Best lakes for staying cool in summer
Summer is here! Swap the office airconditioning for a natural and healthy way to stay cool, with our selection of 5 lakes that promise to keep heatstroke at bay. The natural lake of Saint-Point, the high-perched lake of Les Rousses, the family-friendly Clairvaux Lake, the turquoise waters of Chalan Lake, the immensity of Vouglans Lake... Forget extreme heat, salty water and crowded beaches, and opt instead for lazing in the countryside in the lovely cool Jura Mountains.
Saint-Point Lake
The wildestThe winning summer threesome of "swimming, sun lounger and parasol" can be enjoyed in the mountains too! At Saint-Point Lake, mum can swim a few strokes in the natural freshwater lake while dad takes the kiddies out in a pedalo and the teenagers go canoeing.
All against the backdrop of the rolling contours of the Jura massif, grazing Montbéliard cows and thick forests of fir trees. And you get peace and quiet too, without the racket of engines as motor vessels are not allowed here. As an added bonus, you'll feel the cool mountain air on your cheeks.
Vouglans Lake
The biggestThis vast lake (an impressive 35km long) was not created by Mother Nature but by the filling of the Vouglans dam in 1968. Nowadays it is a popular site for fans of all kinds of watersports.
Each discipline has a regulated zone: Zone A for fishing, Zone B for motor vessels and water skiing, and Zone C for traditional water sports such as sailing, kayaking and pedalos.
When it comes to swimming, Vouglans Lake has 3 beaches with facilities and lifeguards: Bellecin, Mercantine and Surchauffant (Pyle Bridge). 3 beaches and 3 options for relaxing in the lovely cool water!
Les Rousses Lake
The highestThis picturesque lake is a mirror perched 1,000 metres above sea level and surrounded by fir trees. It offers tranquillity and wide open spaces, but no donuts, noisy jet skis or crowded car park that you have to pay for.
You will, however, find all the advantages you expect at a summer holiday spot: beach with facilities and lifeguards, picnic area and children's play features, not forgetting the activities available at the nearby resort of Les Rousses.
Chalain Lake
The most exoticThe promise of a Caribbean atmosphere in the Jura Mountains! The intensely-green forest of Jura alongside the turquoise waters of a lake with beaches of white sand.
Three lifeguarded beaches where you can enjoy a dip in water that reaches 24-25 degrees in summer: Domaine de Chalain, Pergola and Doucier (please note: in July and August, there is a fee for the car parks at these three beaches).
At the end of the day, after a swim, you can drive to the Fontenu panoramic viewpoint to admire this lagoon-blue expanse in all its splendour.
Clairvaux Lake
The most family-friendlyClairvaux Lake is in fact two lakes, a small one and a large one. Head for the big lake if you fancy a dip!
A car park near the lake makes life easier when it comes to carrying towels, picnics, and buckets and spades for those sandcastles! Older children will appreciate the diving platform with 3 levels and the many watersports available, including paddleboards, pedalos and canoes.
In 2020 the beach was again awarded the international Blue Flag seal of approval for its environmental and touristic quality, which means it is a safe place for your family to enjoy the water!
