4.5
(1027)
5,750
hikers
205
hikes
Hiking around Charchilla offers access to the diverse landscapes of the Jura department in the Burgundy-Franche-Comté region of France. The area is defined by the expansive Lac de Vouglans, known for its emerald-colored water, surrounded by dense forests and dramatic cliffs. This region is also part of the Haut-Jura Regional Natural Park, ensuring well-preserved natural beauty and varied ecosystems. The terrain features forests, cliffs, and rock formations, alongside karstic features like the Fyète well.
Last updated: May 15, 2026
4.4
(60)
336
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(26)
176
hikers
13.7km
04:02
360m
360m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.3
(30)
99
hikers
8.15km
02:24
220m
220m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(15)
66
hikers
6.59km
01:57
160m
160m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(25)
78
hikers
7.68km
02:17
220m
220m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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The first two kilometers are quite challenging, along narrow paths with a steep drop alongside. Loose gravel everywhere. I'd rate it more average and not suitable for younger children. Some experience is definitely required!
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magnificent lake 35 km long.
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The Roche aux Corneilles belvedere is one of the many magnificent viewpoints over Lake Vouglans. Located between Maisod beach and the Moirans-en-Montagne gazebo, it can be the subject of a nice hike integrating these three essentials of the region.
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The La Fratte belvedere is a superb view of the cliffs overlooking the turquoise lake and the forest.
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Mercantine beach can be taken for an exotic place. It's a great place to take a break from your run or take in the views as you pass.
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The original castle was destroyed by the armies of Louis XI in 1477 and was rebuilt in 1565. The round tower was added in 1865.
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The La Fratte belvedere is accessible by a small path that branches off. to get closer to the cliff. The viewpoint is secured by barriers and thus allows you to enjoy the view in peace. And the panorama is really worth it: turquoise water and forest as far as the eye can see.
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There are nearly 200 marked hiking trails around Charchilla, offering a wide variety of options for different skill levels. This includes over 90 easy routes, 90 moderate routes, and a few more challenging paths.
Yes, Charchilla offers nearly 100 easy hiking routes, many of which are suitable for families. These trails often provide gentle paths through the forests and along the lake, allowing for an enjoyable experience for all ages. The region's diverse landscapes within the Haut-Jura Regional Natural Park ensure scenic, accessible walks.
Many trails offer stunning views of Lake Vouglans. For a moderate hike with excellent vistas, consider the Panorama – Regardoir Viewpoint loop from Le Regardoir. This 6.9 km route provides captivating perspectives of the emerald-colored lake and its surrounding forests.
Yes, Charchilla features numerous circular walks. A popular moderate loop is the Chemin du château de Maisod — loop in the PARC NATUREL RÉGIONAL DU HAUT-JURA, which is 7.3 km long and takes about 2 hours to complete, offering varied scenery within the regional park.
The Charchilla area is rich in natural beauty. You can explore the stunning La Fratte Viewpoint and the View of Lac de Vouglans for breathtaking panoramas. The monumental Pyle Bridge also offers spectacular views and pedestrian access across Lake Vouglans. Additionally, the region is home to other lakes like Lacs d'Étival and Lac de Bonlieu, and waterfalls such as Cascade de la queue de cheval.
The trails in Charchilla are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 1100 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the stunning emerald waters of Lake Vouglans, the diverse landscapes within the Haut-Jura Regional Natural Park, and the well-maintained paths that cater to various ability levels.
Yes, some trails in the Charchilla area can lead to or pass by swimming spots. La Mercantine Beach on Lake Vouglans is a popular equipped area for relaxation and swimming, and it's accessible via various routes around the lake.
While this guide focuses on hiking, the Charchilla region is also popular for other outdoor activities. The 'Tour du Lac de Vouglans VTT' is a challenging 84.6 km mountain biking trail that encircles the lake. The area also offers opportunities for road cycling, gravel biking, horse riding, and water sports on Lake Vouglans.
The Charchilla region is beautiful throughout the year, but the best time for hiking is typically from spring to autumn (April to October) when the weather is mild and the trails are most accessible. During these months, you can fully appreciate the vibrant emerald waters of Lake Vouglans and the lush forests.
For those seeking a longer adventure, the extensive GRP Tour du lac de Vouglans is a multi-day hiking route that can take 2 to 4 days to complete. This trail explores wild viewpoints, technical single tracks, and even an 'engulfed Chartreuse' monastery, offering a comprehensive experience of the lake's surroundings.
The terrain around Charchilla is quite varied, ranging from gentle paths through dense forests to more challenging routes with dramatic cliffs and elevation changes. You'll encounter a mix of well-trodden paths, forest tracks, and some technical single tracks, especially on longer or more difficult routes. The region is part of the Haut-Jura Regional Natural Park, ensuring diverse ecosystems.


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