Things to see and do Doubs

Two inland waterway companies, one French and one Franco-Swiss, leave the shores of the lake towards one of the most beautiful natural sites in the department. By going, about 7   km, the comments of the crew of the flight explain the geological richness of the canyons carved in the Jura mountains by the river. A landing at 400   m from the falls makes it possible to walk to the ground before the short walk near the Jump. Many possibilities for visits are offered to complete your trip (cheese maker, farm, horlogerie museum, machine machine, underground mills…).

To make the department discover its inhabitants and to travel travellers, the Tourism Committee of Doubs had the idea of developing this original concept: the Safari GPS. Halfway between the track game and the treasure hunt, it leads you to meet the most important places in the territory. Among them, the Mérey-sous-Montrond karst trail is a real geological treasure: You can climb in a green setting and punctuated by unsuspected caves. Would you like to add a playful dimension to this educational course? Very well, you will be required a GPS allowing to return geographical coordinates, a hint of curiosity and a good dose of observation! Accessible to everyone, an activity that combines nature, culture, and adventure…

Tariff: free if you own a GPS; Otherwise you can rent one at the tourist office.

Duration: variable.

Difficulty: pretty easy.

Other practical information: to respect the tradition of Safari GPS, provide a gadget to leave in the treasure box, in exchange for the one you won.

Promenons us in the woods… It borders the city on the north-west side and extends from its proud trees to 1 673 ha. Complete health course, area of attraction of the Main Barracks (parking, shelters, playgrounds, hiking trails) and a zoo area (a water point, nest park…) are all guarantees of change and green. Finally, on the roads, or on the stone roads, offer a forest trip about 1 h 15, in the heart of the Massif forest, every Sunday, starting from the Main barracks.

Built by Auguste Lucien Vérité, at the request of Archbishop Mathieu, in the 19th century, the Besançon astronomical clock is a small jewel of technicality and precision. More than 30,000 parts, 11 movements, 57 dials providing more than 122 interdependent indications, on the calendar, moon phases, eclipses, tides... Depending on the time and date, the clock comes to life in a mechanical broom and reveals small scenes inspired by the Bible before your eyes, including at noon the resurrection of Christ.

For more than 50 years, from 1900 to 1953, this small regional train went through the Doubs countryside by all the time. We can travel in the past through all kinds of objects: models, time tickets, photos, press clippings, a dummy with a controller suit, the ticket desk where the travel tickets are issued… The place is both picturesque, outdated and a dusty strand but it is part of the discovery of the old métrique railway with pleasure. In addition, the people who take care of this museum are truly passionate, they will be happy to share their knowledge with you.

The presence of a kursaal (holiday room for the curistes of the water towns) in Besançon shows quite well the Germanic influence of the neighbouring regions and recalls that the city was once a thermal destination. Built in 1892, the Kursaal now hosts theatre and film programming, balls, fashion shows… in a charming showroom.

Thanks to its fortifications, since 2008 Besançon has been registered as A UNESCO World Heritage Site and is now part of the «Vauban Major Sites Network», with 18 buildings to discover through the city. In addition to the famous citadel, the forts and vestiges of ramparts testify to the importance of the city fortifications. The different bastions are positioned around the loop of Doubs, thus forming a parade against any possible attack. Finally on the heights of the Battant quarter and the Station, other buildings allowed to take up the height to monitor the city. A hiking route map is available at the tourist office.

Just a few kilometres from Besançon, this exceptional view of the Franc Chapel is located in the hamlet of the Buis Chapel, on horseback on Fontain, Morre and Boucle. This lookout on the crest of St. Stephen Hill is approximately 500 metres high. So the Bisontins come there on the big summer heats to find a fresh breeze. After a little tour in the hamlet, you can quietly visit our Buis Lady Chapel before pushing to the lookout. Next, we will stop at Notre-Dame de la Libération, a small church built in a former fort in the aftermath of the Second World War in memory of the Bisontins and Bisontines victims of the conflict. A statue of more than 7 metres overlooks the panorama and the small church. Between contemplation, historic walk and point of view, the pretexts for making this walk are numerous.

A building that underwent numerous transformations during the th, th, th and th centuries. A former hospice of the Holy Spirit, the church has become a Protestant temple since 1842. In his courtyard you can admire a beautiful wooden gallery finished in the early th century.

Located along the quays, this architectural ensemble looks after its impressive appearance. Works by the architect Marnotte (1869), he is of néomauresque style and endowed with an affirmed orientalism. You will admire the finesse of the sculptures and decorations of the four facades punctuated by pillars and narrow openings.

