Top 6 Lakes around Hauts-De-Bienne

For swimming and a wide array of water sports, Lac de Vouglans is an excellent choice, offering three equipped beaches (Bellecin, La Mercantine, Le Surchauffant) and activities like sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Lac de Chalain is also popular for swimming, paddleboarding, pedal boating, and canoeing, with three accessible beaches (Plage du Domaine, Plage de Doucier, Plage de la Pergola). You can also swim at Lac des Rousses.

Yes, Lac de Chalain is a UNESCO World Heritage site with archaeological evidence of continuous human presence from 4000 BC to 750 BC. Additionally, Lac d'Ilay (also known as Lac de la Motte) features a small rocky island that once housed a Benedictine priory with vestiges dating back to Charlemagne's era. Near Abbey Lake, you can find the Church of Our Lady of the Nativity of the Abbey and Abbey Site of Grandvaux, which has a rich monastic history.

Many lakes offer pleasant walks suitable for families. Abbey Lake is known for its beautiful lawns, perfect for a peaceful stroll. Lac de Bonlieu provides ideal walks along the water's edge to viewpoints like the Belvédère de la Ronde. Lac de Chalain also has numerous hiking opportunities with varying difficulty levels, many of which are suitable for families. The area around Lac des Rousses is also considered family-friendly.

Absolutely. The region around Hauts-de-Bienne offers extensive opportunities for hiking and cycling. You can find various Mountain Hikes, MTB Trails, and Cycling routes. For instance, Lac de Chalain has numerous hiking trails, and Lac d'Ilay is excellent for hiking and mountain biking, including tours that encompass three or four lakes. Lac de Vouglans is also popular for hiking and cycling, especially in spring and autumn.

Lac de Bonlieu is often described as wild and picturesque, surrounded by cliffs and forests, with waters reflecting seasonal colors. It's considered one of the most scenic lakes in the Jura. Lac de Chalain is celebrated for its turquoise waters and remarkable landscape, while Lac de Vouglans is known for its striking emerald-green waters. Lac d'Ilay is a small, wild, and enchanting glacial lake with turquoise waters and a protected natural environment.

The best time to visit depends on your preferred activities. Summer is ideal for swimming and water sports at lakes like Lac de Vouglans and Lac de Chalain. Spring and autumn are excellent for hiking and cycling around Lac de Vouglans, and for enjoying the vibrant colors around Lac de Bonlieu. In winter, areas around Lac de Chalain and Lac des Rousses become popular for skiing and snowshoeing, with Lac des Rousses even freezing over for ice skating.

Yes, several lakes are part of protected natural areas. Lac d'Ilay is a remarkable Natura 2000 and Ramsar classified site, located within the Haut-Jura Regional Natural Park, with a protection perimeter limiting tourist activity. The Lakes of Bellefontaine and Mortes are also mentioned as protected natural areas to discover.

Yes, fishing is a popular activity in several lakes. Lac de Bonlieu is a frequented fishing spot. Lac d'Ilay is also known for fishing, with species like whitefish, roach, tench, perch, and pike. Abbey Lake also permits fishing.

Visitors appreciate the diverse natural landscapes, from the emerald waters of Lac de Vouglans to the turquoise hues of Lac de Chalain and Lac d'Ilay. The peaceful settings, opportunities for various outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and water sports, and the historical significance of sites like Lac de Chalain and Lac d'Ilay are highly valued. The picturesque setting of Abbey Lake with its lawns and abbey also contributes to the region's appeal.

Yes, to preserve their natural heritage and due to specific conditions, swimming is prohibited in some lakes. This includes Lac d'Ilay and Lake Bonlieu. While Lac de Bonlieu is magnificent, it has strong currents created by underground rivers, making swimming unsafe.

Yes, for panoramic views, you can visit the Belvédère de la Ronde near Lac de Bonlieu, which offers stunning vistas of the lake and its surrounding forest. Many hiking trails around lakes like Lac de Chalain also provide spectacular views of the water and natural landscapes.