Le Doubs
Discovering the Doubs: natural, cultural and gastronomic treasures
Visit Doubs, department located in eastern France, is a land rich in history, diverse landscapes and delicious culinary traditions. Part of the Burgundy-Franche-ComtéIt shares a border with Switzerland of almost 170 km, and is largely part of the Jura massif. Its highest point, Mont d'Or, rises to 1,463 metres, offering breathtaking panoramic views.
Must-see tourist sites in the Doubs
The Doubs region is bursting with tourist attractions that will appeal to lovers of nature, history and culture. Here is a selection of places not to be missed:
The Besançon Citadel
Perched on a hill overlooking the city, the Besançon Citadel is a masterpiece of military architecture designed by Vauban in the XVIIᵉ century. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers a breathtaking view of the city and houses several museums, including the Museum of Resistance and Deportation.
Le Saut du Doubs
On the French-Swiss border, the Saut du Doubs is an impressive 27-meter-high waterfall. Accessible by hiking trails or boat, this natural site offers a breathtaking spectacle in all seasons.
Royal Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Saline Royale is an exceptional testimony to the industrial architecture of the 18thᵉ century. The site features exhibitions and themed gardens, offering a deep dive into the history of salt and its exploitation.
Château de Montbéliard
Overlooking the town of Montbéliard, this medieval castle, former residence of the Dukes of Wurtemberg, now houses the Musée du Château des Ducs de Wurtemberg. Visitors can discover varied collections ranging from fine art to archaeology.
The Osselle caves
One of the oldest tourist caves in the world, the Grottes d'Osselle offer a fascinating underground journey. The colorful concretions and majestic galleries bear witness to millions of years of geological history.
Doubs landscapes and towns
The Doubs is characterized by a diversity of landscapes, from the Jura mountains to green valleys, plateaus and dense forests. This natural richness is also reflected in its picturesque towns and villages.
Besançon
Prefecture of the département, Besançon is a city of art and history nestled in a loop formed by the Doubs River. In addition to its famous citadel, the city's historic center, stone-built houses and numerous museums are a delight.
Montbéliard
Known for its rich industrial past and architectural heritage, Montbéliard offers visitors a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. The town's Christmas market is particularly famous, attracting large numbers of visitors every year.
Pontarlier
Located close to the Swiss border, Pontarlier is the capital of the Haut-Doubs region. Renowned for its absinthe production, the town is surrounded by mountain landscapes ideal for outdoor activities, summer and winter alike.
Ornans
Nicknamed the "Little Venice of the Doubs", Ornans is crossed by the River Loue. This charming commune is the birthplace of the painter Gustave Courbet, and its dedicated museum attracts art lovers from all over the world.
The region and neighbouring departments
The Doubs is surrounded by several départements and regions that contribute to its cultural and natural wealth.
Le Jura
To the south-west of the Doubs department du Jura shares with it the Jura massif. Renowned for its wines, cheeses and rolling landscapes, the Jura is a popular destination for nature and gastronomy lovers.
Haute-Saône
In the north, Haute-Saône is a rural département offering landscapes of forests, rivers and ponds. Outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing are particularly popular.
Territoire de Belfort
In the far north-east, the Territoire de Belfort is France's smallest department. Its prefecture, Belfort, is famous for its monumental Lion sculpted by Bartholdi and its imposing citadel.
Switzerland
To the east, the Doubs shares a long border with Switzerland, in particular with the cantons of Vaud, Neuchâtel and Jura. This proximity favors cultural and economic exchanges, and offers visitors the opportunity to discover Swiss attractions with ease.
Gastronomy and specialities of the Doubs
Visit DoubsThe Doubs region, a land of tradition and expertise, offers a generous gastronomy, influenced by its mountain climate and rich agricultural heritage. Exceptional cheeses, smoked charcuterie, comforting dishes and emblematic beverages make the Doubs a veritable paradise for gourmets.
Doubs cheeses: local favourites
Visit Doubs is particularly renowned for its distinctive cheeses, made using traditional methods:
- Comté cheese : This pressed cooked cheese is the emblem of the region. Aged between 4 and 36 months, it develops a rich palette of aromas, from fruity to roasted.
- Le Mont d'Or : This soft cheese, matured in a spruce strap, is appreciated for its creamy texture. In winter, it's best enjoyed warm, melted in the oven like a "hot box".
- Morbier cheese Recognizable by its ashy center line, this pressed uncooked cheese is smooth and creamy, with a slight smoky flavor.
- Cancoillotte : This melted cheese, emblematic of the Franche-Comté region, is made from curdled skimmed milk. Its fluid texture and slightly tangy taste make it an ideal accompaniment to potatoes or bread.
Smoked charcuterie: a unique expertise
Thanks to tipsThe Doubs region is famous for its charcuterie with a woody aroma:
- Morteau sausage Made exclusively in the Haut-Doubs region, this softwood-smoked sausage is a veritable institution. It can be boiled, cooked in white wine or grilled.
- Montbéliard sausage Finer than Morteau, it is also smoked in tuyés and offers a firmer texture and a slightly spicy taste.
- Haut-Doubs ham Dried and smoked in the traditional way, this ham is a real delicacy to be enjoyed in thin slices.
Typical Doubs dishes
- The Hot Box This is a Mont d'Or melted in the oven, served with potatoes and local charcuterie. A convivial dish ideal for winter.
- La Potée Comtoise A generous stew made with Morteau sausageof cabbageof potatoes and sometimes bacon. A comforting dish typical of the Jura mountains.
- Morel crusts Slices of toasted bread topped with a creamy morel sauce, often flavored with Jura wine. A staple of Franc-Comtois gastronomy.
- Les Röstis This Swiss specialty is also popular in the Doubs region. It consists of grated potato pancakes browned in a frying pan.
Sweets and desserts from the Doubs
- La Galette Comtoise A soft pastry made with choux pastry and orange blossom, often eaten at Epiphany.
- Les Griottines de Fougerolles Morello cherries macerated in kirsch, perfect with dessert or cheese.
- Cookies de Montbozon Crunchy dry cakes with the scent of orange blossom.
Emblematic Doubs beverages
- Pontarlier Absinthe Once forbidden, this mythical drink, made from wormwood plants, is now produced according to tradition.
- Le Vin Jaune Although mainly produced in the Jura region, it goes wonderfully well with Doubs specialties.
- Macvin du Jura A sweet wine made by blending grape must and brandy, perfect as an aperitif.
- La Gentiane A bitter liqueur made from gentian root, typical of the Jura mountains.
