Top 11 Lakes around Haute-Sorne

The lakes in Haute-Sorne offer diverse natural features. You can experience the distinctive emerald green waters of Green Lake, a result of reflections from surrounding trees. Étang Plain-de-Saigne is a nationally important raised bog and peat bog, while Lucelle Lake boasts a wild and romantic character with reed-overgrown banks. Étang de Bollement is a beautiful natural oasis now designated as a nature reserve.

Yes, several lakes in the Haute-Sorne region are family-friendly. Lucelle Lake offers a comfortable and mostly flat 2km loop trail suitable for all ages. Étang Plain-de-Saigne and Green Lake are also noted as family-friendly spots, providing tranquil settings for nature appreciation and picnicking.

The lakes around Haute-Sorne are excellent for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking, trail running, and cycling. For hiking, consider the Gorges du Pichoux Trail or the Green Lake loops. Cyclists can explore routes like the Gorges du Pichoux loop or the La Gabiare Valley loop. Find more details on routes in the area on the Haute-Sorne hiking guide and Haute-Sorne cycling guide.

Yes, there are several viewpoints. The Viewpoint over Lac Vert offers an exceptional panorama of the green lake and the surrounding Jura mountains. Other lakes like Lucelle Lake and Étang Plain-de-Saigne also provide scenic spots for enjoying the natural beauty.

The lakes in Haute-Sorne are beautiful year-round, but the best time depends on your preferred activities. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling, with vibrant foliage or blooming nature. Summer is ideal for picnicking and enjoying the fresh air. While Green Lake is known for trail running, the area around it is also popular for winter activities like snowshoeing, though the lake itself might be frozen.

Swimming is generally not permitted in all lakes, especially those designated as nature reserves or bogs. For instance, swimming in Étang Plain-de-Saigne is not allowed due to its status as a raised bog and peat bog of national importance. While Green Lake offers refreshing water, it is located in a private domain and has been closed to visitors since 2019, though it can still be admired from afar.

Yes, there are circular walking trails available. Lucelle Lake features a comfortable and mostly flat 2km loop trail. The area around Green Lake also offers an easy 1.8-mile loop through the Gorges du Pichoux, perfect for a scenic walk.

Lucelle Lake is special because it sits right on the border with France, and its banks, overgrown with reeds and trees, create a wild and romantic atmosphere. It's a protected natural area, known as the smallest lake in Switzerland, offering a peaceful spot to unwind and observe waterfowl like ducks and gray herons.

Green Lake is known for its tranquility and accessibility, making it a perfect spot for unwinding and disconnecting. While the lake itself is in a private domain and closed to visitors since 2019, the surrounding area is popular for hiking and trail running, with paths extending into the Pichoux gorges. You can still admire its emerald waters from nearby viewpoints.

Étang Plain-de-Saigne is a raised bog and peat bog of national importance. It is a significant birdwatching spot and offers a very peaceful and beautiful place to rest and soak up the natural beauty of the Franches-Montagnes. It's a unique ecological site, and swimming is not permitted to preserve its natural state.

Yes, some lakes offer facilities for visitors. Étang Plain-de-Saigne has benches and tables, and a fireplace at the exit of the lake on the right side. Étang de Bollement also features a simple fireplace, making it an idyllic spot for a break amidst nature.

The diverse ecosystems around Haute-Sorne's lakes support various flora and fauna. At Étang Plain-de-Saigne, a nationally important peat bog, you can observe unique bog vegetation and a significant array of bird species, making it a birdwatching spot. Lucelle Lake, with its reed-overgrown banks, is home to waterfowl such as ducks and gray herons. The surrounding forests and pastures contribute to a rich natural environment.