Discover the Doubs: landscapes, trails and culture

In the Doubs département, the high plateaus of the Jura Massif shape much of the landscape: they cover two-thirds of the area. At the same time, the valleys of the Doubs and Ognon rivers run through the département. This combination gives your trip two distinctive landscape features to explore: highlands and river valleys. The Doubs landscapes are considered varied and well preserved; the region is also notable for its biodiversity, with numerous protected animal and plant species. You can explore the region according to a range of interests, from nature and hiking to architecture and regional cuisine.

Hiking trails and wildlife watching

The GR® 59 crosses the département from the Doubs Valley towards the Jura Massif, with views from mountain ridges. The Sentier Pédestre de l’Absinthe connects Pontarlier and Noiraigue along a 48 km route; on its French section, it reaches the 1,323 m-high Grand Taureau. The trails offer different experiences: the GR® 59 is defined by its route from the valley to the Jura and its high-altitude views, while the Sentier Pédestre stands out for its length and cross-border route. Check the GR® 59 trail conditions in advance, and check the conditions and cross-border arrangements for the Absinthe trail.

While hiking, you may encounter chamois, lynxes and a variety of birdlife, including capercaillies. Such sightings are not guaranteed and may vary depending on the season. More than 5,000 species have been recorded in the Lac de Remoray protected area. Along the Sentier de la Biodiversité, almost 20 species can be observed between May and October.

The Maison de la Réserve combines interactive exhibits across 500 square metres with six rooms covering topics such as the protected area, Jura habitats and wildlife. The programme also includes activities and nature outings. As the exhibition layout may change, it is worth checking the current displays before your visit.

The Sans dessus Dessoubre loop runs through the Parc naturel régional du Doubs Horloger. Forests, rivers and waterfalls define the route, which follows quiet roads. Check route conditions and local rules before setting out. The Doubs Valley section of EuroVelo 6 runs mostly on greenways and is accessible to everyone. You can start in Belfort, Montbéliard or Besançon.

Landscape and geology

The summit of Mont-d’Or is at 1,463 m and offers views towards the Alps and the Swiss mountains. Another distinctive feature is the Creux Billard, a karst resurgence of the Lison. It was formed when the roof of an underground chamber collapsed. Together, these places reveal two different sides of the landscape: expansive views from a summit and a geological feature shaped by what lies beneath the surface.

Architecture and local culture

The Saline royale d’Arc-et-Senans is a major work of Enlightenment-era industrial architecture, designed by Claude Nicolas Ledoux; construction began in 1775. It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1982. It was the first site of industrial origin to receive this recognition. Its construction date and World Heritage status thus mark two different milestones in its history.

The Maison du Patrimoine presents reconstructed 19th-century rooms, local traditions and dialects. Opening arrangements may change, so check before visiting. 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. Here too, check the latest visitor information in advance.

Cheese, absinthe and regional traditions

Doubs specialities include Comté, Mont d’Or and cancoillotte. Mont d’Or AOP is sold exclusively from mid-September to mid-May. The cheese is served cold or melted in the oven. This season is quite distinct from the year-round landscape and cultural attractions described here—a useful detail if you also want to plan your trip around local food traditions.

The Fromagerie-musée de Trépot preserves equipment used in traditional Comté production. A video and a Comté tasting round out the visit; visitor arrangements may change. 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.

Choose your hotel location based on your trip

When looking for a hotel in the Doubs, it helps to first decide which interests matter most: long-distance trails and wildlife watching offer a different experience from architecture, museums or cheese traditions.

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

For the broader travel overview: Franche Comte.