Cascade du Saut du Doubs

Villers-le-Lac

The Saut du Doubs owes its formation to a geological event that occurred around 12,000 years ago: the collapse, perhaps triggered by an earthquake, of both sides of the Doubs valley created a natural dam that flooded the gorges upstream, forming the former Lac de Morteau, 15 kilometres long. The present-day Lac de Chaillexon, which stretches 3.7 kilometres along the Franco-Swiss border, is a remnant of this palæolake. The porous rock sill lets about 3 m³ of water per second seep through the limestone; waterproofing work carried out in 2001 stabilized the lake's level for tourist boat traffic. The waterfall, 27 metres high, pours into an impressive natural amphitheatre that has fascinated travellers since the 19th century, drawn to this natural curiosity of the Haut-Doubs, on the border between France and the Swiss canton of Neuchâtel. Protected since 1912, the whole area has enjoyed extended protection over 438 hectares since 2001, covering the upstream basins, the waterfall itself and the reservoir downstream created by the Barrage du Châtelot. The site today attracts hikers and whitewater sports enthusiasts: kayakers have set European records there for descended elevation during winter floods.

Getting there : Accessible on foot from Villers-le-Lac (about 1h30 walk) or by boat on Lac de Chaillexon then on foot; viewpoints laid out on both the French and Swiss sides.

Opening times and access details are given as a guide only: check before you set out.

Ambient sound