Want to pick a head in one of the beautiful water points of the “mountain forest”? Here is our selection of the most beautiful lakes in the Jura!
In addition to the mountainous landscapes of the region, another essential element of the beauty of the Jura lies in its lakes . At the same time wild and free from sight, they fascinate by the clarity and mysterious depth of their water. The abundance of lakes on the site can be explained by going back to the Prehistory. As old as the Jura mountains, they see the day thanks to the melting of ice.
Today, these areas of water have their own identities. Adventure at the edge of each of them is the opportunity to relax in the open air, to swim, or to walk or mountain bike. Indeed, these lakes like those who love to contemplate them as well as those who prefer to swim there. To help you in your water expedition, see below our ranking of the 8 most beautiful lakes in the Jura!
1. Lake Saint-Point
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Roel Meijer
On 398 hectares, Lac de Saint-Point is the third largest natural lake in France. Considered as the Riviera du Jura, it welcomes many hotels, villas and restaurants on its banks.
A pleasant path encircles the lake and thus offers the possibility to go around. Count about 5h for easy walking 18 km . Its blue-ciel water is also perfect for swimming or sailing!
2. The four lakes of Jura
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Robin Verhoef
Around the Frasnois, between Lons-le-Saunier and Les Rousses, four prehistoric lakes are now a paradise for nature and sport enthusiasts.
Narlay
Ranked "Natura 2000 site", Narlay Lake reaches 40 m of depth. In charge of legends, this site is especially recommended to relax, admire the landscape or walk or mountain biking. Indeed, its waters are dangerous. Swimming and navigation are therefore prohibited.
Ilay
With its turquoise waters and cliffs in the background, Ilay is one of the most beautiful lakes in the Jura region. Indeed, it shows the topographical wealth of French territory. It is also known as the "Motte Lake" because it has an island or mott in its centre. The basin is fed mainly by the Great Maclu Lake, connected by a natural canal of about 200 m.
Great Maclu
Delimited by meadows and peatlands, the Grand Maclu is a glacial lake about 800 m above sea level. This site of 21 hectares is private because it serves the drinking water supply of the municipality of Chaux-des-Crotenay. But hiking and mountain bike rides are possible around the basin.
The Little Maclu
Separated from his great brother by a vegetable belt, the Petit Maclu is a preserved lake classified as "Natura 2000 site". Indeed, it is a particularly rich and diverse ecological environment. Bathing is forbidden but you can still admire the nenuphars, roses, joncs or ash-rippings that reside in the lake.
3. Lake Vouglans
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Radu Razvan
From Pont-de-Poitte, the lake of Vouglans and its green-emeral water is one of the most beautiful lakes in the Jura region. It is also an ideal site for nautical activities.
Bathing, fishing, pedalling or canoe , this dam lake is a must-see point for your stay in the Jura. You can swim on the beaches of Mercantine, Bellecin or Surchauffant. For a detailed visit to the basin, embark on a commented cruise on Louisiana.
Finally, Vouglans can be explored on foot or by mountain bike, with a loop 6 to 13 km around the basin.
4. Lake Chalain
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Jef Wodniack
Chalain is the largest lake in Jura. With its turquoise water, its historical heritage and its beaches, it has a thousand advantages to discover you during your stay.
On the edge of the lake, preserved remains of houses on pilots are under the water level. For swimmers, go to the beaches of Pergola or Doucier or to the Parc Aquatique des Lagons, located on the Domaine.
5. Clairvaux-les-Lacs
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Jef Wodniack
In the heart of the country of the Jura lakes and waterfalls, Clairvaux-les-Lacs is a superb tourist resort. With its two lakes and surrounding environment, many outdoor activities options are available to you.
The two lakes connect with each other by the watercourse of La Raillette. Enjoyed by swimmers and fishermen in the summer, its waters are also suitable for water sports such as sailing or pedal boats.
6. Lake Bonlieu
Photo credit: Shutterstock – midgardson
On 700 m long, Bonlieu is mostly directed to lovers of forest walks by the water.
From the viewpoint of the Ronde, admire the splendour of the lake and walk along the trees with fiery colours during the fall. If you are lucky, you may be able to cross in the mist the spirit of the knight of the lake .
7. Lake Rousses
Photo credit: Shutterstock – PhotoGranary
In the hollow of the Val de l’Orbe, the Lac des Rousses is 1,059 m above sea level. It is part of the Rhine hydrographic network, a special case for a free-comte lake.
Its basin has a fauna rich in stuffio trout, pike, perch or gardon. The base of the lake also offers a picnic area equipped with tables, a petanque land and engazonné terraces.
8. Lake Abbey
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Guenaelle Chapuis
On the commune of Grande-Rivière, the lake of the Abbey owes its name to the abbey dependent on Saint-Claude built on its shores.
The basin is a private property but still offers a beach to swim in the summer. Through the Belvedere du Moulin, a hiking route allows you to explore the site on foot or by mountain bike.
After completing this guide, you will have the full picture of the beauty of the Jura!
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