Les bassins et le Saut du Doubs

A site to discover...
From Villers-le-Lac, the Doubs lazily winds its way through the hollow of a valley, crosses the small lake of Chaillexon, then widens between mountains and cliffs to form the Doubs basins.
This natural reservoir, 3,500 m long, 100 to 200 m wide and 30 to 40 m deep, where the water becomes darker, is a landscape of impressive beauty and authenticity. In winter, the ice covering these still waters is the largest natural ice rink in Europe!
The result of a geological upheaval, 14,250 years ago, the Doubs basins form an exception due to its karstic drainage system, which causes natural variations in level of almost 20 m between high and low water.
The Saut du Doubs is the result of a landslide that blocked the passage of water. This impetuous 27 m waterfall, classified as a Grand Site National, is the apotheosis of this water reservoir.
The site can be discovered :
- On foot: access from Villers-le-Lac by the GR5 (about 14 km round trip) or from the Vions car park (about 5 km round trip). Free walking map available on request from the Pays Horloger Tourist Offices.
- By horse-drawn carriage: pulled by Comtois horses.
- By boat: for a 14 km cruise with commentary in the heart of the Doubs Gorges. A stopover gives access to the lookouts overlooking the waterfall.