The Jura lakes
For paddling, we recommend the lakes of Vouglans, Chalain, and Clairvaux. A bit further away, we suggest two very beautiful lakes: Coiselet (between the Ain and the Jura) or Lake des Rousses in the upper Jura. Each offers breathtaking landscapes and calm waters. Ideal for paddling in complete tranquility.
The Grand Lake of Clairvaux-les-Lacs is located in the heart of the lake country. It’s also where you’ll find us, near the pier (on Railway Street toward Moirans en Montagne)
Clairvaux is particularly suitable for family stays, with its numerous campsites, summer entertainment, and various water activities! Moreover, the water quality is excellent for swimming enthusiasts. Clairvaux has proudly flown the Blue Flag for several consecutive years.
Similarly, it’s worth mentioning that the Grand Lake of Clairvaux, along with L Chalain lake, are now UNESCO World Heritage sites. Excavations have uncovered numerous artifacts confirming the existence of Neolithic stilt house settlements dating back to 4000 years BC.
The advantage of paddleboarding
For paddleboarding enthusiasts, Lake Clairvaux is perfectly sized, allowing you to go around it in just an hour. Exploring the other, more preserved shore (opposite the campsites), let yourself be charmed by its Caribbean-like colors and the abundant presence of water lilies. Plus, don’t worry if you fall into the water, as Clairvaux is known for having some of the warmest waters in the region.
From JURA’ME, you find yourself directly at the water’s edge! However, keep in mind that it’s forbidden to park or swim at the pier. It’s strictly reserved for fishermen
WHAT TO DO IN CLAIRVAUX AND SURROUNDINGS
For nature lovers, a range of activities is available. Hiking and mountain biking trails will allow you to fully explore the surroundings. You can also reconnect with yourself through outdoor yoga initiation classes offered throughout the season! Moreover, the nearby lakes and rivers are teeming with fish, which will delight fishing enthusiasts.
You can also stroll through the village and discover its heritage. Come visit the Romanesque-style Saint Nithier church, with its typical Comtois bell tower, housing a grand organ. Or, explore the Tower of the old 12th-century castle.
To learn more, guided tours of Clairvaux are available throughout the summer!
And don’t forget to visit the Museum of Feeding and Running Machines to discover spectacular models!
About ten kilometers from Clairvaux, go hiking along Etival or Bonlieu lake. These two preserved lakes offer wild landscapes reminiscent of Canadian scenery.
Just 5 kilometers from Clairvaux, don’t miss the Frasnée Reculée. A peaceful little village nestled in a remote corner of the world. You’ll find a typical reculée landscape, including its waterfall bursting from the cliffs.
For the food enthusiasts, we recommend a visit to the Fruitière 1900 in Thoiria. This experience will transport you to the past, being the last Comté cheese dairy using wood fire!
Lake Chalain, the natural jewel of the Jura, offers an idyllic escape in the heart of the lake region. Its natural beauty makes it a popular destination for relaxation and outdoor activities.
From June to September, the three parking lots providing access to its beaches are subject to fees.
The advantage of paddleboarding
Chalain Lake is the largest natural lake in the Jura, an exquisite playground for paddleboarding! Picture yourself in the middle of the lake, surrounded by breathtaking scenery of cliffs and lush green forests with turquoise water! Moreover, you can easily reach one of the three large beaches, all equipped in the summer with snack bars, ice cream shops, and restroom facilities
WHAT TO DO IN DOUCIER AND SURROUNDINGS
Are you a hiking enthusiast? The tour around the lake covers a distance of 13 kilometers, approximately 3 and a half hours of walking. You can also shorten the route as options are available. However, we highly recommend the hike passing by the Fontenu viewpoint, offering a breathtaking view of the lake! You also have the option to go mountain biking, with no significant difficulty. The trail follows a well-maintained and shaded path, perfect for summer days that can be scorching hot!
