Lac de Chalain

Lake Chalain is a must-see in the Jura. Situated between Doucier, Marigny and Fontenu, its wild natural setting, history and activities will delight you all year round. Hiking, mountain biking, swimming, relaxing - there's something for everyone, whether you're with friends, a couple or a family.

There are two supervised beaches on the shores of Lac de Chalain in high season (July-August). Parking charges apply during the high season (June - September). Pedalo hire is available on both beaches.

Doucier beach, accessible from Doucier via the D27.
Domaine de Chalain beach, accessible from Doucier via the D39E.

As well as swimming, you can try your hand at a host of other activities, on or near the lake itself: fishing for whitefish or pike, canoeing on the Ain, touring the lake on foot or mountain bike, horse-riding with the Chalain riding centre.

Did you know?
In eastern France, eleven archaeological sites were included on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2011 under the name "Prehistoric Palaeolithic Sites around the Alps". These are groups of villages set up on the banks of lakes, rivers or in low marshes between 5000 and 800 BC, with dwellings built of wood on stilts.
Of these eleven sites, two are located on the shores of the Chalain and Clairvaux lakes. The remains found, unsuspected by the general public, indicate that during the Neotlithic period, these lakes were home to farming communities who, in order to defend their granaries and houses, chose flood plains and low marshes to settle.
Artefacts from the Chalain and Clairvaux excavations are kept at the Lons-le-Saunier archaeology museum.