The best walks and hikes around Les Brenets

There are over 20 hiking trails in the Les Brenets region, catering to various skill levels. You'll find a mix of easy strolls, moderate paths, and more challenging treks through the diverse landscapes.

Yes, Les Brenets offers several easy trails. For instance, the Saut-du-Doubs trail is a shorter 4.7 km path leading to the waterfall, often completed in under 1.5 hours. Another accessible option is the View of Lac des Brenets – Saut du Doubs Waterfall loop from Les Brenets, a 5.5 km route offering scenic views.

The most iconic natural attraction is the magnificent Saut du Doubs Waterfall, a 27-meter cascade. You'll also encounter the tranquil Brenets Lake and the dramatic gorges carved by the Doubs River, which forms a natural border between France and Switzerland.

Many trails in Les Brenets are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. A popular choice is the Saut du Doubs — loop from Les Brenets, a moderate 16.4 km route that takes you to the impressive waterfall and back.

Yes, combining a boat trip on Lac des Brenets with a hike to the Saut du Doubs is a popular way to experience the area. You can hike one way along the riverbanks and enjoy a scenic cruise back across the lake, offering different perspectives of the landscape.

Hikers can expect breathtaking panoramic views of the Doubs River, its deep gorges, and the surrounding verdant forests. Many viewpoints (belvédères) like those at Les Recrettes and Escarpineau offer stunning perspectives. Higher points, such as the Col de la Vue des Alpes, provide vistas of the Jura Mountains and even the distant Alps.

For experienced hikers, the region offers more demanding routes with significant elevation changes. The Lac de Moron and côtes de Moron via le saut du Doubs — loop from Les Brenets is a difficult 17.1 km path that provides extensive views of Lac de Moron and the Doubs River.

The hiking trails in Les Brenets are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 300 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the dramatic natural beauty, particularly the fjord-like gorges of the Doubs River and the stunning Saut du Doubs waterfall, as well as the well-maintained paths.

The tranquil, blue-tinged waters of Lac des Brenets, formed by the Doubs River, are ideal for swimming from its rocky shorelines and pebble beaches. Lac de Moron also offers picturesque spots for a refreshing dip, especially after a long hike.

Les Brenets is beautiful in all seasons, but autumn is particularly stunning when the forests along the Doubs River display vibrant colors. Spring and summer offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and opportunities for swimming. Winter hikes are also possible, with the landscape transformed by snow.

Beyond the Saut du Doubs, you can explore the Col de la Vue des Alpes, a mountain pass offering expansive views. The Barrage du Châtelot, a dam creating Lac de Moron, is also an interesting sight. For cultural exploration, the nearby Le Locle Town Hall and Public Gardens offer a glimpse into local heritage.

Les Brenets is accessible by public transport, typically via train or bus services that connect to larger towns in the region. Once in Les Brenets, many trailheads are within walking distance, and boat services on Lac des Brenets can also serve as a scenic mode of transport to certain points along the river.