weekend getaway ideas

A weekend in autumn around the Saut du Doubs

The program is ready, all you have to do is enjoy. A stroll to the Saut du Doubs, thrills at the Echelles de la Mort, and a discovery of local craftsmanship—we've got a packed weekend lined up for you.

Autumn weekend in Pays Horloger

Doubs stay

A condensed version of the Doubs à la carte this weekend, inviting both cultural and natural discovery. The unmissable Saut du Doubs should be part of your trip...

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This stay is offered to you by the Tourist Office in partnership with the Doubs Departmental Tourism Committee registered in the register of travel and stay operators IM025100001. The Tourist Office is an intermediary who will confirm the availability of the chosen package as soon as possible. The contract will be established by the travel operator, which is the Doubs Departmental Tourism Committee. We thank you for your trust and wish you in advance a pleasant stay in the heart of the Pays Horloger.

Prices

A tailor-made stay from 89 € per person, marketed by Doubs TourismValidity period: from April 1 to October 31.

Doubs weekend stay

Organized stay

Looking for an all-inclusive stay?

They take care of everything! Summer and winter, we offer packages tailored to your needs (individual stays, families, groups, hikers, motorcyclists, mountain bikers, cycle tourists, etc.).

Organized stay at Saut du Doubs

They are waiting for you:

The must-see natural sites of Pays Horloger

After visiting the Saut du Doubs and its basins, continue exploring the unmissable natural sites of Pays Horloger with the impressive Ladders of Death, the peaceful Cirque de Consolation, the astonishing Vallon de Goumois.

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