Top 7 Lakes around Urtière

The lakes in the Urtière region, situated within the Jura Mountains, are surrounded by diverse natural landscapes. You'll find expansive forests, significant peat bogs, and varied ecosystems. For example, Étang de la Gruère is a nature reserve known for its high moor, while Lac de Remoray is a National Nature Reserve with marshes, peat bogs, forests, and meadows, home to rich biodiversity.

Yes, several lakes are great for families. Étang de la Gruère and the surrounding La Gruère Lake and High Moor Circular Trail are considered family-friendly, offering easy walks. Lac de Lamoura is also perfect for families, with supervised swimming in summer and an easy, flat footpath around the lake.

Lac de Saint-Point is a popular destination for water sports, offering swimming, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and pedal boating. Lac des Rousses also provides supervised swimming, pedal boating, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing. Lac de Lamoura has supervised swimming in summer, and Lac des Brenets allows swimming from its rocky shoreline and pebble beach.

Lac de Remoray is a sanctuary of rich biodiversity, ideal for nature observation. It's home to over 200 bird species, 1,300 insect species, and 42 mammal species. The Étang de la Gruère nature reserve is also a paradise for nature lovers, especially for observing rising mists and diverse flora and fauna.

Absolutely. A marked trail of approximately 20 km encircles Lac de Saint-Point, perfect for walking. Lac de Lamoura features an easy, flat footpath around its perimeter. For a dedicated trail experience, the La Gruère Lake and High Moor Circular Trail is a wonderful option. You can also find many other hiking routes in the broader region, such as those listed in the Hiking around Urtière guide.

Lac des Brenets offers a unique fjord-like landscape with impressive gorges carved by the Doubs River and steep cliffs. Moorland by the lake, likely referring to the area around Étang de la Gruère, is described as a beautiful natural gem with a spectacularly beautiful raised bog. Lac des Taillères is picturesque, lined with pine trees and meadows.

Several lakes transform into winter playgrounds. Lac de Saint-Point and Lac des Rousses often freeze, becoming natural ice rinks. Lac de Lamoura also turns into a natural ice rink. Lac des Taillères, known as the 'Siberia of Switzerland,' consistently freezes, attracting skaters and hockey players. Nearby, you can also find opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Lac des Brenets is notable for its location on the Doubs River, forming part of the border between Switzerland and France, and features the impressive Saut du Doubs waterfall. A didactic theme trail around this lake also provides insights into the region's history of ice-making.

Visitors particularly appreciate the tranquility and natural beauty. Many enjoy the calm mornings and rising mists over the water at Étang de la Gruère. The La Gruère Lake and High Moor Circular Trail is described as a 'magical place full of power,' with the black water of the lake having a mystical effect. The Bois du Roy Ponds are also noted for their superb biodiversity and picnic spots.

Yes, the region offers various cycling opportunities. While specific lake-side cycling trails might vary, the broader area around Urtière has numerous road cycling routes, some of which pass by or near lakes. You can explore options like the 'Étang de la Gruère – Col de Pierre Pertuis loop' or the 'Étang de la Gruère – Bellelay Abbey loop' in the Road Cycling Routes around Urtière guide.

Lac de Remoray, a smaller and more secluded lake adjacent to Lac de Saint-Point, is a National Nature Reserve and a true hidden gem for those seeking rich biodiversity and tranquil walks away from larger crowds. Its protected status ensures a pristine natural experience.

The best time depends on your preferred activities. Summer (June to August) is ideal for swimming, water sports, and hiking. Spring and autumn offer beautiful scenery for walks and nature observation, with fewer crowds. Winter (December to February) is perfect for ice skating and other snow activities when the lakes freeze over.