Top 20 Lakes around Parc naturel régional Jura vaudois

Lac de Joux offers a wide range of activities year-round. In summer, you can enjoy swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, cycling around the lake, hiking, and fishing. There are beautiful beaches and swimming spots, including the popular "Pointe de Sable". When the lake freezes in winter, it becomes a popular spot for ice-skating and cross-country skiing. You can also find public grills and picnic tables for a relaxing day out. For cycling, consider the full circumnavigation of Lac de Joux.

While both are in the Vallée de Joux, Lac Brenet is smaller and recognized as a nationally important protected natural site due to its still-natural banks. It features a pleasant thematic path that encircles the lake, offering insights into the history of ice harvesting in the region. This 4 km loop starts from Le Pont and takes about an hour. Lac de Joux, on the other hand, is the largest lake in the Jura mountains and is known for its extensive water sports and winter ice activities.

Yes, the lakes region offers several family-friendly options. Lac de Joux has beaches and swimming spots suitable for families, and the village of Le Pont provides a charming setting with a beach. The thematic path around Lac Brenet is also an easy and educational walk for families. Many trails, like the Riverside path along Lac de Joux, are suitable for all ages.

The region is rich in natural features. Beyond the expansive Lac de Joux and picturesque Lac Brenet, you can explore the Creux de Terre Nature Reserve. This reserve is a vital ornithological site, recognized as a national water and migratory bird reserve, where over 250 bird species have been observed. Its marshy areas and ponds provide a unique habitat for rare plant and animal species, including amphibians. An Observation Platform at Lac de Joux Wetlands offers great views for birdwatching.

The best time to visit depends on your preferred activities. Summer (June to September) is ideal for swimming, cycling, hiking, and water sports, with water temperatures in Lac de Joux potentially reaching 24°C. Winter, when the lakes freeze over, is perfect for ice-skating and cross-country skiing. The region offers beauty and activities throughout the year.

Yes, there are several easy walks. The thematic path around Lac Brenet is a pleasant 4 km loop. You can also find easy sections along the shores of Lac de Joux, such as the Riverside path. For more options, check out the Easy hikes around Parc naturel régional Jura vaudois guide, which includes routes like the 'Tour of Lac Brenet' and 'Picnic area at Lac de Joux – Lakeshore of Lac de Joux loop'.

The village of Le Pont, located on the northern edge of Lac de Joux, is an ideal spot. It offers several café terraces and bakeries, providing a place to refuel with superb views of the lake. The small hamlet also has a restaurant and a small grocery store. The wider Vallée de Joux region also provides various accommodation and dining options.

Yes, both Lac de Joux and Lac Brenet offer numerous opportunities for swimming in summer. Water temperatures in Lac de Joux can reach between 18 and 24°C, making it very pleasant for a refreshing dip. There are designated beaches and swimming spots, such as the "Pointe de Sable" on Lac de Joux.

Absolutely. The region around the lakes is excellent for hiking. You can find trails ranging from easy to difficult. For easy options, consider the 'Tour of Lac Brenet' or the 'Picnic area at Lac de Joux – Lakeshore of Lac de Joux loop' found in the Easy hikes around Parc naturel régional Jura vaudois guide. For more challenging routes, the Mountain Hikes around Parc naturel régional Jura vaudois guide offers trails like 'Mont Tendre Summit' or 'La Dôle loop'.

Cycling is a very popular activity. You can completely circle Lac de Joux by bike, enjoying varied landscapes from wild shores to deep forests and wooded pastures. This route offers beautiful beaches and swimming spots for breaks. The region's extensive cycling and mountain biking routes extend through the hilly natural paradise around the lake.

Yes, the area provides excellent running trails. The Running Trails around Parc naturel régional Jura vaudois guide features routes such as the 'Lakeshore of Lac de Joux loop from Sentier-Orient' and 'Lakeshore of Lac de Joux loop from Le Lieu', offering scenic long-distance runs around the lake.

The Creux de Terre Nature Reserve, located between Chavornay and Orbe, is a significant natural area featuring several ponds. It's a crucial ornithological site and a national water and migratory bird reserve, known for its exceptional biodiversity. The reserve's marshy areas and ponds, formed from former clay exploitation, create a unique habitat for rare and endangered plant and animal species. It's an ideal place for birdwatching and nature observation from designated paths and observatories.