Au fil du Doubs, Stage 1/4

Picturesque and rugged ravines that could almost be called fiords open up after Les Brenets. Polished by natural forces, the rock faces have the shape of a human face and the head of a legendary monster. The trail leads to the Saut du Doubs, a spectacular, 27m high waterfall.

From the Les Brenets stop, the hike begins at its highest point, at around 870 m. The trail passes the last few houses, enters the forest and descends to Lac des Brenets. This long, narrow lake lies on the French–Swiss border and is a natural impoundment of the Doubs.

After around an hour, the route reaches the Saut-du-Doubs. Here, the Doubs plunges 27 metres, directly on the national border. The route then follows the wooded valley to Lac de Moron, a reservoir created by the Barrage du Châtelot. Beyond the dam, the broad hiking trail becomes a mountain trail.

The Gorges du Doubs now close in more tightly around the river. The trail remains in the forest for long stretches, runs close to the water and continues to lose elevation through steady ups and downs. Passing the Les Graviers picnic area, it continues through the wooded border valley to the destination at Maison Monsieur, around 80 m from the «La Maison-Monsieur, bif.» stop.