Top 11 Lakes around Noiraigue

While Noiraigue itself is known for the spectacular Areuse Gorge, it serves as a gateway to the wider Jura & Three-Lakes region. You can explore the expansive Lake Neuchâtel, the largest lake entirely within Switzerland, and smaller idyllic spots like Lake Taillères. The area also offers stunning viewpoints, such as the View of Lake Neuchâtel, which provides expansive vistas over the Three Lakes region and the Alps.

Yes, several spots are ideal for families. The Vineyards along Lake Neuchâtel offer a car-free, tarred cycle path perfect for families with young children. Pointe du Grain on Lake Neuchâtel is a beach suitable for taking a break, eating, or swimming. Lake Taillères is also considered family-friendly, offering beautiful views of the lake and surrounding forest.

For swimming, Pointe du Grain is a popular beach located directly on Lake Neuchâtel, perfect for a refreshing dip. While Lake Taillères is beautiful, it's not always suitable for swimming, especially in autumn, but it does freeze over in winter for ice skating.

You can enjoy the Vineyards along Lake Neuchâtel, a tarred path bordered by vines and the lake, which is car-free and great for families. For more adventurous cycling, explore the Gravel biking routes around Noiraigue or the MTB Trails around Noiraigue, which include routes like the 'Areuse River – Creux du Van loop'.

Yes, the Port de Cortaillod on Lake Neuchâtel is a charming port town and a historic site. It gave its name to the Cortaillod culture, a Neolithic culture. The nearby Laténium Museum offers insights into ancient settlements and discoveries from the lake shores.

The Areuse Gorge, starting from Noiraigue, offers a spectacular hike with impressive torrents, ravines, and unique bridges like the Saut-de-Brot. For longer excursions, the mountain ridge between Lake Neuchâtel and Val de Ruz, accessible from the View of Lake Neuchâtel, is a starting point for Jura hikes. You can also find various Running Trails around Noiraigue, some of which lead to the Creux du Van.

Lake Taillères, located in the Neuchâtel Jura near the French border, is nicknamed the 'Siberia of Switzerland' due to its cold winters and record low temperatures. It's an idyllic 2km² lake, the second largest in Canton Neuchâtel, offering beautiful views of the lake, forest, and wildflowers.

Visitors appreciate the scenic beauty, particularly the expansive views over the Three Lakes region from spots like the View of Lake Neuchâtel. The car-free cycling paths like the Vineyards along Lake Neuchâtel are popular for their ease and beauty, and places like Pointe du Grain are loved for relaxing by the water.

While specific public transport details to each lake are not provided, the View of Lake Neuchâtel can be reached via funicular from Neuchâtel, which runs up to Chaumont. This makes it accessible for those relying on public transport.

The region offers diverse experiences throughout the year. Summer is ideal for swimming at places like Pointe du Grain and cycling. In winter, Lake Taillères freezes over, offering an ice skating experience. The Areuse Gorge hike is beautiful in warmer months, while the View of Lake Neuchâtel is accessible year-round, with the funicular operating even in winter for winter hiking and snowshoeing.

While specific 'hidden gems' are not detailed, the region offers a variety of water bodies beyond the main attractions. Exploring the smaller, idyllic lakes mentioned in the guide, or venturing onto less-trafficked sections of the Areuse Gorge trail, might offer a more secluded experience. The komoot community has contributed over 90 upvotes and 12 photos, suggesting many diverse spots to discover.