Attractions and Places To See around Malpas - Top 20

The most popular natural attraction is Lac de Saint-Point, one of France's largest natural lakes, known for its bright blue water and for freezing in winter. Another significant natural feature is Lake Morond, an artificial lake used as a water reserve for snow cannons and a trout fishing pond.

Yes, the region is rich in history. You can explore La Cluse-et-Mijoux, a village nestled in the Jura Mountains, which is overlooked by historical sites like Fort de Joux or Fort Malher. Additionally, Joux Castle, also known as Fort de Joux, is a remarkable castle perched on a rocky outcrop with a thousand-year-old history, serving as both a defense point and a prison.

The area around Malpas offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for hiking, running, and mountain biking. For example, there are easy to moderate hiking loops around Lake Saint Point, such as the "Tour of Lake Saint Point" routes. For running, you can explore loops like the "Tour of Lake Saint Point – Les Grangettes Beach loop." Mountain bikers can enjoy routes like the "Lake Saint-Point – Saint-Point-Lac loop from Vaux-et-Chantegrue." You can find more details on these activities in the hiking guide, running guide, and MTB guide for the area.

Many attractions around Malpas are suitable for families. Lac de Saint-Point is a great spot for family outings, as is the village of La Cluse-et-Mijoux with its historical sites. The town of Pontarlier also offers a pleasant city center for families to explore.

Lac de Saint-Point is notable for being one of the largest natural lakes in France, known for its distinctive bright blue water. It's also unique because it freezes over in winter, and historically, it once formed a single large body of water with Lake Remoray. A dam on its north side helps regulate the water of the Doubs river.

La Cluse-et-Mijoux is a picturesque village situated in a folded valley within the Jura Mountains. It offers a range of shops and services. Visitors can explore historical sites such as Fort de Joux or Fort Malher, which provide impressive views overlooking the town. Several chapels, like Saint-Léger and Saint-Claude, are also located on the outskirts.

Pontarlier is a mountain town in the heart of the Jura Mountains, known as the capital of 'green fairy' absinthe. It was historically a major production center for this liqueur. Today, the city has revived this tradition with distilleries once again producing absinthe. It's also the second-highest town in France and features a very pleasant city center.

Yes, Lake Morond serves as a trout fishing pond. While swimming is prohibited, its presence helps cool the surrounding area, and it's a popular spot for anglers.

Joux Castle, also known as Fort de Joux, is a historically significant fortress near the Swiss border. Perched on a rocky outcrop, it served as both an observation and defense post, and notably, as a prison. Its most famous prisoner was the Haitian independence leader Toussaint Louverture. The castle has been continuously modernized over its 1,000-year history to incorporate the latest military technologies.

Many attractions offer scenic views. Lac de Saint-Point provides beautiful lake views. From La Cluse-et-Mijoux, you get impressive views of the mountain fortress of Château de Joux and Fort du Larmont Inférieur. Joux Castle itself offers panoramic views from its elevated position.

Yes, there are several easy walking trails. For instance, you can find easy loops around Lake Saint Point, such as the "Tour of Lake Saint Point – Saint-Point-Lac loop" which is approximately 6 km. There are also easy "Lake Malpas loop" routes, around 5 km in length, starting from Malpas or Les Grangettes. These are great for a relaxed stroll.

Visitors frequently appreciate the natural beauty of the lakes, particularly the bright blue waters of Lac de Saint-Point and the refreshing presence of Lake Morond. The historical depth of sites like Joux Castle and the charm of villages like La Cluse-et-Mijoux are also highly valued. The overall variety of natural landscapes and fortified sites makes the region appealing.