It's impossible to sum up the Doubs in just a few words, so many different treasures abound! With its grandiose landscapes, picturesque villages, outdoor activities and exceptional heritage, this département nestled in the heart of the Franche-Comté region has everything to seduce travelers in search of an escape. From Lac Saint-Point to verdant waterfalls, from the snow-capped peaks of the Haut-Doubs to fascinating museums, not to mention local flavours such as Morteau sausage and the famous Comté cheese, everything here invites discovery. And to help you make sure you don't miss a thing, here's our selection of the 16 must-sees and must-do's in the Doubs!
1. Besançon citadel, Vauban city and Unesco world heritage site
Renowned for its quality of life, Besançon's discreet charm and rich heritage make it an attractive place to live . It is France's leading green city and proudly boasts the "Ville d'Art et d'Histoire" label, as well as UNESCO World Heritage status. To begin your exploration, take in the sights of Besançon's Citadelle. Majestic and imposing, it has dominated the city since the 17th century. Listed by UNESCO, it is one of the most beautiful citadels in France. A stroll along its ramparts offers spectacular views of the city and surrounding countryside. Inside, you'll find three museums: the Musée de la Résistance et de la Déportation, the Musée Comtois, and the Muséum, dedicated to biodiversity.
Read more: To find out more, read our article"What to do and see in Besançon? The 13 must-sees"
2. The Royal Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans: an exceptional UNESCO World Heritage site
Just 30 minutes from Besançon, Arc-et-Senans owes its fame to an exceptional UNESCO World Heritage site: the Royal Saltworks . Designed in the 18th century by visionary architect Claude-Nicolas Ledoux, this salt factory, built to complement the Salins-les-Bains saltworks in the Jura region, impresses with its bold architecture and fascinating history. Today, the Saline Royale houses several museums and offers a rich cultural program of exhibitions, concerts and events throughout the year. Every September, the town takes on a festive air during the famous Montgolfières event, when dozens of colorful balloons rise into the Doubs sky.
3. What to do in the Doubs? Outdoor activities in Malbuisson
Situated on the shores of Lac de Saint-Point, Malbuisson offers a peaceful setting and a wide range of outdoor activities. A beach and a nautical base have been set up, to the delight of swimmers, sailors and paddleboarders, who can't get enough of it. Local hotels are quick to point out their main asset: an unobstructed view of the lake. A small footpath just across the lake leads to the Saint-Antoine fort. Hikers can also take the famous GR5 towards Touillon-et-Loutelet, before reaching Jougne. Nearby, a short stroll will take you to the mysterious Blue Spring. Its transparency and striking hue have inspired a legend: that of Berthe de Joux, imprisoned in the Château de Joux in the Middle Ages, who is said to have wept so much over the death of her fiancé that her tears gave birth to this spring.
A rather inexpensive destination off the beaten tourist track, the Doubs will surprise you. Its endless forests scented with spruce, an abundant and precious species in the region, make it one of the best destinations for a country vacation!
4. See Saut du Doubs, a spectacular waterfall at Villers-Le-Lac
A stone's throw from the Swiss border, Villers-le-Lac is a charming little town set in a remarkable natural environment. It is best known for the Saut du Doubs, a spectacular waterfall and the first listed natural site in Franche-Comté, a true symbol of the region. For a more authentic experience, you can opt for a horse-drawn carriage ride. Nature is omnipresent, but the gastronomic offer is not to be outdone: several restaurants, including one with a Michelin star, contribute to the attractiveness of the area. Gourmets will also appreciate a visit to the local "fruitière à comté" (cheese dairy), home to 18 producers. It's a great opportunity to learn more about how this emblematic cheese is made... and to extend your tasting experience!
5. What to do in the Doubs? Go to Montbéliard
Montbéliard captivates visitors with its welcoming atmosphere and rich historical heritage. Dominating the city, the Château des Ducs de Wurtembergbuilt in the 16th century, offers superb panoramic views over the surrounding rooftops and landscapes. The town is also renowned for its Christmas market, one of the most beautiful in Europe, which attracts crowds of visitors every year to enjoy its enchanting atmosphere. For a nature break, head for the nearby Parc du Près-la-Rose, perfect for a stroll in the fresh air or a moment of relaxation with the family. Finally, it's impossible to visit Montbéliard without tasting its emblematic culinary specialty: the famous Montbéliard sausage, one of the most typical dishes in French gastronomy!
Read more: Top 15 of France's most beautiful Christmas markets
6. Festivals in Audincourt
About 45 minutes northeast of Besançon, via the A36 (exit 7, toll), Audincourt boasts a dynamic cultural life almost as rich as that of neighboring Montbéliard. Throughout the year, the town center comes alive with a variety of events, such as the comic strip festival in April, which attracts many enthusiasts, and the Rencontres et Racines festival, a must-see event in the early days of summer. The town also lives to the rhythm of the automotive industry: the Peugeot brand is well established here. It boasts an ultra-secure test track, a mecca for French technological innovation.
Read more: What to do in Burgundy-Franche-Comté? 21 must-sees
7. Dino Zoo Park: an unusual outing in the Doubs region
This prehistoric park in the Doubs region invites young and old to take a trip back in time, in the footsteps of the dinosaurs. An immersive experience that will delight young explorers and the curious alike! The trail takes visitors on a walk through life-size reproductions of dinosaurs, staged in a setting faithful to prehistory. There are also scenes of prehistoric life and a captivating 4D film on the origins of the universe. A number of interactive workshops enable visitors to learn more about rock art, fire-making and the hunting techniques of our ancestors. And to round off the visit in style, children can climb aboard the famous "dinos-galopant" for an original ride. An outing that's fun, educational and full of surprises!
