Villers-Le-Lac: Doubs Gorges, Trails and Watchmaking Culture

Villers-Le-Lac can be explored through two distinctive themes: the Doubs Gorges, with their water and rock landscapes, and local watchmaking. There are also marked trails for several activities and snow-based options. When choosing a hotel, consider whether nature and outdoor activities or culture will be the focus of your trip; the specific local offerings provide different points of reference.

The Doubs Gorges and the river landscape

The Bassins du Doubs include cliffs more than 40 metres high. They descend to calm, black, deep waters on which boats travel. The Saut du Doubs waterfall formed after a rockslide created an obstruction in the river. The waterfall is designated a Grand Site National. This brings both the shape of the cliffs and the formation of the waterfall into focus: one defines the landscape, while the other explains how the cascade came to be.

From Lac de Chaillexon, the Doubs forms a natural border between France and Switzerland for about 40 kilometres. At Saut du Doubs, the viewpoints and trails were completely revamped after a French-Swiss footbridge was built. This stretch of river combines a striking landscape with a cross-border aspect; the revamped viewpoints and trails are another part of the visitor facilities at the waterfall.

Trails, water and snow

Villers-le-Lac has marked trails for hiking, cycling and horse riding. The trails therefore cover three different ways of getting around, with their markings forming a concrete part of what is on offer. Canoeing, water skiing and boat trips are also available in the Doubs Gorges. For trip planning, there is a clear distinction between activities on marked trails and those on the water. Choosing between these focuses lets you weigh land-based and river activities separately.

For snow-based activities, Villers-le-Lac has 80 kilometres of groomed cross-country ski trails. Dog-sled rides through snow-covered expanses are also available. The two offerings differ in form: the trails focus on cross-country skiing along groomed routes, while the rides focus on travelling by dog sled.

Watchmaking and local culture

The Musée de la Montre in L’Ébauche presents a selection from the collections of the former museums of Villers-le-Lac and Morteau. The selection therefore includes collections from both towns. The museum also provides an overview of the Cité des Horlogers project and explores the local watchmaking ecosystem. This includes the Lycée de Morteau, watchmaking companies and various events. The collections, the project overview and examples from the watchmaking ecosystem offer different ways to explore the subject.

The museum also has a relaxation area with books and films about local watchmaking companies and personalities. If this area is important to your plans, check the latest information before your visit, as details may change.

Tasting by reservation

For 2026, a free tour with tasting at Fruitière Les Majors is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. by reservation. Check the reservation details in advance, as they may change.

Discover more destinations: Montferrand-Le-Château, Montenois, Longevilles-Mont-D'or, Chapelle-Des-Bois, Grand'Combe-Châteleu, Malpas, Grandfontaine-Sur-Creuse, École-Valentin.

For the broader travel overview: Doubs.