Top 7 Lakes around Goumois

The region around Goumois, while centered on the Doubs River, offers a variety of lakes including natural lakes, glacial lakes, and artificial lakes. These cater to different interests such as swimming, boating, hiking, and nature observation.

Yes, several lakes are great for families. Étang de la Gruère is a nature reserve with calm waters, suitable for peaceful family outings. Further afield, Lac de Saint-Point offers two supervised beaches and a wide array of water-based leisure activities. Lac de Chalain also features three supervised beaches and many water sports.

Beyond enjoying the lakes themselves, you can find various outdoor activities. The Doubs River in Goumois is excellent for canoeing, kayaking, and fly-fishing. For hiking and cycling, there are numerous trails. For example, you can explore running trails around Goumois, including the challenging Arête des Sommêtres and Doubs River Loop, or try mountain biking on routes like the Suspension bridge – Riverside Trail along the Doubs loop.

For nature lovers, Étang de la Gruère is a protected natural gem known for its calm waters and rising mists. The La Gruère Lake and High Moor Circular Trail offers a wonderful nature reserve experience. Lac des Rousses is surrounded by peat bogs, providing a significant biological value and a themed trail to explore unique flora and fauna.

Yes, Lac de l'Abbaye, also known as Lac de Grandvaux, is steeped in history, named after a 12th-century abbey. Lac d'Ilay features a distinctive island, Île de la Motte, which once housed a Benedictine priory. Lac de Chalain also holds archaeological significance with UNESCO-listed prehistoric lakeside settlements.

Many lakes offer excellent hiking opportunities. Lac de Saint-Point has a 23 km path for walking around the lake. Lac de l'Abbaye features hiking trails, including the Belvedere du Moulin for panoramic views. Lac d'Ilay is part of popular hiking and mountain biking tours around the '4 lakes'. Additionally, over 82 km of footpaths and cycling tracks surround Lac de Vouglans. You can also find dedicated running trails and road cycling routes in the wider Goumois area.

Goumois is a renowned spot for fly-fishing in the Doubs River, which is home to a unique fish population including Doubs trout, barbel, grayling, and pike. Fishing is also permitted in Lac de Saint-Point and Lac des Rousses. The Bois du Roy Ponds are well-known among fishermen. Fishing is also possible in Lac de l'Abbaye (with permission for hotel guests) and Lac de Vouglans.

The lakes offer diverse attractions year-round. Summer is ideal for swimming and water sports, with supervised beaches at Lac de Saint-Point, Lac des Rousses, Lac de Chalain, and Lac de Vouglans. In winter, when conditions allow, Lac de Saint-Point and Lac des Rousses can offer ice skating, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Spring and autumn are excellent for hiking and enjoying the natural beauty without the summer crowds.

Yes, Lac de Saint-Point offers cross-country skiing in winter, and ice skating is sometimes possible when the lake freezes sufficiently. Lac des Rousses also transforms into an open-air skating rink when frozen and serves as a starting point for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails.

The Doubs River serves as the natural border between France and Switzerland in Goumois, offering a unique Franco-Swiss experience. It's known for its 'magical green river landscape' with lush vegetation and moss-covered stones. It's a prime spot for canoeing, kayaking, and fly-fishing, and you can admire features like the 'Rocher du Singe' (Monkey Rock) overlooking the river.

Lac de Chalain is celebrated for its stunning turquoise waters. Lac d'Ilay also boasts beautiful turquoise waters on clear days, contrasting with its surrounding cliffs.

While popular, Moorland by the lake offers a beautiful natural setting and tranquility, especially during off-peak times. The Bois du Roy Ponds are also a beautiful natural gem, known to local fishermen and offering superb biodiversity in the heart of the Franche-Comté forest.