Villers-Le-Lac combines the Doubs landscape with local watchmaking. The Bassins du Doubs, the Saut du Doubs waterfall and the Musée de la Montre each offer a different focus; marked trails and activities on the water and in the snow round out the options. To plan your trip, you can first decide whether you want to focus on the river landscape, outdoor activities or watchmaking.
The Doubs Landscape and Saut du Doubs
The Bassins du Doubs include cliffs more than 40 metres high, dropping down to calm, dark, deep waters where boats travel. From Lac de Chaillexon, the Doubs forms a natural border between France and Switzerland for about 40 kilometres. The Bassins are therefore known for their waterside scenery, while the river also serves as a geographical border.
The Saut du Doubs waterfall formed after a rockslide created an obstruction in the river. It is designated a Grand Site National. Following the construction of a French-Swiss footbridge, the viewpoints and paths at the Saut du Doubs were completely revamped. Its formation, designation, and revamped viewpoints and paths offer different ways to explore this natural attraction.
Trails, Water and Winter Activities
Villers-Le-Lac has marked trails for hiking, cycling and horseback riding. Canoeing, water skiing and boat trips through the Doubs Gorges are possible along the banks of the Doubs. In winter, there are 80 kilometres of groomed cross-country ski trails, and dog-sled rides take you through snowy expanses. The options vary by activity and setting: trails on land, activities along the banks of the Doubs, and experiences in snowy landscapes. This overview can help you choose what to focus on during your trip.
Watchmaking and Visits
The Musée de la Montre at L'Ébauche presents a selection of collections from the former museums of Villers-Le-Lac and Morteau. The museum also provides an overview of the Cité des Horlogers project and highlights the local watchmaking ecosystem, including the Lycée de Morteau, watchmaking companies and various activities. The museum's focus thus ranges from the former collections to the local watchmaking community.
A relaxation area with books and films about local watchmaking companies and notable figures adds to the visitor experience. As visitor information may change, it is best to confirm these details before your visit.
For 2026, a free visit with tasting is planned at Fruitière Les Majors at 8:30 a.m., by reservation. Confirm the reservation details in advance, as they may change. This gives you a specific visit to consider when planning your trip, alongside the landscape and watchmaking.
Discover more destinations: Cléron, Montferrand-Le-Château, Les Auxons, Goumois, Foucherans, La Chenalotte, Montbenoît, Bonnétage
For the broader travel overview: Doubs.
