Idea for a visit: Le Saut du Doubs
The highest waterfall in Western Europe
Discover the Saut du Doubs
Saut du Doubs is a 27-metre-high waterfall on the Franco-Swiss border, in the Doubs département of France and the canton of Neuchâtel in Switzerland. It is the highest waterfall in Western Europe accessible by road.
A little history...
This waterfall was formed by a landslide that blocked the course of the River Doubs around 14,000 years ago. The Doubs then formed an artificial lake 3.5 kilometres long and up to 40 metres deep. The river then flows into the gorge des Chênes, a steep and narrow gorge, before joining Lake Neuchâtel.
How to visit Saut du Doubs
There are several ways to visit Saut du Doubs.
🚶 On foot: the hiking trail around the Chênes gorge is a great way to discover the site. The trail is 5 kilometres long and takes around 2 hours to complete.
🐴 By horse-drawn carriage: a ride in a horse-drawn carriage is a comfortable way to discover Saut du Doubs. The horse-drawn carriages leave from the Villers-le-Lac tourist station and the journey takes around 30 minutes.
🚢 By boat: a boat or speedboat cruise is a spectacular way to discover the Saut du Doubs. The boats leave from the Villers-le-Lac tourist station and the journey takes around 1 hour, 2 hours with a stopover.
Hiking at Saut du Doubs
The hiking trail around the Gorge des Chênes is a signposted path accessible to all abilities. The trail offers beautiful views of the waterfall, the River Doubs and the Chênes Gorge.
The trail starts at the Villers-le-Lac tourist station. It heads south along the right bank of the River Doubs. After about 1.5 kilometres, the trail reaches the French belvedere, which offers a breathtaking view of the waterfall.
The trail then continues northwards along the left bank of the River Doubs. After about 1 kilometre, the trail reaches the Swiss belvedere, which offers a different view of the waterfall.
The trail ends at the Villers-le-Lac tourist station.
Practical information
- 📍 Le Saut-du-Doubs 227, 2416 Les Brenets, Switzerland
- Le Saut du Doubs is accessible by car, train or bus, and is open all year round, 7 days a week
- Saut du Doubs cruises take place from April to All Saints' Day
- Admission to Saut du Doubs varies according to the activity chosen
