Les Brenets: Doubs Landscape and Village History

Les Brenets combines the landscape along the Doubs with a village whose history dates back to the 16th century. Lac des Brenets lies on the Doubs in the village; the village itself sits on the west-facing slope of the Neuchâtel Jura, around 100 metres above the lake. Waterways, hikes and historic buildings offer different ways to shape a stay. If you’re looking for a hotel in Les Brenets, you could first consider whether you’d mainly like to explore the waterfall, the trails or the village itself.

Lake, Waterfall and Shore

The Saut du Doubs is a 27-metre-high waterfall. The hiking trail there starts in the village and leads through woodland and past cliffs to the water. The waterfall can also be reached by boat: the service travels across Lac des Brenets, and from the landing stage it’s a ten-minute walk. As boat services may vary by season, it’s worth checking the connection for your planned visit.

The Croisière sur le lac des Brenets offers another perspective on the Doubs basins. The trip travels through the basins in panoramic boats; this service may also vary by season. At Plage des Brenets, a rocky shore meets a pebble beach. Access to Lac des Brenets is available there, and swimming in the Doubs is offered. Local conditions may vary.

If you’d like to get out on the water yourself, the “Canoë sur le Doubs” offering lets you canoe on Lac des Brenets or the Doubs. SUP equipment can also be rented from a self-service box at the lake. This offering depends on the season and weather; bookings and canoeing operations may also be subject to seasonal conditions. During severe winter frosts, the Doubs basins may turn into a natural ice rink. Water activities, boat trips and the possibility of an ice surface therefore depend on different seasons and conditions—not on an offer that remains the same at all times.

Hiking Routes with Different Destinations

The hike to the Saut du Doubs starts right in the village. Other routes go further afield: Route No. 95, “Au fil du Doubs,” connects Les Brenets with Saint-Ursanne and follows the river through the heart of a nature park. “Le long du Doubs franco-suisse” runs along the French-Swiss border from Les Brenets to Maison Monsieur; colours are reflected in the water across the green landscape. The two routes therefore differ mainly in their stated destinations and courses.

“Histoire(s) du Doubs” is a guided hike from the landing stage, over a ridge and on to the Saut du Doubs. It is described as easy and is about five kilometres long, with an elevation gain of 180 metres. If you’re planning to join this guided hike, check in advance whether it’s being offered. Further afield, the Planet Trail runs in ten stages from Le Locle to the source of the Doubs. This informative hike presents the solar system on a reduced scale and passes through the Doubs Regional Nature Park.

A Village with a History

After the fire of 1848, Les Brenets was rebuilt according to a geometric layout plan. This planned design gives the village an urban character. The 16th-century church survived the fire of 1848; it had previously been repaired following a fire in 1694. In 1859, a new temple was added to the built-up area, at its most prominent location.

The Tour Jürgensen also connects architecture and landscape: it was built on a rocky promontory near the Doubs and offers a viewpoint over Lac des Brenets. The tower is open 24 hours a day, year-round; temporary restrictions due to maintenance or weather may nevertheless apply. Together with the historic buildings, it shows how closely the village, river and viewpoints are connected in Les Brenets.

Shape Your Stay Around Your Interests

When looking for a hotel in Les Brenets, it may help to decide first what you’d like to focus on during your stay: the waterfall can be reached on foot or by boat, while the longer routes have different destinations and courses. If you’re particularly interested in the village, its rebuilding after 1848, the church and the temple offer specific points of historical interest.

Discover more destinations: Le Cerneux-Péquignot, Les Ponts-De-Martel, Brot-Plamboz, Le Locle, La Brévine

Go to the main travel overview: Le Locle.