Top 10 Lakes around Les Enfers

The region around Les Enfers offers a variety of beautiful lakes. Among the most popular are Étang de la Gruère, known for its calm atmosphere and rising mists, and Étang Plain-de-Saigne, a significant birdwatching spot and raised bog. Another highly rated option is Étang de Bollement, a beautiful natural oasis that was originally a reservoir.

Yes, several lakes in the area are family-friendly. Étang de la Gruère and Étang Plain-de-Saigne are both excellent choices, offering easy access and natural beauty. Additionally, Lac Brenet, located near Lac de Joux, is popular with families for its easy walking path and small, shaded beaches.

The lakes around Les Enfers are set within diverse natural landscapes. You'll find mystical high moor landscapes and peat bogs, such as those surrounding La Gruère Lake and High Moor Circular Trail and Moorland by the lake. The Doubs River also carves out picturesque river gorges and features enchanting waterfalls, most notably the Saut du Doubs near Lac des Brenets.

The region offers a wide range of outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking on trails like the Pâture des Vernois loop or the Suspension bridge over the Doubs – Riverside Trail. Mountain biking and gravel biking are also popular, with routes such as the Vallée du Doubs MTB Loop and the Doubs Valley gravel routes available.

Absolutely. Hiking is a primary activity in the area. The La Gruère Lake and High Moor Circular Trail is a popular option, offering a wonderful nature reserve experience. Lac des Brenets also provides various trails for all skill levels, with breathtaking surrounding landscapes. You can find more hiking options in the Hiking around Les Enfers guide.

Lac des Brenets, also known as Lac de Chaillexon, is notable for being situated on the Doubs River, forming part of the border between Switzerland and France. It's famous for its picturesque river gorges and the impressive 27-meter Saut du Doubs waterfall at its downstream end. In winter, when the Doubs freezes over, it can transform into one of Europe's largest natural ice rinks, offering a unique experience.

Yes, Lac de Moron is an artificial lake created by the Châtelot Dam on the Doubs River, also on the French-Swiss border. Despite being man-made, it's considered a classified natural site due to its serene waters and surrounding natural beauty. No civil motorboats are allowed, preserving its tranquility, and during droughts, ruins of old submerged farms can sometimes become visible.

The lakes offer beauty in every season. For enjoying the calm and observing rising mists, a morning hike is recommended, especially at Étang de la Gruère. The high moor landscapes are recommended in every season. Winter offers a unique experience, particularly if Lac des Brenets freezes over for ice skating, though conditions can vary.

Yes, there are several easy walking options. The path around Lac Brenet is known for being an easy walk that can be completed in about an hour, making it ideal for a leisurely stroll. The trails around Étang de la Gruère and Étang Plain-de-Saigne are also generally accessible and suitable for easy walks.

Visitors frequently praise the tranquil atmosphere and the stunning natural beauty. Many appreciate the opportunity to observe wildlife, especially at spots like Étang Plain-de-Saigne which is a significant birdwatching location. The mystical black water and high moor landscapes, particularly around La Gruère Lake, are also highly valued for their unique charm.

Lac Brenet has a unique historical connection; in the past, ice blocks from this lake were harvested and transported for use in Swiss cities and even Paris. Additionally, Lac de Moron, while artificial, sometimes reveals ruins of old farms that were submerged when the dam was built in 1953, offering a glimpse into the area's past.