Best lakes around Bavois are situated in the canton of Vaud, Switzerland, offering a variety of aquatic environments. The municipality features local ponds like L'Étang des Puits and is near the larger lakes of the Vallée de Joux. This region is characterized by its hilly Jura landscape and significant water features. The lakes provide diverse natural settings for various outdoor activities.
Last updated: August 21, 2026
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The Creux de Terre near Yverdon-les-Bains is an impressive karst sinkhole and also a significant nature reserve. The basin was formed by geological processes in which limestone sank, forming a funnel-shaped basin. Today, the area is home to moist meadows, ponds, small forests, and rich biodiversity. Amphibians such as frogs, toads, and newts find ideal living conditions here. Numerous bird species also breed or rest in the reserve. Walking trails with information panels lead through the basin and explain its geology, flora, and fauna. The Creux de Terre is easily accessible from nearby Yverdon.
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Popular picnic area with stone, looking out over the "Sur le Mont" (504m), the eastern municipal boundary of Orny.
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The Etang du Bois Neuf is an artificial pond for fishing, observing flora and fauna and for relaxation. A wooden walkway offers the opportunity to view the pond up close, and there are many opportunities for picnicking around the pond.
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Here you are looking straight at the "Sur le Mont" (504m), the eastern municipal boundary of Orny.
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The square has been renovated and has an unused grill.
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The region around Bavois offers a variety of aquatic spots. Directly in Bavois, you'll find L'Étang des Puits, known for fishing. A short distance away in the Vallée de Joux, there are three significant lakes: Lac de Joux, Lac Brenet, and Lac Ter. Additionally, local highlights include Étang du Bois Neuf, Creux de Terre Nature Reserve, and Sépey Pond.
Yes, several spots are great for families. Étang du Bois Neuf is an artificial pond perfect for relaxation and picnicking, with a wooden walkway for close-up views. Sépey Pond offers short walks to observe ducks, birds, and frogs. The didactic theme trail around Lac Brenet is also easy and suitable for all fitness levels, offering insights into the region's history.
The lakes and ponds near Bavois are rich in natural beauty. At Creux de Terre Nature Reserve, you can observe various birds and amphibians in its multiple ponds. Étang du Buron is known for its frogs and newts. Lac de Joux boasts inviting turquoise waters and sandy beaches, while Lac Brenet and Lac Ter are characterized by cliffs, reeds, and pine trees, providing habitats for diverse flora and fauna.
The lakes are beautiful year-round. In summer, Lac de Joux is ideal for swimming and water sports with temperatures ranging from 18 to 24 degrees. During very cold winters, Lac de Joux, Lac Brenet, and Lac Ter freeze completely, transforming into natural ice-skating rinks, with Lac de Joux being Switzerland's largest. The didactic trail around Lac Brenet is enjoyable in milder seasons.
Yes, there are several options. Lac de Joux is surrounded by an extensive network of hiking and cycling routes, including a popular circular hike of approximately 23 kilometers. Lac Brenet features an easy 3.1-mile didactic theme trail with interpretive panels. For shorter, relaxed walks, you can explore around Sépey Pond or Étang du Bois Neuf.
Lac de Joux is a prime destination for water sports. Its conditions are ideal for windsurfing, sailing, rowing, water skiing, and wakeboarding. During summer, scheduled boat services also offer cruises on the lake, providing a different perspective of the scenery.
Fishing is a popular activity in the region. L'Étang des Puits in Bavois is known to host Fario trout, rainbow trout, pike, and carp. Lac de Joux is a good spot for trout, perch, pike, and fera. Lac Ter primarily attracts fishermen seeking perch, roach, gudgeon, and pike. Some ponds within the Creux de Terre Nature Reserve also allow fishing.
While the focus is primarily natural, Lac Brenet has a unique historical connection to the ice-making industry. Its didactic theme trail provides insights into how ice was historically harvested from the lake and sold. The Creux de Terre Nature Reserve itself is an impressive karst sinkhole formed by geological processes, offering a natural historical perspective.
Beyond hiking and water sports, the region offers excellent opportunities for cycling and mountain biking around Lac de Joux. You can find various routes for gravel biking and road cycling around Bavois. For example, explore routes like 'To the source of the Venoge' or 'View of Mont Blanc – Col du Mollendruz' which start nearby. More details on these routes can be found in the Gravel biking around Bavois and Road Cycling Routes around Bavois guides.
Absolutely. Étang du Bois Neuf offers many opportunities for picnicking around the pond. There's also a popular Picnic spot with a stone table overlooking the 'Sur le Mont' area. Lac de Joux has extensive shorelines and sandy beaches perfect for relaxation, and Lac Ter offers a more serene and peaceful atmosphere with its reedy banks.
Lac de Joux is highly popular due to its status as the largest lake in the Jura mountains and the canton of Vaud. It's known for its inviting turquoise waters, extensive shoreline, and being one of the few lakes in Switzerland with sandy beaches. It offers a wide range of activities, from water sports and hiking in summer to being Switzerland's largest natural ice-skating rink in winter.
The villages surrounding Lac de Joux, such as Le Sentier, Le Pont, and L'Abbaye, offer various amenities and are generally accessible. For specific public transport options to Lac Brenet or other smaller ponds, it's advisable to check local transport schedules, as accessibility can vary.


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