Lac de Clairvaux

Although best known for its Grand Lac, where bathing is permitted, Clairvaux-les-Lacs has two lakes with superb waters that take on turquoise and emerald hues in fine weather.

A family destination par excellence on fine days, you can enjoy all the beach activities on site, and its history dating back to Neolithic times will take you back in time.

Its sandy beach and gentle slopes make it easy and reassuring for children to access. The water is moderately deep and warms up quickly, making for a pleasant swim (25°C in summer). In 2021, the beach will once again be awarded the Blue Flag, an international environmental and tourism quality label.

A first-aid post is set up nearby in July and August. A beach chair for people with reduced mobility is available, as the beach has been awarded the "handiplage" label.

You can also enjoy beautiful walks or mountain bike rides along the signposted footpaths, and admire the magnificent scenery of the lakes region from the panoramic viewpoints.


Here's some information to help you make the most of the beach at Lac de Clairvaux:

- Supervised beach
- Pay car park from June to September, not accessible to camper vans
- Snack bar on site
- Dogs not allowed on the beach
- Barbecues and fires prohibited

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.