It then flows into the Saône at Verdun-sur-le-Doubs about 20 km (12 mi) northeast of Chalon-sur-Saône.

The shape of the course resembles the silhouette of a terrier sitting upright, leaning right, with the upper part of a northeastern corner "ear" the only zone in Switzerland, there reaching Saint-Ursanne.

Nearby, the river, dammed up by landslide debris, forms the 4-kilometre (2.5 mi) long, 200-metre (660 ft) wide, winding lake, (le) Lac des Brenets.

[2] The Doubs flows through the following Departments of France, Cantons of Switzerland, and cities: Tributaries include:[1] The river forms several lakes: The rate of flow of the Doubs is very seasonally variable.

The flooding or well-watered season can stretch from September to May, caused by heavy rains or by quick melting of snow from the Jura mountains.