Lake Vouglans does not look like a man-made lake. Its water shifts from emerald to turquoise, forested cliffs plunge straight into it, and quiet coves open up around every bend. Yet it is the work of a single dam, completed in the 1960s, and it has become the Jura's favourite summer playground.

This guide covers the essentials: the key facts, the best beaches, the viewpoints worth the detour, what to do on the water — and a few tips to enjoy it at its best.

Lake Vouglans in a few figures

• Length: 35 km, and up to 900 m wide in places.
• Surface: around 1,600 hectares, holding nearly 600 million m³ of water.
• Ranking: the third-largest artificial reservoir in France.
• The dam: a 103-metre-high concrete arch dam on the river Ain, with a crest 427 metres long, commissioned in 1968.

The story beneath the surface

Creating the lake meant flooding part of the Ain valley. The hamlet of Le Bourget, several farms, the old Pyle bridge and, above all, the Chartreuse de Vaucluse — a Carthusian monastery founded in 1139 — disappeared under the water. Only its gateway and two 18th-century pavilions were dismantled and rebuilt on higher ground near the lake; the rest lies around 45 metres down. It is the kind of story that makes children look at the water very differently.

The best beaches

The main beaches are free to access, with parking nearby. Three stand out:

• Bellecin, near Orgelet: a sandy beach with shaded lawns, drinking water, toilets and a first-aid post. Swimming is supervised in July and August, and the water-sports base rents out canoes and paddleboards. Parking is free.
• La Mercantine, at Maisod: a family favourite, with paddleboard and canoe rentals in season.
• Le Surchauffant, near the Pyle bridge: a pleasant spot in the middle of the lake, easy to combine with the bridge and its viewpoints.

On hot summer days, arrive early: the best spots on the grass fill up by late morning.

The viewpoints

The Regardoir, at Moirans-en-Montagne

The most complete viewpoint on the lake, some 100 metres above the water, with a large free car park, picnic tables, panels explaining the history of the dam and a telescope. It is also the starting point of the via ferrata. Come at the end of the day, when the low light plays on the water.

Coyron

On the lakeside road between Maisod and the Pyle bridge, this viewpoint is right by the road, with an interpretation panel describing the landscape: a quick stop if you are short on time.

Château Richard and the Pyle bridge

A short walk from the Pyle bridge car park leads to a shaded picnic area with one of the best views of the bridge and the lake.

Things to do on and around the water

Paddleboarding and canoeing

The calm coves are ideal for stand-up paddleboarding, which most people pick up in a few minutes, and canoes let you explore further along the wooded shores. Rentals operate in season at Bellecin and La Mercantine; in July and August, it is worth checking opening times in advance.

The via ferrata of the Regardoir

For a proper thrill, the via ferrata above the lake combines a vertical start, two open-air ladders and a 90-metre suspended footbridge over a natural amphitheatre. It is open to children from 8 years old and 1.20 m tall — unusually young for a via ferrata — runs from June to November and takes around an hour and a half. It is not recommended if you suffer from vertigo.

Walks and picnics

The shoreline is dotted with shaded spots perfect for a picnic, and the viewpoints make natural goals for short walks. Pack a lunch from a local market and make a day of it.

When to visit

July and August are the season for swimming, with lifeguards at Bellecin and all the water-sports rentals open. June and September are quieter, with long days and — in September — water that is still warm enough to swim. Out of season, the lake is well worth a visit for its viewpoints and walks, even when the beaches are empty.

Where to stay near Lake Vouglans

Orgelet is the ideal base: Bellecin beach is just a few minutes away, and the rest of the lake is within easy reach. Our Région des Lacs holiday home with private spa and sauna sleeps six, and the Résidence des Lilas suits a family of four.

On the Moirans-en-Montagne side, a few minutes from the Regardoir and the via ferrata, our Gîte Vouglans is perfect for a couple. Planning your first trip to the region? Read our first-timer's guide to the Jura and our advice on choosing and booking a gîte.

Questions before booking? The easiest way to reach us is by email: write to us in English and we will reply in English.

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