📍 France

DOUBS ESSENCE: GORGES, CRAFTS AND WATERFALL WONDER

Jade-colored rivers carving spectacular gorges, waterfalls thundering in valleys, villages where craftsmen's hammers still ring, Vauban citadels. Doubs, between nature and heritage.

≈ 7
Days
182
Km
6
Stops
📖 4 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Discover Doubs between nature and heritage. Tour limestone gorges. Visit Besançon citadel. Wander Ornans and Pontarlier. Discover craft expertise. The terrain structures stone villages.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Besancon

citadel gorges green hills anchor

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

Discover

1
Discovery of Besançon's historic center: Battant bridge, Vauban quay and Place de la Révolution.
2
Visit to the Museum of Fine Arts and Archaeology of Besançon.
3
Exploration of the Time Museum at Granvelle palace, a clockmaking masterpiece.
4
Discovery of Victor Hugo's birthplace and its multimedia exhibition.
+1 Places visited
🎯

Activities

→
Boat ride on the Doubs or walk on the towpath to admire the city's loop.
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Panorama from the viewpoints of Chaudanne and Brégille forts.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 16 km
Travel time: 25min
2
Day

Ornans

artist colony riverside beauty

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

Discover

1
Visit to the Museum of Comtois Houses in Nancray, reconstruction of traditional rural houses.
2
Discovery of the Poudrey chasm in Étalans and its sound & light show.
3
Walk in the center of Ornans and discovery of the stilt houses and the Loue.
4
Visit to the Gustave Courbet museum and the source of the Loue.
🎯

Activities

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Marked hike on the Loue Trail to admire the valley and surrounding cliffs.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 35 km
Travel time: 45min
3
Day

Pontarlier

alpine gateway timber heritage

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

Discover

1
Tasting of Marsotte kirsch in Mouthier-Haute-Pierre.
2
Observation of the source of the Doubs in Ouhans and visit to the natural site.
3
Visit to the Armand Guy distillery in Pontarlier to discover the history of absinthe.
4
Discovery of the Joux castle and its fortifications, wells and weapons collections.
🎯

Activities

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Panoramic walk to Fort Mahler for a view of the castle and the Jura mountains.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 25 km
Travel time: 35min
4
Day

Labergement Sainte Marie

waterfall thunder limestone cathedral

Labergement Sainte Marie - Photo 1Labergement Sainte Marie - Photo 2Labergement Sainte Marie - Photo 3Labergement Sainte Marie - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Walk around Lake Saint-Point, the third largest natural lake in France.
2
Discovery of the House of the Reserve in Labergement-Sainte-Marie.
3
Visit to the Obertino foundry and demonstration of bell casting.
4
Discovery of the Rucher des 2 Lacs and explanation of the work of bees.
+1 Places visited
🎯

Activities

→
Pedal boat or sailing trip on Lake Saint-Point.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 40 km
Travel time: 45min
5
Day

Nans Sous Sainte Anne

source river emerald springs

Nans Sous Sainte Anne - Photo 1Nans Sous Sainte Anne - Photo 2Nans Sous Sainte Anne - Photo 3Nans Sous Sainte Anne - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of the Frasne peat bog and educational trail on wooden walkways.
2
Visit to the source of the Lison and the Sarrazine cave, spectacular natural sites.
3
Visit to the old taillanderie of Nans-sous-Sainte-Anne, historic hydraulic workshop.
🎯

Activities

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Observation of local wildlife: chamois and peregrine falcons around the cliffs.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 30 km
Travel time: 40min
6
Day

Arc Et Senans

utopian saltworks architecture dream

Arc Et Senans - Photo 1Arc Et Senans - Photo 2Arc Et Senans - Photo 3Arc Et Senans - Photo 4Arc Et Senans - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Visit to the Royal Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans, masterpiece by Claude-Nicolas Ledoux inscribed on UNESCO.
2
Discovery of the thematic gardens of the Saline.
3
Exploration of the Osselle cave and its limestone concretions.
🎯

Activities

→
Walk through the villages of Salins-les-Bains and Port-Lesney to admire the Loue.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 36 km
Travel time: 40min
7
Day

Besancon

citadel gorges green hills anchor

Besancon - Photo 1Besancon - Photo 2Besancon - Photo 3Besancon - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Return to Besançon and stroll through the old streets.
2
Additional free visit to the Museum of Fine Arts or walk along the banks of the Doubs.
🎯

Activities

→
Final panoramic walk on the heights of the Citadelle to admire the bend of the Doubs.

🗺️ Itinerary map

🗺️ Nearby itineraries

SAÔNE: PLATEAUS AND COMTOIS HERITAGE

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CLOCKMAKING AND SWISS BORDER

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COMTOIS MOUNTAINS AND EMERALD LAKES

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🛡️ Travel advice - France

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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 6 and 8 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.