Other outdoor activities await you in Doucier and its surroundings: fishing for whitefish or pike, horseback riding, ULM flights, treetop adventure courses, rock climbing…
About ten kilometers from Doucier, don’t miss out on some must-see hikes. Such as the Hérisson waterfalls (10 minutes from Doucier) or the Four Lakes hike (15 minutes away), offering memorable panoramas from viewpoints like the Pic de l’Aigle and the Four Lakes viewpoint.
Twenty kilometers from Doucier, go explore two “Most Beautiful Villages of France”.
Château-Chalon, on the contrary, is located on a rocky spur, offering a striking contrast with Baume! It’s the birthplace of yellow wine! On the agenda: tasting (of course!), strolling through the village with views from the numerous viewpoints over the vineyard hillsides, visiting a 1930s old school, and artistic immersion through a multitude of outdoor art exhibitions and live performances!
Baume-les-Messieurs, the emblematic reculée of the Jura. The small village is nestled between towering cliffs. And the site offers a visit rich in cultural and natural discoveries. Explore its cultural heritage, notably the Benedictine abbey nicknamed the “mother of Cluny,” as well as its natural heritage composed of caves and waterfalls!
Third in size among artificial lakes, Lake Vouglans is a paradise for outdoor lovers. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline or tranquility, this place will meet your expectations.
It was in 1968, with the construction of the dam, that the new artificial water body submerged an entire valley. This included the ruins of the Vaucluse Charterhouse, a 12th-century abbey. Still visible during diving expeditions at depths of 80 meters!
The advantage of paddleboarding
With its 35 kilometers in length, Vouglans lake offers a unique paddleboarding experience. You’ll meander through its emerald waters, bordered by magnificent lush forests. Explore small peaceful coves and secret corners. You might stumble upon a waterfall or the island of Mauritius! Vouglans is also a privileged spot to observe wildlife from your paddleboard: birds majestically flying over the lake, chamois coming to drink early in the morning, fish darting beneath the sparkling surface…”
The lake has 3 large equipped beaches.
Surchauffant Beach in Tour du Meix: located in the speed zone B (see map), it features a sandy-pebble beach and grass area. A perfect spot if you want to practice Jet Ski or water skiing. From here, you can also embark on the Louisiane, the legendary cruise of Vouglans! This beach is located 5 minutes from Orgelet. Free parking.
Mercantine Beach in Maisod: located in zone C (see map). This sandy beach with a shaded grass area offers you a view of an idyllic landscape! And you can rent boats with or without a license here! It is located a few kilometers from Moirans-en-Montagne! Free parking.
Bellecin Beach in Orgelet: located in zone C. It has a sandy beach and grass area. A water sports center is located here, offering a variety of equipment for rent (canoes, sailing, etc.). It is also the starting point for many excursions: canyoning, caving, archery, and much more! Free parking.
WHAT TO DO AROUND VOUGLANS
In addition to the countless water activities available, you can also enjoy hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding along the shores! With 82 kilometers of trails, you’ll surely find one that suits your desires! For better orientation, purchasing a hiking map of the area is recommended.
Head to the Coyron viewpoint to gain elevation and admire the vastness of the lake!
Thrill-seekers? Embark on an adventure on the Via Ferrata of Regardoir! Overlooking the lake and spanning 350 meters in length, the course offers a Moderate to Difficult (AD to D) experience (depending on the variations taken). To top it all off, a 90-meter-long footbridge awaits you at the end of the course, allowing you to fully enjoy the view!
And if it rains? Don’t worry, there are plenty of indoor activities and heritage discoveries to enjoy
- The Toy Museum in Moirans-en-Montagne
- L’atelier des savoir-faire in Ravilloles (workshop of skills)
- Religious buildings : Saint Hymetière church, Abbey of Gigny, Notre Dame de l’Assomption church of Orgelet, Lavancia-Epercy wood church …
- Ecomuseum “les outils d’autrefois” in Arinthod (tools of yesteryear)
To find out which lakes permit or prohibit paddle/kayak activities, download our map
For more tourist information about the region, visit the Jura tourism website or the Tourist Office website.