Basse vallée du Doubs

Linking the mountainous massifs of the Jura Arc and the agricultural areas of the Saône Valley, the Doubs is one of the most important rivers in central eastern France.

This still wild river, often compared to a "small Loire", rises at Mouthe in the Haut-Jura, makes a diversion through Switzerland, crosses the Doubs, the Jura and then the Saône-et-Loire where, after 450 km, it joins the Saône at Verdun-sur-le-Doubs. On reaching Dole, the Doubs leaves its steep valley to enter the plain, which is made up of loose materials (pebbles, sand). The river then releases the energy accumulated since its source by meandering through a wide (2km), gently sloping valley.

This mobility is at the origin of the diversity of natural habitats encountered (wet meadows, gravel banks, sandy cliffs, alluvial forests, etc.) and the multiplicity of species present (more than 200 species of birds, around thirty species of dragonflies, a diverse fish fauna, protected plants, etc.).

This remarkable but fragile ecological wealth has justified the deployment of tools for the protection and enhancement of biodiversity with the creation of the Île du Girard National Nature Reserve (in 1982), the establishment of a Prefectural Biotope Protection Order (in 1992) and the inclusion of the valley in the large European Natura 2000 network (since 1995).

In order to protect biodiversity, specific regulations may apply in certain sectors. For more information, contact the tourism professionals or click on the links above.

To discover the flora and fauna of the river, come and take advantage of the nature activities offered in the area throughout the year.

Dole Environnement (association managing the RNN) https://www.facebook.com/Association-Dole-Environnement-321282407896103/

EPTB Saône-et-Doubs (organisation in charge of the Natura 2000 site) https://www.facebook.com/pg/eptbsd/posts/?ref=page_internal