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The waterfall is currently dry.
The site remains accessible, as do the activities for discovering the site: boat trips in the Doubs Basins , horse-drawn carriage rides , restaurant.
The Saut du Doubs waterfall, before being a waterfall, is a natural reservoir known as the Bassins du Doubs . The river, nestled between mountains and cliffs, is 100 to 200 meters wide , and its waters vary in depth from 30 to 40 meters. This natural variation in water level is a characteristic of the basins, studied by geologists internationally. Between floods and low water levels, the water level fluctuates by nearly 20 meters!
The result of a landslide that blocked the passage of water 14,000 years ago, the Saut du Doubs, an impetuous 27m waterfall , brings the river's course to a spectacular close before continuing its journey.
>>> The Doubs basins and the Saut du Doubs waterfall form a discovery route that can be explored by boat, canoe , horse-drawn carriage or on foot.
©Aerodyne France
Embark in the town centre of Villers-le-Lac, you first sail near the houses then along pastures where Montbéliarde cows graze peacefully before leaving "civilization" behind you.
You then enter wild mode… And penetrate into the heart of the basins where it is not uncommon to observe chamois surprisingly clinging to the cliffs.
It is only on the waterways that one can fully appreciate these incredible landscapes . The journey continues between the cliffs to the landing stage.
The final leg of the journey to the waterfall is on foot . The well-maintained paths wind through the forest, leading to a platform directly above the falls. You can also gain a higher vantage point at the second viewpoint to appreciate the Saut du Doubs waterfall 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: Les Vedettes Panoramiques and Les Bateaux du Saut du Doubs.
Vary your modes of transport: take a horse-drawn carriage to the viewpoint . Continue your walk, this time on foot, to reach the waterfall . It's all downhill, so don't worry, you won't have to climb back up. And yes, once you've finished exploring the Saut du Doubs waterfall, cross the border via the footbridge . Head towards Switzerland to catch a boat and cruise the reservoirs . You'll disembark at Les Brenets, on the Swiss side, where a shuttle will pick up passengers.
To take the Calèches du Saut du Doubs , head towards La Courpée, on the heights of Villers-le-Lac.
Head to the Saut du Doubs waterfall, following the narrow paths through the forest . The viewpoints that suddenly appear behind the fir trees create a "wow" effect, whether you're seeing them for the first time or not. You'll observe the Doubs River from above, when it's wide and meandering . Kites and other birds of prey are never far away, so keep your binoculars handy.
To enjoy the views, first stop at the small parking area at the Bassins du Doubs viewpoint , also known as the Taillards viewpoint. It's just a short walk to the view. To reach 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" (viewpoint).
To access the Saut du Doubs parking lot , take the road again (towards Le Pissoux) for a few meters and stop at the Vions parking lot to begin the descent, on foot only, 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 enjoy hiking, loop 31 , an 11 km trail, promises a beautiful exploration of the Saut du Doubs waterfall and the Châtelot dam, another reservoir, this one artificial. The GR5 long-distance hiking trail 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 magical ! Paddle your canoe or paddleboard through the Doubs River basins for an extraordinary and awe-inspiring experience! You'll feel so small in your boat, surrounded by the beautiful cliffs and the heart of the basins. The more adventurous can even venture 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.
Just a few steps from the waterfall, take a seat at the Absinthe restaurant in a 1900s atmosphere with absinthe and local cuisine to be enjoyed peacefully.
For an unusual meal, experience something out of the ordinary with a meal cruise; you will eat your meal on a boat in the middle of the basins.
Snack breaks and picnics are also available on site.
A fun family activity starting from the visitor center at the Saut du Doubs site. Your challenge: find the treasure of Josephine's father, a smuggler who has just been arrested!
This treasure hunt is for children aged 6 and up, is free, requires no reservation, and is available from April to the end of October.
The treasure hunt at Saut du Doubs
If you prefer thrills, choose spring, when the melting snow and inclement weather make the Saut du Doubs waterfall strong and powerful . You'll hardly dare approach it…
In summer, the discreet waterfall allows itself to be tamed, it takes shape on the rocks.
Doesn't it have a bit of a Canadian feel to it?
Autumn and its beautiful shimmering colours ! A boat trip in the heart of the basins… and suddenly you will feel as if you have changed continents.
©Corinne Vasselet BFC TourismIn 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 encased in ice . Beautiful sights are in store.
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 starting from €89 per person , marketed by Doubs Tourisme . Valid from April 1st to October 31st.
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.
