Top 5 most beautiful lakes in the Jura

“Happy as a clam”, that’s the saying, isn’t it? After work, you often feel the need to fill up your bathtub and take a nice hot bath to cleanse and purify yourself after a tiring day… At the same time, when you know that 60% of the human body is made up of water, you can imagine that swimming helps to stimulate, repair and soothe your organs. Did you know? The Bourgogne Franche-Comté region, in the Jura, is home to one of France’s most beautiful lakes. We invite you to discover some of the kingdoms of the Jura.

What are the most beautiful lakes to swim in in the Jura?

1. Lake Saint-Point

We start with the third largest lake in France, “Lac de Saint-Point3”, with a surface area of 398 hectares. If you like to combine walking and swimming, you’ll be pleased to know that there’s a lovely shady path around this waterhole. This stretch of freshwater is large and deep, at around 40 metres, and is an easy lake to get around. The good news is that water sports and fishing are permitted. How about getting on your pedalo and exploring the lake in peace and quiet? The 23km path that runs alongside the lake allows you to walk all the way round and linger over the landscape and this expanse of water. Historically, the lake was primarily used by fishermen. Today, however, all the local authorities in the area allow tourist activities, including swimming and hiking in summer and skiing and even ice skating in winter. Much to everyone’s delight!

2. Lake Chalain

Make way for the LARGEST natural lake in the Jura: Lake Chalain. At 232 hectares, its majesty proudly ranks it as the tenth largest lake in France, and its size is well-deserved! This glacial lake, which you’ll find in the commune of Fontenu, near Marigny and Doucier, has a maximum depth of 32 m and was created following the Quaternary era. This is the most recent period on the geological time scale: it is due to the cycle of glaciations, hence its pretty turquoise colour that will thrill even the least keen swimmers among you. This period is characterised by the cycle of glaciations and the evolutionary radiation of the Homo genus in Africa and Eurasia. This waterhole is perfectly suited to sports enthusiasts and families, for a swim or a spot of fishing, but unlike the one mentioned above, the use of watercraft is strictly prohibited.

3. The Abbey lake

As soon as the sun comes out, the lake, also known as “Lac de Grandvaux” or “Lac de Grande-Rivière”, located in the commune of Grande-Rivière, becomes the number 1 destination for cycling or walking. The lake, which owes its name to the abbey of Saint-Claude, built on its shores in the 12th century, is around 12 metres deep and covers just 9 hectares. During the summer, we recommend that you take a dip on the small beach, but beware, as the lake is privately owned, swimming is permitted but not supervised. So it’s best to just dip your feet in the cold water while gazing at the horizon, and feel at one with the beauty and tranquillity of this ecosystem.

4. Bonlieu lake

Honestly, if there was a romantic film to be made about two lovers near a lake, the choice would be the Lac de Bonlieu. Measuring 17 hectares and 13 metres deep, almost hidden by a soothing green forest and dominated by a rocky ridge, this lake in the magnificent commune of Bonlieu clearly deserves its place on our list! Many people like to take photos of it, draw on it, picnic beside it, rest on it, spread out a towel and indulge in a yoga or mediation session… It’s one of the most picturesque and charming lakes in the Jura. You know, it’s the kind of place that relaxes your mind, makes you feel like all your problems are blowing away in the breeze, and makes you feel good.

5. Lac des Rousses

Situated in the hollow of the Val de l’Orbe, the Lac des Rousses covers 90 hectares and is 19 metres deep. Its water is so pure and natural that some communes use it as drinking water. Yes, Mother Nature offers both nourishment and healing when she is pampered and respected. Listen carefully and keep your eyes peeled for the typical fauna and flora of the Jura peat bogs as you walk along a path beside the lake. The clarity and peacefulness of the water will make you want to go for a swim, and there’s a water sports centre with equipment for hire so you can enjoy it even more. If you get peckish along the way, the base of the lake also has a picnic area with tables. A little corner of paradise in the simplest terms!

More than 10,000 years ago, the melting of the glaciers gave rise to numerous basins, which over time were transformed into the lakes you know today.