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 result of a landslide that blocked the passage of water 14000 years ago, the impetuous Saut du Doubs 27 m waterfall, ends the course of the river in apotheosis before continuing its journey.
The Saut du Doubs is accessible on a boat, in a carriage, On foot.
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.
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.
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 Doubs jump boats.
Vary the modes of transport, leave in a carriage for 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.
To take the Horse-drawn carriages of the Saut du Doubs, direction La Courpée, on the heights of Villers-le-Lac.
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.
To enjoy the views, first stop at the small parking lot of the Doubs Basins belvedere, also called the Taillards belvedere. It's only a few meters to enjoy the view. To access this car park, on the heights of Villers-le-Lac, at the Carrefour de la Vierge, take the direction of 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.
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.
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.
A fast and quiet way to get around, the electric scooter can be an interesting alternative for respectfully accessing this magnificent natural site.
This activity was tested by a passionate local. Here is what he had to say:
©pays horloger
Marielle Vaulthier
Play Border JumpOn 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.
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.
In summer, the waterfall can be tamed, it is drawn on the rocks.
If you prefer thrills, choose spring, when the snowmelt and the weather make the Saut du Doubs strong and powerful. You'll hardly dare approach it.
As we are lucky enough to have 4 real seasons, don't forget autumn and its beautiful colors, it will be less far than going to Canada and the boat trip in the heart of the basins is a real feast of colors.
In winter, while it's rare to see the Saut du Doubs waterfall frozen, it's much less common to see the Doubs River and its pools frozen in ice. Beautiful sights await.
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.
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...
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.
A tailor-made stay from 89 € per person, marketed by Doubs TourismValidity period: from April 1 to October 31.
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.).
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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