Top 10 Lakes around Belfort

While Belfort itself doesn't have large natural lakes, the surrounding Territoire de Belfort department offers several notable bodies of water. The most prominent are the Étang des Forges, known for its natural beauty and historical significance, and the Étang du Malsaucy, which is the largest and a hub for water sports and outdoor activities. You can also explore Véronne Pond, a popular fishing spot and bird habitat, and the unique series of ponds at Étang La Belle Île with its wooden walkways.

The lakes around Belfort are rich in natural features. The Étang des Forges is classified as a ZNIEFF (Zone Naturelle d'Intérêt Écologique Faunistique et Floristique) and features a bird observatory with nearly 150 species. The Étang du Malsaucy is also a protected area, home to 49 animal species and 8 protected plant species, with a portion of the water body dedicated to biodiversity preservation. Véronne Pond is particularly known as a hive for many birds.

Yes, the Étang des Forges has a rich history. It was created by humans in the Middle Ages to address water shortages and later played a role in the operation of a forge, which is how it got its name. This blend of natural beauty and historical utility makes it a unique site.

The Étang du Malsaucy is the primary hub for water sports. Here you can enjoy pedal boating, supervised swimming, sailing, kayaking, rowing, and windsurfing. It features a large public beach and a nautical base. Other activities like mountain biking, climbing, orienteering, and archery are also popular around its shores.

Absolutely. The Étang des Forges offers the 'Sentier de la Roselière' (Reed Bed Path) with wooden walkways, wooded areas, and wet meadows, perfect for tranquil walks. Around Étang La Belle Île, there are several marked walks that allow you to explore its unique pond system and islets. Many trails also encircle the Étang du Malsaucy, offering scenic routes for walkers and runners.

Yes, fishing is a popular activity at several lakes. The Étang des Forges boasts a diverse fish population, including carp, tench, roach, perch, pike, and zander, with fishing permitted in designated areas with a valid permit. Véronne Pond is also particularly appreciated by fishermen.

Yes, the area around Belfort's lakes offers various cycling opportunities. You can find routes like the 'Belfort - Lac du Malsaucy Cycle Route' for touring bicycles, or gravel biking options such as the 'Lac du Malsaucy – Véronne Pond loop'. For more challenging rides, there are also MTB trails that incorporate the lakes, like the 'Lac du Malsaucy – Giromagny Fort loop'. You can find more details on these routes in the Cycling around Belfort, Gravel biking around Belfort, and MTB Trails around Belfort guides.

Many of the lake areas are very family-friendly. The Étang du Malsaucy offers a public sandy beach, supervised swimming, mini-golf, and picnic areas. Véronne Pond and Étang La Belle Île are also highlighted as family-friendly spots, providing pleasant environments for walks and enjoying nature with kids.

Yes, several lake areas welcome dogs. The Étang du Malsaucy is noted as dog-friendly, and Véronne Pond is also a great spot where dogs are allowed, making it ideal for walks with your canine companion.

Yes, Véronne Pond is listed as wheelchair accessible, offering paths that can be navigated by visitors using wheelchairs. The 'Sentier de la Roselière' at the Étang des Forges also features wooden walkways, which can enhance accessibility for some visitors.

The Étang des Forges is special for its blend of history and nature. Created in the Middle Ages, it's now a classified ecological zone (ZNIEFF) with a bird observatory, making it a prime spot for birdwatching. It's also popular for jogging, cycling, and tranquil walks along its 'Sentier de la Roselière', offering a peaceful natural escape close to Belfort.

The lakes are enjoyable throughout the year, but the summer months are particularly vibrant. The Étang du Malsaucy hosts the 'Eurockéennes de Belfort' music festival in early July, and its nautical base is fully operational for water sports. The warmer months are also ideal for walking, cycling, and enjoying the natural beauty and wildlife around both the Étang des Forges and Étang du Malsaucy.

Supervised swimming is available at the Étang du Malsaucy, which features a public sandy beach. Historically, the Étang des Forges also served as a public swimming area. However, it's important to note that swimming is prohibited at certain reservoirs, such as the Champagney Dam, where water sports are organized by local clubs but swimming is not allowed.