Between the Jura high plateaus and river valleys

Two thirds of the Doubs département are covered by the high plateaus of the Jura massif. At the same time, the valleys of the Doubs and Ognon rivers run through the landscape. These contrasts shape the region: hikes take you through different elevations and natural areas, while river and mountain landscapes invite you to explore side by side.

The GR® 59 crosses the département from the Doubs valley towards the Jura massif, with viewpoints along the ridges. The Sentier Pédestre de l’Absinthe is a different kind of route: this 48-kilometre trail links Pontarlier and Noiraigue. On its French section, it reaches the 1,323-metre-high Grand Taureau. Check trail conditions and cross-border arrangements before setting out.

There is also a distinctive connection to the Doubs valley for a two-wheeled tour: the EuroVelo 6 section there runs mostly along greenways and is considered accessible to everyone. Possible starting points include Belfort, Montbéliard or Besançon. The Sans dessus Dessoubre loop passes through the Parc naturel régional du Doubs Horloger, by forests, rivers and waterfalls. It follows quiet, paved roads; check current conditions and local rules before setting off.

Biodiversity and distinctive landscapes

Doubs is home to a remarkable diversity of protected wildlife and plant life. On hikes, you may encounter chamois, lynx and various bird species, including capercaillies, though sightings are not guaranteed. Nearly 20 species can be observed along the Sentier de la Biodiversité between May and October. More than 5,000 species have been inventoried in the nature reserve at Lac de Remoray. These figures give nature its own appeal as something to discover, without implying that any particular species will be spotted on a given trip.

Those who want to learn more about habitats and wildlife can visit the Maison de la Réserve, with interactive exhibitions across 500 square metres and six rooms. They cover the protected area, Jura habitats and local wildlife. Activities and nature outings are also offered. As the exhibition layout may change, it is worth checking the current offering before your visit.

Geological formations also shape the landscape: Creux Billard is a karst resurgence of the Lison. It formed after the roof of an underground chamber collapsed. The summit of Mont-d’Or reaches 1,463 metres and offers views of the Alps and the Swiss mountains.

Architecture, tradition and regional cuisine

A notable example of Enlightenment-era industrial architecture is the Saline royale d’Arc-et-Senans. It was designed by Claude Nicolas Ledoux, and construction began in 1775. The Saline was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1982. It was the first site of industrial origin to receive this recognition. Architectural history and World Heritage status come together here.

Museums with very different focuses offer further insights into regional history. The Fromagerie-musée de Trépot preserves equipment used in traditional Comté production; a video and a Comté tasting round out the visit. The Musée rural de Foucherans displays rural collections in a 17th-century farmhouse. Guided tours are available on request; there is also a shop and a picnic area. The Maison du Patrimoine focuses on reconstructed 19th-century rooms, local traditions and dialects. Opening arrangements may change, so it is advisable to check the latest information before visiting.

Comté, Mont d’Or and cancoillotte are part of Doubs’ culinary tradition. Mont d’Or AOP is sold only from mid-September to mid-May and is eaten both cold and melted in the oven. In Pontarlier, the Distillerie Les Fils d’Emile Pernot welcomes visitors and specialises in absinthe, which is associated with the Haut-Doubs. Visits may be seasonal or require advance booking. Local products and the stories behind their production complement one another, though each discovery need not focus on the same thing.

Discover more destinations: Grand'Combe-Châteleu, La Chenalotte, Métabief, Montbeliardot, Sochaux, Pontarlier, Montbéliard, Geneuille, Besançon, Hyèvre-Paroisse, Torpes, By, Chalezeule, Baume-Les-Dames, Laval-Le-Prieuré, Grandfontaine-Sur-Creuse, École-Valentin, Chapelle-Des-Bois, Grandfontaine, Foucherans, Étupes, Villers-Le-Lac, Goumois, Fournets-Luisans, Les Combes, Audincourt, Chamesol, Ornans, Morteau, Les Fontenelles, Lods, Saint-Antoine, Buffard, Orchamps-Vennes, Pont-De-Roide, Rougemont, Bonnétage, Malbuisson, Le Russey, Mondon, Valentigney, Quingey, Émagny, Dung, Rang, Flagey, Montbenoît, Granges-Narboz, Jougne, Arc-Et-Senans, Bart, Mouthier-Haute-Pierre, Longevilles-Mont-D'or, Cléron, Charquemont, La Chaux, Les Fourgs, Maîche, Chaux-Neuve, Mouthe, Rochejean, Clerval, Marchaux, Voujeaucourt, Fournet-Blancheroche, Consolation-Maisonnettes, Amancey, Brey-Et-Maison-Du-Bois, Charbonnières-Les-Sapins, Villars-Sous-Écot, Montferrand-Le-Château, Mancenans, Hauterive-La-Fresse, Miserey-Salines, Mamirolle, Lavans-Vuillafans, Vuillecin, Bonnay, Rennes-Sur-Loue, Geney, Cubry, Étalans, Sancey-Le-Grand, Châtelblanc, Recologne, Abbévillers, Pierrefontaine-les-Varans, Nans-sous-Sainte-Anne, Fourbanne, Arc-sous-Cicon, Valoreille, Montlebon, Saint-Point-Lac, Loray, Corcelle-Mieslot, Oye-et-Pallet, Fleurey, Malpas, Dampierre-les-Bois, Larnod, Bremondans, Les Grangettes, Belleherbe, Les Auxons, Les Alliés, Montenois, La Cluse-et-Mijoux, Les Fins, La Grange, Verrières-de-Joux, Dommartin.

For the broader travel overview: Franche Comte.