For those looking for a thrilling adventure, the Via Ferrata at the 'Echelles de la Mort' is the activity for you, with some fantastic views!
48 hours in the 'Pays Horloger'
Weekend around the Saut du Doubs waterfall in autumn
Here, to explore the magic of nature and the traditional expertise of our ancestors, we take it slowly, at an easy-going pace. You'll soon see that in the Pays Horloger, we know how to take our time. There's so much to see and do here, guaranteed to satisfy your curiosity, from the Saut du Doubs waterfall and pools, nature and waterfalls in the Val de Consolation, the hike up the 'Echelles de la Mort', the traditional farms, and so much more. With the autumn colours as an added bonus, the whole area becomes even more magical.
Here, we invite you to appreciate the little moments in life when great memories are made, and to simply relax and recharge your batteries.
Day 1 - river and waterfall
Boat trip to the Saut du Doubs waterfall
The Jura Mountains are often described as being a little Canada, and the Bassins du Doubs pools are a great example of this! Exploring this area on a boat trip is a good way to see this for yourselves.
You'll be sailing along the Doubs. This river may not seem particularly impressive from the departure point, but as you sail along, it becomes wider and winds through the cliffs and past scenery that is so surprising, you'll completely forget about all signs of civilisation that are still however quite close.
When you arrive at your destination, you'll still have a few metres to go before getting to the Saut du Doubs. This waterfall can be very impressive as the snow melts, and more discreet in periods of drought, but it is still a spectacular sight whatever the season. It is the highlight of this boat trip.
Vue aérienne de la Chute du Saut du Doubs à l'automne Les Droners / Montagnes du Jura
Bassins du Saut du Doubs à l'automne Les Droners / Montagnes du Jura
Day 1 - Hiking between France and Switzerland
An exciting hike up the 'Echelles de la Mort'
The 'Échelles de la Mort' (ladders of death)... can sound a bit scary! But there's no danger, unless you're particularly afraid of heights that is.
The hike up these 'ladders' which are actually steps, is accessible and will be rewarded with a superb panoramic view across the Vallée de la Mort.
So where does the name come from? Probably because this route is just opposite Switzerland and it's likely that smugglers used the route, at their peril!
Find out more
For adventurers
Via Ferrata at the 'Echelles de la Mort'
Day 2 - Farm-museum
Go back in time at an old-fashioned farm of Franche-Comté
As you step inside this farm, you'll be stepping into the past..
The smell from the hob in the ancient kitchen, the smoke from the 'tué' (large chimney, a symbol of our region), the squeaking floorboards... You'll feel like time has stopped and everything has frozen as it was back then.
All that's missing is for someone who was around in this era to tell us all about the struggles of farming life. You never know, you might just run into someone with a few stories to tell...
In the meantime, Marie will be your guide and will tell you all about life back then: the hay, milking the cows, washing clothes, gardening, smoking meat, etc. On this tour you'll find out all about how our ancestors lived, not so long ago, dependent on the seasons.
Ferme-Musée de Grand'Combe Châteleu
Ferme à tuyé typique du secteur de Morteau
Sandrine Baverel -BFC Tourisme
Local treats
The recipe for Annette's 'crapés'
It's time for an afternoon snack! Just like the local 'gâteau de ménage', the apple 'crâpés' are not-to-be-missed. What a treat!
Day 2 - Walk around the springs and through the forest
Embrace the greenery and fresh air at the Parc de Consolation
This is the place for dreamers, those with an imagination, the pensive. If you are the kind of person who sees animals in the clouds, then you are ready for an experience in this forest. Here, we can almost picture the little elves hiding in the moss on the trees... maybe they're watching us. In any case, it'll be difficult to hear them because the sound of the trickling waters from the springs fills the air. The water can be heard coming from all directions and really adds to the magic of this place.
You're guaranteed to feel at peace in this revitalising, unspoilt natural environment.
A delicious meal and a good night's sleep
