Watchmaking Doubs Regional Natural Park, Regional natural park in Doubs, France.
Watchmaking Doubs Regional Natural Park covers 103,918 hectares of the Jura massif in the Doubs department, from the Doubs gorges along the Swiss border to the Dessoubre valley and the Maîche, Le Russey and Belleherbe plateaus. Its highest point is the mont Châteleu at 1,302 metres; the Meix Musy reaches 1,287 metres and the mont Vouillot 1,160 metres. Dense coniferous and deciduous forest covers the slopes around open meadows, where hamlets with dark red roofs stand beside a stream.
France established this regional park in 2021 to protect the ecological heritage and traditional landscapes of the Doubs valley. The decision recognized the importance of preserving both the natural environment and the region's long-standing relationship with sustainable land use.
The area has deep roots in watchmaking, and visitors encounter workshops where artisans continue to craft timepieces using methods passed down through generations. This tradition of fine craftsmanship is woven into the identity of the local communities and towns throughout the park.
The park has hiking trails, cycling routes, and cross-country skiing paths suited to different ability levels, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace. Information centers in nearby towns provide guidance on trail selection and help visitors understand what they encounter along the way.
The Doubs gorge forms a natural border between France and Switzerland for several dozen kilometres, from Villers-le-Lac to Indevillers. The park's lowest point, 354 metres, lies where the Doubs leaves the commune of Dampjoux; the highest is the mont Châteleu at 1,302 metres in Grand'Combe-Châteleu.
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