Visit the region of the lakes in the Jura: tips and ideas for itineraries

Are you planning to visit the region of the lakes in the Jura? Breathtaking landscapes and many activities await you! Here are some tips for your visit.

Located in the heart of the Jura department, the region of lakes is a blurred border area. It is characterized, as its name suggests, by a high density of water bodies. Obviously lakes, but also streams, streams, picturesque valleys, impressive waterfalls... In short, an ideal place for nature lovers.

Charles Nodier, a prowess of the romantic movement, nicknamed this region in Scotland. Indeed, its vast lakes of glacial origin, reaching up to 230 hectares of surface, give it a unique atmosphere. A vision that recalls the majesty of the Nordic landscapes.

Would you like to visit the region of the lakes in the Jura? Here are some tips and ideas for itineraries to take full advantage of it!

History of the lake region in the Jura

Everything starts a few tens of thousands of years ago on the plateau of Champagnole. We are then in the heart of the last glaciation the planet has experienced. Colossal masses of ice gradually dig through the simple effect of their weight. Their surface, compacted by the ice, is made waterproof. Rain and rivers fill them with water, forming small to small lakes!

The human occupation of the area is quite recent in history. It dates back to neolithic and bronze age. Indeed, archaeologists found traces of lake cities in the lake region. They also updated rare material vestiges proving the Gaulish presence in the Jura during Antiquity. In fact, old legends testify, like that of La Vouivre. It would seem that it was bathing in the territory. She then left on the shores her most precious property, the stone of the Escarmouche, at the mercy of the thieves. But park to those who were caught! They found death irreparably.

From the Middle Ages, some water reservoirs are used to create hydraulic energy. We then see villages and farms appear, but also industries specialized in the shooting of wood. They are designed to make kitchen utensils, such as spoons, pots, etc. It is only after the French Revolution that fruit grows, giving birth to the famous Jurassian cheeses, such as county or morbier.

Later, the rural exodus does not spare the region. But today, many tourists come to visit the Jura. They bring the lake region a real second breath. Hiking, sporting activities, breathtaking views...

Let's see what you can do!

What to see and what to do in the region of the lakes in the Jura?

Want to escape from the rumour of the cities and to plunge you into lost bodies in the striking purity of the Jura landscapes and its sumptuous reservoirs of water? Here are some ideas of itineraries and activities to make the most of them!

Browse the lake area by car

To make sure you don't lose anything from the beauty of the region, take the Route des Lacs. De belvedere en belvedere, it takes the form of a marked road path of more than 150 kilometers long, allowing you to discover by car the twenty lakes of the region, but not only:

• The bridge of the Pyle, which offers a superb view of the Lake Vouglans. Tremp your feet to the beach of Surheatant;
• The Saisse jump and giant pots in Pont de Poitte;
• ♪ Herisson stunts discovering through a small path... Some are really impressive;
• The Belvedere of the 4 lakes;
• The Eagle Pic on which you can admire Mont Blanc in clear weather;
• The retreat of the Frasnée and its rural charm;
• The bridge of the Arches, gallo-Roman vestige;
• The many viewers around the Vouglans dam;
• The medieval town of Orelet ;
• The Château de Présilly.

Visit the region of the lakes in the Jura through the hikes

Visiting the Jura is visiting a wild territory for hiking. The lake region does not escape the rule. Here are three unique hikes:

• The Tour des 4 lacs, the most emblematic, allowing you to discover all the richness of the region in a single hike;
• The trail of the Herisson stunts that runs along the most beautiful stunts of the Jura;
• The Bellecin hike, which offers breathtaking views of the largest lake in the region, Lake Vouglans.

The Tour of the 4 lakes

• Go to the end of the lake and take the great path to the right;
• Longen the lake until reaching the department;
• Cross the road and take the small path in front that leads to Cheese ;
• Here, turn right. You can pursue two kilometers through forests and meadows before crossing an intersection;
• Take right to the village of Frasnois;
• Cross the municipal campsite and turn left before arriving on the beach;
• Turn around Lake Narlay;
• Arrive on the small parking lot at the end of the road, take the paved path until you cross the department again;
• Join your starting point.

The Herisson Waterfalls

• Go down from the first path to the Girard Saut;
• Cross the Herisson and follow the path on the left bank;
• Arrive at the Sarrazine bridge, follow the yellow marking towards Bonlieu;
• Here, make a small return trip to the magnificent stunt of the Fan;
• On the way, make a small detour to admire the view of the White Lady;
• Cross the village of Bonlieu (rue of the White House and Grande Rue);
• At the outskirts of the village, follow the GR marking that brings you back to your starting point.

The Hiking of Bellecin

• Cross the lake;
• Take the small road to the department. You pass through two caves overlooking the lake;
• At the intersection, take left;
• After 1 kilometer, join the department;
• Cross the bridge of the Pyle;
• You can then swim and restore yourself to the beach of the Overheating;
• Take the left path that follows the right bank of the lake, to the castle tower Richard;
• Borrow the wide path to the left to the site parsed with large stone slabs;
• Take the left path that brings you back to your starting point.

Enjoy water

In summer, visiting the lakes area gives you the opportunity to swim on wild or landscaped beaches (painting, Surheating, Bellecin, Mercantine, etc.).

You can practice some nautical activities on Lake Chalain, such as pedalo, boat or windsurfing, but the star of nautical activities remains the lake of Vouglans, on which you can practice windsurfing, canoë-kayak , paddle, catamaran... Anyway, there's something for every taste! However, if you want to flee the crowd – especially in the summer – you can rent equipment and enjoy it on the smallest lakes.

Enjoying culture

Visiting the Jura is also enjoying a cultural richness that is often unknown. Go to the discovery of the small medieval town of Orelet, very friendly to visit the time of a small walk.

Would you like to learn how the Jurassian cheese is made? Visit the fruitier 1900, which makes you discover the secrets of the traditional preparation of the county.

Think about visiting the Toy Museum in Moirans-en-Montagne, especially with family. Otherwise, the Museum of Machinery to run and feed the world, in Claivaux, has an impressive collection of wooden models of agricultural machinery and locomotion means.

The Château de Presilly offers visitors magnificent vestiges of the 13th century, loved on a green setting.

Finally, in Villards d’Héria, discover the Pont des Arches, Gallo-Roman ruins with a unique charm.

For lovers of strong sensations...

The Vouglans Viewer houses one of the most beautiful via ferrata France. You can rent climbing equipment or choose a guided route to climb steep walls and reach vertiginous balconies on the lake.

How do I go to the lake region in the Jura?

By car

By car, go to Lons-le-Saunier from the A 39 , then join from there Clairvaux-les-Lacs via the D 678 .

You will find many BlaBlaCar that connect the main axes to Lons-le-Saunier. However, in the tourist season, there may be routes taking you directly to the destination.

A tip : the auto-stop works pretty well in the Jura, so don’t hesitate to try it!

By bus and train

You can easily reach Lons-le-Saunier by bus (Flixbus, Ouibus, etc.) or by train. From there, many bus lines allow you to reach the various Jura cities. The line JuraGO n°601 take you to Clairvaux-les-Lac

By plane

Dole-Jura Airport, 1 hour away, allows you to visit the lakes area in the Jura. You can perfectly find information on our partner's website Ulysses which lists the best offers of the moment, regardless of your departure dates.