9 sites where to make canoeing in the Jura

The Jura is home to numerous rivers that cross landscapes with striking beauty. To enjoy it in total immersion, here are the 9 sites where to make canoe-kayak in the Jura

On a human scale, the occupation of the Jura is very recent. Its rugged terrains and spectacular panoramas are yet an asset for tourism, and many sports activities make it possible to make the most of this particularly wild region. Among them are canoe-kayak, which gives you the opportunity to explore vallons and gorges inaccessible by land.

Fast, pots, waves, whirlwinds... It may be a strong sensory experience that awaits you, mixing chills, sport and discovery. But if you simply want to enjoy the landscape that defies under your eyes, you also have the opportunity to navigate on one of the many lakes that swim the Jura. Their clear and calm waters offer a framework of choice to observe nature.

What are the most beautiful places to do canoe-kayak in the Jura? We share with you the best plans!

1. L’Ain

The Ain River flows into the heart of Jura. It has a particularly high flow rate (three times higher than the French average!), which makes it a place to make canoe-kayak in the Jura. Rich in biodiversity, it can lead kayakers to make unexpected encounters: egrettes, ducks, trouts, herons, pints, castors...

On the river Ain, you can choose from a wide range of routes: from sports descent to family stroll, to you to make your choice. If you wish, you can also rent a canoe and make a free journey without supervision.

Clubs : Woka Pont du Navoy, Nature Trip Jura, Canoe Chatillon, Water Magicians, Canoe Kayak Pontois, Intrepides.

2. La Loue

Admitted by Courbet, the Loue is one of the most beautiful rivers in France. In the Jura, it digs the Val d’Amour, offering visitors a smooth landscape. It is a place for nautical activities, including canoe-kayak that allows you to browse its waters sometimes calm and sometimes agitated. A site that corresponds to all levels.

To sail on its clear waters, you have the choice: rather a quiet ride to enjoy the landscape or rapid descent to get (a little) scared?

Clubs : Les Radeliers, Nature Trip Jura, Val Nature.

3. The Doubs

The Doubs is a particularly winding river: although it is 430 kilometres long, its sources are only 90 kilometres away! It also offers all the sensations that can be expected in canoeing. Paisible hiking for the most contemplative – or beginners! – or a buzzing challenge for athletes, it crosses majestic landscapes among the most beautiful in the Jura. No matter what your level, you can go there with your eyes closed.

Club: Acro-Isis.

4. La Bienne

Taking its source on the Combe du Mont Fier, the Bienne is a tributary of the Ain River. Between groubling valleys of life and narrow gorges, it is an ideal site to make canoe-kayak in the Jura. While some areas host rapids, others, more peaceful, are conducive to bird watching. They are often approached by boats, a golden opportunity to observe nearly ducks, ash herons, herds, hens, hens or swans.

Clubs : Base Canoe Kayak des Eaux Vives, Intrépides.

5. Lake Vouglans

After the rivers, let's go to the lakes, many in the Jura. Lake Vouglans, among others the most beautiful places in the Jura , is a dam lake that bathes the Jura massif with its emerald water. Surrounded by spruce forests and fir trees, it offers landscapes of great beauty on 35 kilometers long. But it’s also a real playground, conducive to nautical activities! Kayakers have the privilege to travel the inaccessible areas of this very beautiful place, which tends to be assailed by visitors in the middle of the season. Nature lovers, favor part C of the lake.

Clubs : Bellecin nautical base, Magic Nautic.

6. Lake Chalain

What if we tell you that it was possible to make canoe-kayak in the Jura on a turquoise water worthy of the most beautiful beaches of the Caribbean? Visit the lake of Chalain to enjoy a walk on a crystalline water and, in the summer, an isolated swim. The panorama is breathtaking, offering a gentle contrast between the blue of the lake and the green of the surrounding forests. An ideal exit for the whole family.

Clubs : Nautic Club la Pergola, Domaine de Chalain.

7. Lake Rousses

Lac des Rousses offers an intimate setting, nestled in the hollow of Val de l’Orbe. Surrounded by green hills and marshes rich in fauna and flora, it is a destination for nature lovers who wish to enjoy a simply beautiful and quiet environment. Although in summer, the beach is crowded, your canoe will take you to isolated areas, inaccessible to pedestrians and cars. Chickens of water and ducks will accompany you in your walk.

Clubs : Sogestar Activities.

Note: In winter, the Station des Rousses is one of the best stations where to ski in the Jura .

8. The lakes of Clairvaux

The lakes of Clairvaux bathe the country of the Jura lakes and are located close to the Hérissons valley and its famous waterfalls. It is a very popular tourist site, which offers visitors many activities, including the opportunity to make canoe-kayak in the Jura. Deep, its waters with a bright blue are warming rapidly, calling for bathing.

Clubs : Frog Canoe, Clairvaux Pedalboat.

9. Lake Coiselet

Located on the border between Ain and Jura, Coiselet is an artificial lake powered by the Bienne and the Ain River, making it a privileged place to make canoe-kayak in the Jura region. Surrounded by cliffs, it offers visitors breathtaking landscapes. You can choose to sail peacefully on these calm waters, or go down from one of the two rivers.

Club: Intrepid.

Rates and practical information

Rates

Prices vary according to the clubs and offers offered:

• renting a canoe-kayak monoplace (one hour): between 4 € and 16 €;
• renting a canoe-kayak with several places (one hour): between 9 € and 25 €;
• canoë-kayak monoplace (one day) for rent: between 20 € and 25 €;
• renting a canoe-kayak with several places (one day): between 35 € and 46 €;
• descent accompanied in group : from 45 €.

Practical information

Before making canoe-kayak in the Jura, read the following information:

• in the middle of the season, think to book in advance: clubs are often overbooked and you can wait several weeks;
• to make canoe-kayak in the Jura, wear an adequate outfit: old tennis or water shoes, t-shirt and shorts, cap and possibly a swimsuit;
• If you take a canoe-kayak at two or three places, place the most experienced person, or at least the most sporting person in the back;
• Don't make canoe-kayak if you don't know how to swim!
• Do not forget your sun cream in summer.