Read more: Top 14 of the most beautiful zoos and animal parks to visit in France
8. What to do in the Doubs? Mouthe, the "little Siberia" of Doubs
Aptly nicknamed the "little Siberia" because of its harsh winters (with a record of -36.7°C recorded on January 13, 1968), Mouthe is located in the heart of the Jura mountains. Surrounded by breathtaking scenery, Mouthe is a mecca for winter tourism , and the venue for the Transjurassienne, the famous Nordic ski race. It's also where the Doubs rises, in a wild and unspoilt setting. Deep spruce forests, mysterious peat bogs, peaceful lakes, vast meadows and discreet fauna make up an ideal setting for nature lovers. Some even compare the region to certain parts of Canada, so complete is the change of scenery.
Read more: Top 25 most beautiful villages in France
9. Birdwatching at La Rivière-Drugeon ornithological observatory
Surrounded by reed beds, peat bogs, wet meadows and pastures, this observatory, classified as a Natura 2000 wetland, offers perfect immersion in the diversity of water birds. Armed with your binoculars, you may be lucky enough to spot grey or purple heron, mallard, kingfisher, shelduck, great egret or marsh harrier, all of which will reward your patience. Access is via the village center, with parking near the tennis courts.
10. What to do in the Doubs? Go to Baume-Les-Dames
Set in an impressive natural setting between seven hills, at the confluence of the Doubs and Cusancin rivers, Baume-les-Dames has long been marked by the presence of religious orders established within its walls. Its name refers to the nuns of the abbey founded between the 5th and 8th centuries. During the French Revolution, the town became Baume-les-Dames. It was also here, in the 18th century, that Jouffroy d'Abbans launched the first steamboat. Once a simple stopover village, the commune has gradually evolved, enhancing its rich heritage.
11. Pontarlier, world-famous for its absinthe
Pontarlier is the economic and commercial capital of the Haut-Doubs region. Its historic past, visible in the architecture of the town center and the Château de Joux, just a few kilometers away, bears witness to this. World-famous for its absinthe, it is also France's second-highest town, culminating at 837 meters. Thanks to its natural surroundings, with lakes, forests and numerous opportunities for sporting activities, Pontarlier offers an ideal"four-season" experience for outdoor enthusiasts. The town is also a true gastronomic center, with local specialties to savor. It's also a perfect base for exploring the Haut-Doubs region and neighboring Switzerland.
Read more: What to do in Switzerland The 25 most beautiful places to visit
12. Métabief, renowned throughout France for its ski area
Situated at an altitude of around 900 meters, this charming resort was created half a century ago. Renowned throughout France for its mid-mountain ski area, it has diversified its offer and made a name for itself in summer tourism, attracting many mountain bike enthusiasts. Several international competitions, including a world championship, have already been held here. Every summer, a music festival takes place here, headlined by internationally renowned artists. Métabief is also a starting point for access to Mont d'Or, the highest point of the Doubs, via Le Morond at an altitude of 1,419 meters. Don't miss the factory, once a mill, now a museum and listed as a Historic Monument.
Read more: Top 10 most popular French ski resorts
13. Maîche and its Comtois horse farms
The town is famous for its Comtois horse farms, with an annual competition bringing together over 500 animals! The first mention of a church dates back to the 12th century. The town boasts some superb residences, including a stunning neo-Gothic building at the southern entrance. The slopes of Mont Miroir (98 m) and Faux Verger are ideal for a stroll. Continue your walk to the Varoly caves. The corniche de Goumois offers magnificent views over the Doubs valley, along both the river and the Swiss border. A commemorative plaque recalls the historic meeting between De Gaulle, Churchill and Eisenhower in November 1944 in Maîche.
14. What to do in the Doubs? L'Aventure Peugeot in Sochaux: one of France's most famous automobile museums
This is one of the best car museums to visit in France. Welcome to the Musée de l'Aventure Peugeot, located in Sochaux, for a dive into the fascinating history of the famous lion brand. With over 130 vehicles on display, it traces Peugeot's development from its beginnings in 1810 to the present day. This unique museum, founded in the 1980s by Pierre Peugeot, aims to preserve the brand's history as a national heritage. You'll see not only automobiles, but also a vast collection of miscellaneous objects produced by Peugeot and its former marques, such as sewing machines, coffee grinders, radios and many other everyday items. Visitors can discover these treasures, between permanent and temporary collections, and appreciate the many exceptional pieces of French industrial history.
Good to know: For families, educational tours are organized for children aged 7 to 12, and during the spring vacations, a fun treasure hunt is offered. The museum also organizes birthday parties for young car enthusiasts, with a guided tour, birthday cake and Peugeot miniature car.
15. What to do in the Doubs? Taste typical culinary specialties
The Doubs is a veritable land of delights! Cheese lovers will be delighted by such must-tries as Comté du Jura, creamy Mont d'Or and delicately flavored Morbier. As for charcuterie, Morteau and Montbéliard sausages, renowned for their unique taste, are classic favourites. Curious visitors can also savor a local spirit, Pontarlier absinthe, a drink with a strong, authentic character that is an integral part of the Doubs heritage.
16. Ornans, a haven of peace far from mass tourism
Ornans is one of France's undiscovered destinations, ideal if you're looking for a place that combines nature and history, while remaining untouched by mass tourism. This picturesque village, nestled in the Loue valley, is a true haven of peace. A cultural city, Ornans is famous for being the birthplace of painter Gustave Courbet, to whom a museum is dedicated. Away from the historic streets of the town center, you'll discover an exceptional natural heritage around the Loue River, ideal for activities such as kayaking and fishing. The commune boasts an ecological campsite and several other campsites located on the edge of the village, in the heart of nature. It's an ideal destination for a camping holiday this summer, especially if you prefer authentic family campsites to large tourist complexes.