The sentinel of the Battant neighborhood! Built under Louis XV from 1746 on the plans of the architect Nicolas Nicole, the Madeleine is a model of neoclassical architecture. With its large façade flanked by two square towers, which were completed in 1830, the building is very impressive. Inside, three naves follow in a harmonious set.

Connecting the city centre to the historic quarter of the same name, the Battant Bridge is located on the Grand-Rue axis. Once Roman way joining the provinces of Italy, it was a long bridge to cross the Doubs river. The stone building dating back to the Roman era was partially destroyed during the Second World war and today only the base of a pillar remains. On the left bank you can admire the unique architectural ensemble of the Vauban quay, which is crowned by the arcades of its th century houses.

The town hall of Besançon was completed in 1573 after almost two centuries of récurentes changes. Proud and royal, above its porch, you can admire the eagle of Besançon with both columns. On the right, the vast niche contained, until the Revolution, a bronze fountain representing Charles Quint overlapping a two-legged eagle; it is still surmounted by the motto «And to God». Finally, you can note that, on the embossed facade, the architect made the blue and beige veins of the besancon stone alterner to show graphic lines.

Founded in the fourth century, the current church was erected between 1782 and 1786 by architect Bertrand, according to projects by Victor Louis. The impressive height of its steeple is explained by its role as a belfry. The interior is equally imposing with its large columns. You also admire the woodwork that compose the choir, as well as works of art such as the Pietà de Luc Breton.

A recreation area that brings together many activities for the whole family: treetop with four courses, two dedicated to children, rollerbe, kart, mountain biking. In winter, glisse sports are set up and skaters can take advantage of the ice skating rink, while skiers will follow the slopes on the slopes! Snowshoe hiking trails are also marked. A great place to spend good moments with family. 

France's largest building in wood frame and insulation of straw, La Damassine is intended to be educational with raising public awareness of eco-construction and energy saving. It also aims to promote rural heritage, including through orchards and numerous animations around the cultivation of fruit trees, fauna and flora. The availability of facilities such as press, miellerie and professional kitchens allows everyone to benefit from wise advice for the maintenance of orchards, and to press fruit to make its juices. A unique and exceptional place to visit absolutely. 

A leisure base and a very popular water area for their calm and cleanliness. You can choose to rest and relax on your towel, or practice one of the activities proposed: pedal boats, windsurfing, water skiing, canoeing… The three water plans offer enough choice to occupy the whole family. Welcome. Camping nearby (Tel: 03 81 86 90 87).

A few steps from the city centre, 90 ha of shade and 8 km of pedestrian paths, half of which are reachable in all seasons and by all the time. A 1 700 m health course will probably complement your walk. From the fort of Bregille you can admire the citadel of high (which is not so common), as well as a panoramic view of Besançon. On sunny days, the sunset is facing you from this fort! To get there: The car from the Chemin du fort de Bregille or, more picturesque, a pedestrian trail (departure above the Sainte-Jeanne-d'Arc church).

Situated between the Massif du Mont d'Or and the Massif de l'Herba, the village of Les Hôpitaux-Neufs is the commercial center of the Métabief resort. It is famous for its 13th-century Romanesque church, which was burnt down by the Swedes during the 30 Years' War and restored in Italian Renaissance style in the 16th century. The Baroque bell tower was added in 1694 and the church is now listed as a historic monument. The village also offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking and trail walking, mountain biking, paragliding, fishing and climbing. In winter, the Métabief resort offers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and a variety of other winter activities.

To be exact, the rock of Haute-Pierre is not located in the valley. It overlooks the village of Lods and offers one of the most beautiful views of the Loue and its meanders. At the height of Petit Paris on the N 57, don't miss petty 244, which extends to the village of Hautepierre-le-Châtelet. It is possible to park on the landscaped car park. Then undertake, at the height of the cemetery and the last point of water, the delicate ascent.

After 10 minutes on a compact earth trail, we see the cross, planted at the top of the rock. Brown and friable land suddenly gives way to limestone. Only a few metres and the gentle slope stops abruptly, changes incline and turns into a cliff. Loue flows 300 m below. Marsotte-Haute-Pierre is on your left. Lods is located further downstream. In summer we see canoes on the river and trout fishermen on its shores. In winter, you can simply take the quality of the landscape. This is one of the most beautiful views of the Loue Valley, one of the department's jewels.