Swimming in the lakes and leisure centres of the Jura
Lac de Clairvaux – Clairvaux beach in Clairvaux-les-Lacs
This iconic lake in the region offers a well-equipped family beach in the heart of Clairvaux-les-Lacs. With a large grassy area, a secure swimming zone and water sports, it is a must-visit spot for summer holidaymakers.
Lake Chalain – Chalain beach in Doucier
Doucier beach is the best known beach on Lake Chalain. Wide, easily accessible and very popular, it offers all the amenities you need to enjoy a full day by the water.
Lake Chalain – Domaine de Chalain beach in Doucier
On the other side of the lake, Domaine de Chalain beach also offers a beautiful swimming area, backed by a large tourist area. It is one of the best-equipped sites for spending the day swimming, enjoying water sports and relaxing.
Lac des Rousses – Rousses beach
Located a stone's throw from the village of the same name, Les Rousses lake is one of the most pleasant lakes in the Haut-Jura for swimming in summer. The main beach offers a large swimming area and is supervised in July and August, making it ideal for families. The setting, open to the mountains, makes it a popular spot for hikers and holidaymakers alike.
Lake Lamoura
The highest lake in the Jura, Lamoura Lake charms visitors with its unspoilt environment and peaceful atmosphere. A dedicated area allows you to swim in the heart of nature, in water renowned for its cleanliness. It is the perfect place to enjoy the peace and quiet without the crowds. Swimming is supervised in July and August.
Lake Vouglans – Bellecin beach (Orgelet)
The well-equipped Bellecin beach of Lake Vouglans, lifeguard-supervised in July and August, enjoys a superb natural environment. It offers clear, calm water, perfect for swimming, as well as various water sports popular with holidaymakers.
Lake Vouglans – Surchauffant beach (La Tour-du-Meix)
Very popular in summer, Surchauffant beach is one of the best-known swimming spots on Lake Vouglans. It is supervised in summer and offers a pleasant setting, combining a vast beach, crystal-clear water and panoramic views of the Jura hills.
Lake Vouglans – Mercantine beach and leisure centre (Maisod)
This is one of the best swimming spots on the lake for those who also want to enjoy water sports. La Mercantine beach offers a pleasant beach, lifeguard supervision in summer and the possibility of hiring pedalos or canoes to explore the shores of Vouglans.
Lake Coiselet (Chancia)
Nestled in the south of the department, Lake Coiselet offers a small natural beach where swimming is permitted but not supervised.
Please note: in the summer of 2025, the water level was lowered due to a geological risk, resulting in a temporary ban on activities on the lake. This situation will be monitored for the 2026 season.
Bresse Haute Seille leisure area (Desnes, lake)
This accessible, family-friendly Desnes lake offers a pleasant beach and facilities dedicated to relaxation and leisure. Ideal for cooling off on hot summer days.
The Doubs at Pré Marnoz (Dole)
For those who prefer natural surroundings, swimming is possible in the Doubs at Pré Marnoz. The spot is popular with locals, even though swimming is not supervised.
Lakes of Jura where swimming is prohibited
Some lakes in the Jura are off-limits to swimming, either because they are located on private property or to protect sensitive natural environments. Here are a few of them:
The 4 Lakes
Swimming is strictly prohibited in the lakes of Narlay, Petit Maclu and Grand Maclu.
It is tolerated in Lake Ilay, but prohibited from 15 April to 15 September, a period when its fragile biodiversity must be protected.
Lake Besain
Also classified as a sensitive site, Lake Besain is not open for swimming.
Lake Bonlieu
This iconic Jura lake, very popular for hiking, does not allow swimming in order to preserve its exceptional ecosystem.
Where to camp near the most beautiful swimming spots in the Jura
With around sixty campsites in the Jura, the department offers many opportunities to stay close to the lakes and enjoy the most beautiful beaches. We particularly recommend the following campsites:
In Clairvaux-les-Lacs, several campsites allow you to stay close to the beaches of Lake Clairvaux. Le Fayolan**** campsite has direct access to the lake and is particularly well maintained, ideal for a holiday by the water. Nearby, La Grisière*** campsite also offers direct access to the beaches of Clairvaux, in a green setting that is popular with families.
Lake Chalain, very popular in summer, has several campsites located in the immediate vicinity of the various beaches. In Marigny, the La Pergola***** campsite is located directly on the lake, with quick access to the beach.
Around Lake Vouglans, several campsites occupy prime locations. In La Tour-du-Meix, the Domaine du Surchauffant*** offers direct access to the beach of the same name, one of the most pleasant for supervised swimming in summer. The Les Pêcheurs**** campsite in Pont-de-Poitte and the Le Moulin**** campsite in Patornay are located just 500 metres from Lake Vouglans., making it an attractive option for visiting Chalain and the nearby waterfalls. In Maisod, Trelachaume*** campsite overlooks the lake and is just 1.5 km from Mercantine beach, offering exceptional panoramic views.
In Chancia, the Chancia La Presqu’île du Jura*** campsite has direct access to Lake Coiselet, which is popular for its tranquillity. Swimming is not supervised but is still permitted. From this campsite, it is also possible to reach Lake Vouglans in 15 minutes, including Mercantine beach, allowing you to combine peaceful swimming with a wide range of water sports activities.
Practical advice for safe swimming in the Jura
Summer and swimming are synonymous with relaxation, but safety must always remain a priority. Never swim alone, even if you are a good swimmer, and always keep an eye on children, even in shallow areas. Choose supervised beaches and follow the lifeguards' instructions.
To preserve the ecosystem of the Jura lakes, avoid using polluting sun creams, do not trample on areas of aquatic vegetation and do not leave any rubbish on the banks.
Finally, if you choose to swim in a river, find out in advance about authorised areas and the risks of currents or flash floods, and remain particularly vigilant, as these sites are not usually supervised.