Lakes around Bourg-en-Bresse, located in the Ain department of France, offer diverse natural landscapes and recreational opportunities. The region provides access to various lakes, each with distinct features for visitors. These bodies of water range from glacial formations to artificial reserves, set amidst green hills and forests. The area is characterized by its natural beauty and opportunities for outdoor activities.
Last updated: May 11, 2026
Highlight • Pub
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Viewpoint
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
A very beautiful circular route around Lac de la Liez, whether on foot or by bike.
0
0
Small wooden pontoon that allows you to go a few meters beyond the shore, offering a view of almost the entire lake and the dam. A place full of serenity, very relaxing panorama.
0
0
Lac de la Mouche is surrounded by forests and villages where you can admire views of the water and wildlife, as well as the impressive semi-viaduct dam that holds back the lake. The trail is easy and well marked, and you can access it all year round.
2
0
Lac de la Liez beach is a sandy beach which offers a beautiful view of the lake and the dam. You can swim in the lake when the green flag is raised, which means the water quality and safety are good. The beach also has a solarium, volleyball court, playground and picnic area. A first aid station and toilets will make your task easier. The beach is open from June to September, from 1:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
2
0
Lac de la Mouche is surrounded by forests and villages where you can admire views of the water and wildlife, as well as the impressive semi-viaduct dam that holds back the lake. The trail is easy and well marked, and you can access it all year round.
3
0
Lac de la Liez beach is a sandy beach which offers a beautiful view of the lake and the dam. You can swim in the lake when the green flag is raised, which means the water quality and safety are good. The beach also has a solarium, volleyball court, playground and picnic area. There is also a lifeguard station and toilets to make your job easier. The beach is open from June to September, from 1:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
3
0
This beautiful structure with the architecture of a viaduct is the highest of the 4 dams in the Pays de Langres. It forms the Lac de la Mouche, undoubtedly the most peaceful, preserved and bucolic of the 4 Langres lakes. The dam is surmounted by a small road which leads to Saint-Ciergues, a hillside village with an excellent restaurant.
0
0
7 Rue de la Plage, 52200 Peigney, France Opening hours : Wednesday 12:00-13:30 19:00-21:00 Thursday 12:00 – 13:30 19:00 – 21:00 Friday 12:00-13:30 19:00-21:00 Saturday 12:00-13:30 19:00-21:00 Sunday 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m Closed on Mondays Tuesday 12:00-13:30 19:00-21:00
2
0
For extensive family fun, consider Lac de Cormoranche and Lac de Bouvent. Lac de Cormoranche features supervised swimming, an inflatable Aquapark in summer, kayaking, pedal boating, paddleboarding, and picnic areas. Lac de Bouvent, close to Bourg-en-Bresse, offers swimming, sailing and kayaking schools, a golf course, disc golf, beach volleyball, and children's playgrounds. Additionally, Liez Lake Beach provides a sandy beach with a playground and picnic area.
Yes, Lac de Nantua is a natural gem of glacial origin, surrounded by green hills and limestone cliffs, offering breathtaking panoramic views and a peaceful atmosphere. It's a classified natural site. Lake Mouche is also appreciated for its tranquil setting, surrounded by forests and villages, where you can admire wildlife and the impressive semi-viaduct dam.
Many lakes offer a variety of water sports. At Lac de Cormoranche, you can enjoy kayaking, pedal boating, and paddleboarding. Lac de Bouvent provides sailing, kayaking, rowing, catamaran, and windsurfing. Lac de Nantua also allows pedal boating, paddleboarding, canoeing, and sailing. Supervised swimming is available at Lac de Cormoranche, Lac de Bouvent, and Lac de Nantua during summer.
The area around Bourg offers several routes suitable for hiking and cycling. For cycling, you can explore routes like the "Lake Villegusien – Lac de Villegusien loop" which starts from Bourg, or the "Lake Mouche – Charmes Lake Dam loop." For running, there are trails such as the "Mont Forest Wood loop." You can find more details on these activities and routes on the Cycling around Bourg and Running Trails around Bourg guide pages.
Fishing is a popular activity at several lakes. Lac de Cormoranche is well-stocked with carp and carnivorous fish, and even permits night fishing during high season. Lac de Nantua is appreciated by fishermen for pike, trout, and whitefish. The Dombes ponds, historically created for fish farming, also offer excellent fishing opportunities.
Yes, Aubépin Pond is an artificial water reserve ideal for strolls and learning about local flora and fauna. The Dombes ponds region is also known for its rich biodiversity, offering opportunities for walking and observing nature. Lac de la Forestière provides a wilder and less frequented haven for those seeking tranquility.
The lakes are generally most vibrant during the summer months (June to September) when supervised swimming is available, and leisure centers like Lac de Cormoranche and Lac de Bouvent are fully operational with their range of activities. However, trails around lakes like Lake Mouche are accessible all year round, offering beautiful views and wildlife observation in any season.
Yes, many lakes are equipped with facilities for visitors. Lac de Cormoranche offers picnic areas and barbecues. Lac de Bouvent also has picnic areas. Liez Lake Beach includes a picnic area, and there are often cafes and restaurants in nearby towns or directly at the leisure centers, such as the excellent restaurant near the dam at Lake Mouche.
Yes, Lac de Conflans is notably situated at the confluence of the Ain and Valouse rivers, at the foot of the medieval Château de Conflans. Lake Mouche is known for its impressive semi-viaduct dam, which is the highest of the four dams in the Pays de Langres. The Dombes ponds themselves are a historical feature, having been created centuries ago for fish farming.
Visitors frequently appreciate the diverse natural landscapes and recreational opportunities. The komoot community has shared over 23 photos and given more than 35 upvotes, highlighting the beauty of spots like Lake Mouche for its peaceful environment and wildlife, and Liez Lake Beach for its sandy shores and family amenities.
For a wilder and less frequented experience, Lac de la Forestière, part of the Miribel-Jonage park, is a good option. It offers a more natural and tranquil setting, particularly popular with fishermen seeking solitude.
Lake Mouche is particularly notable for its impressive semi-viaduct dam. This structure is considered the highest of the four dams in the Pays de Langres and contributes to the lake's scenic beauty, offering a unique viewpoint.


Still not found your perfect lake around Bourg? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.