Top 9 Lakes around Les Bois

The region around Les Bois, encompassing the Swiss Jura and French Doubs, offers a diverse range of lakes. You'll find large recreational lakes like Lac de Joux and Lac de Saint-Point, smaller nature reserves such as Étang de la Gruère and Lac de Remoray, and charming smaller ponds like the Pond on the Ronde River.

Yes, the region is home to significant natural reserves. In Switzerland, Étang de la Gruère is a moor lake and a nature reserve of national importance. In France, Lac de Remoray is recognized as a National Nature Reserve due to its rich biodiversity, including over 200 bird species.

Lac de Joux, the largest body of water in the Jura massif, is excellent for water sports. You can enjoy windsurfing, paddleboarding, water skiing, kite-surfing, canoeing, kayaking, and pedal boating. Lac de Saint-Point also permits non-motorized water sports.

Many lakes in the region are family-friendly. Étang de la Gruère, Moorland by the lake, and the Pond are all noted as family-friendly highlights. Lac de Saint-Point has two supervised beaches during summer, and Lac de Remoray offers a dedicated beach area for swimming.

The surrounding areas of the lakes offer extensive networks for biking and hiking. For example, a 23 km path around Lac de Saint-Point is popular for walking. You can find various cycling routes, including those around Étang de la Gruère, in the Cycling around Les Bois guide, Road Cycling Routes around Les Bois, and Gravel biking around Les Bois.

The lakes are beautiful year-round. In summer, the waters of Lac de Joux can reach up to 24 degrees Celsius, making it ideal for swimming. During very cold winters, Lac de Joux, Lac Brenet, Lac Ter, and Lac de Saint-Point can freeze over, transforming into natural ice-skating rinks.

Yes, fishing is a popular activity. Lac Ter is particularly popular among fishermen for its perch, roach, gudgeon, and pike. The Bois du Roy Ponds are also well-known among fishermen, and Lac de Saint-Point permits fishing.

Yes, several spots offer picturesque views. Viewpoint of La Ronde and the Doubs provides a breathtaking perspective of the river and surrounding landscape. Moorland by the lake is also noted for its spectacular beauty.

The region is known for its unique natural features. Moorland by the lake features a raised bog, offering a distinct ecosystem. Lac Brenet and Lac de Joux are notable for their absence of surface water run-off, with water seeping into the calcareous subsoil and resurfacing elsewhere.

Visitors frequently appreciate the tranquility and natural beauty. Many enjoy the calm atmosphere and opportunities to observe rising mists over the water at Étang de la Gruère. The Pond on the Ronde River is cherished for its absolute peace and relaxation, often with a fire pit available for use.

During sufficiently cold winters, several lakes freeze over. Lac de Joux transforms into Switzerland's and Europe's largest natural ice-skating rink. Lac Brenet, Lac Ter, and Lac de Saint-Point also often freeze, allowing for ice skating when conditions are suitable.

Lakeshore villages like Le Sentier, Le Pont, and L'Abbaye around Lac de Joux offer amenities. Lac de Saint-Point has two supervised beaches with facilities. For a more rustic experience, the Pond on the Ronde River has a fire pit, and the Bois du Roy Ponds are noted as a good picnic spot.