📍 France

DOUBS: CLOCK-MAKING AND SWISS BORDER HERITAGE ROUTE

Watchmaking beats with perfect precision, peaks pierce the sky, lake waters gleam. Doubs cultivates methodical heritage.

≈ 10
Days
253
Km
9
Stops
📖 5 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Visit Besançon's Vauban citadel, Courbet museum at Ornans, Malbuisson lakes, taste Morteau sausage and discover Baume-les-Messieurs abbey. Doubs, watchmaking and Jura landscapes.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Besancon

citadel fortress city tower

Besancon - Photo 1Besancon - Photo 2Besancon - Photo 3Besancon - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Vauban Citadel (UNESCO).
2
Museum of Time.
3
Courbet's birthplace.
🎯

Activities

→
Astronomical clock.
→
Doubs Loop.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 22.7 km
Travel time: 45min
2
Day

Ornans

painter village charm glow

Ornans - Photo 1Ornans - Photo 2Ornans - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Mirror of the Loue.
2
Absinthe distilleries.
3
Saint-Pierre Gate.
🎯

Activities

→
Source of the Loue (Ouhans).
→
Absinthe tasting.
→
Skiing at Mont d'Or (winter).
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 35.4 km
Travel time: 1h11
3
Day

Pontarlier

mountain gateway glow town

Pontarlier - Photo 1Pontarlier - Photo 2Pontarlier - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Lake Saint-Point.
2
Lake Saint-Point (third largest natural lake).
3
Clock Museum.
🎯

Activities

→
Lake walk.
→
Saut du Doubs (waterfall).
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 20 km
Travel time: 40min
4
Day

Metabief

ski resort tradition mountain

Metabief - Photo 1Metabief - Photo 2Metabief - Photo 3Metabief - Photo 4Metabief - Photo 5Metabief - Photo 6Metabief - Photo 7Metabief - Photo 8Metabief - Photo 9
9 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Market (Sunday morning).
2
Russey Plateau.
🎯

Activities

→
Morteau sausage tasting.
→
Comtois farms.
→
Cheese dairies.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 6.4 km
Travel time: 13min
5
Day

Malbuisson

lake village crown water

Malbuisson - Photo 1Malbuisson - Photo 2Malbuisson - Photo 3Malbuisson - Photo 4Malbuisson - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Watchmaking.
2
Castle of the Dukes of Württemberg.
🎯

Activities

→
Christmas lights (December).
→
Gastronomy (Montbéliard sausage).
→
Lake walk.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 48 km
Travel time: 1h36
6
Day

Morteau

sausage heritage anchor town

Morteau - Photo 1Morteau - Photo 2
2 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Saint-Martin Temple.
2
Peugeot Museum (Sochaux).
3
Doubs Valley.
🎯

Activities

→
Saut du Doubs (waterfall).
→
Morteau sausage tasting.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 33.9 km
Travel time: 1h08
7
Day

Maiche

mountain town spread high

Maiche - Photo 1Maiche - Photo 2Maiche - Photo 3Maiche - Photo 4Maiche - Photo 5Maiche - Photo 6Maiche - Photo 7
7 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Russey Plateau.
2
Watchmaking.
🎯

Activities

→
Hiking.
→
Comtois farms.
→
Cheese dairies.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 37.5 km
Travel time: 1h15
8
Day

Montbeliard

industrial heritage city tower

Montbeliard - Photo 1Montbeliard - Photo 2Montbeliard - Photo 3Montbeliard - Photo 4Montbeliard - Photo 5Montbeliard - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 8
🔍

Discover

1
Castle of the Dukes of Württemberg.
2
Saint-Martin Temple.
3
Peugeot Museum (Sochaux).
🎯

Activities

→
Christmas lights (December).
→
Gastronomy (Montbéliard sausage).
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 48.6 km
Travel time: 1h37
9
Day

Baume Les Dames

abbey heritage glow stone

Baume Les Dames - Photo 1Baume Les Dames - Photo 2Baume Les Dames - Photo 3Baume Les Dames - Photo 4Baume Les Dames - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 9
🔍

Discover

1
Abbey.
2
Old town.
3
Doubs Valley.
🎯

Activities

→
Hiking.
→
Canoe.
→
Fishing.

🗺️ Itinerary map

🗺️ Nearby itineraries

SAÔNE: PLATEAUS AND COMTOIS HERITAGE

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COMTOIS MOUNTAINS AND EMERALD LAKES

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CITADEL AND LION

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🛡️ Travel advice - France

Check official recommendations

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming countryside, ideal for all regions, moderate crowds, excellent value, romantic atmosphere.

Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, perfect for Mediterranean coast, festival season.

Fall (September-October): Harvest season, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, wine regions spectacular, excellent photography, good value.

Winter (November-March): Christmas markets, ski season Alps, fewer crowds, lowest prices, cozy indoor attractions, cultural experiences.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 8 and 12 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in France?

Cultural capital with incredible cuisine, world-famous attractions, and diverse regions from Paris to Provence. Experience artistic heritage, wine culture, and sophisticated lifestyle. The country offers excellent infrastructure with cultural depth and culinary excellence. France provides complete cultural experiences with historical significance and modern sophistication in easily accessible destination.