📍 France

JURA LAKES ROUTE: EMERALD AND TURQUOISE ALPINE WATERS

Emerald and turquoise waters reflecting sky, peaks framing crystal-clear lakes, silence of deep forests. The Jura lakes, strikingly beautiful.

≈ 5
Days
122
Km
5
Stops
📖 3 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Explore Jura's glacial lakes. Tour Clairvaux-les-Lacs, follow shores with turquoise waters, take forest trails leading to secluded bays and let the mountain impose its slow and soothing rhythm.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Marigny

jura gate alpine valley

Marigny - Photo 1Marigny - Photo 2Marigny - Photo 3Marigny - Photo 4Marigny - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of Lake Chalain, largest natural lake in Jura, and walk around the turquoise waters
2
Ascent to the 4 Lakes viewpoint for a panorama over Ilay, Narlay, Petit and Grand Maclu
🎯

Activities

→
Swimming and relaxation by Lake Chalain
→
Sunset walk around Lake Ilay
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 25 km
Travel time: 30min
2
Day

Le Frasnois

forest village lake approach

Le Frasnois - Photo 1Le Frasnois - Photo 2Le Frasnois - Photo 3Le Frasnois - Photo 4Le Frasnois - Photo 5Le Frasnois - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Hike to the Hérisson Waterfalls, series of 31 spectacular cascades in the heart of the forest
2
Visit to the Boissellerie du Hérisson, traditional Jura craft workshop
🎯

Activities

→
Picnic by Lake Bonlieu, surrounded by wild forests
→
Sunset observation from the Pic de l'Aigle viewpoint
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 22 km
Travel time: 25min
3
Day

Clairvaux Les Lacs

lakeside village emerald reflection

Clairvaux Les Lacs - Photo 1Clairvaux Les Lacs - Photo 2Clairvaux Les Lacs - Photo 3Clairvaux Les Lacs - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Tour of the Clairvaux lakes, ideal site for swimming and water activities
2
Discovery of the Chalain archaeological site, UNESCO World Heritage listed
🎯

Activities

→
Bike ride around the Clairvaux lakes on the Jurassic Vélo Tour routes
→
Relaxing break by the lake with views of the Jura mountains
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 35 km
Travel time: 40min
4
Day

Moirans En Montagne

toy village jura tradition

Moirans En Montagne - Photo 1Moirans En Montagne - Photo 2Moirans En Montagne - Photo 3Moirans En Montagne - Photo 4Moirans En Montagne - Photo 5Moirans En Montagne - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Visit to the Toy Museum in Moirans-en-Montagne, tracing the playful history of Jura
2
Discovery of Lake Vouglans and the Pont de la Pyle, one of France's largest artificial lakes
🎯

Activities

→
Cruise or kayak trip on the emerald green waters of Lake Vouglans
→
Panoramic walk to the Garde belvedere
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 40 km
Travel time: 50min
5
Day

Thoirette

mountain pass alpine gateway

Thoirette - Photo 1Thoirette - Photo 2Thoirette - Photo 3Thoirette - Photo 4Thoirette - Photo 5Thoirette - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of Lake Coiselet, on the border of Ain and Jura
2
Final walk through the gorges of the Ain and arrival in Thoirette
🎯

Activities

→
Observation of Jura landscapes and photo stop on the heights of the Ain valley
→
Free return or continuation of the journey to the sources of the Doubs

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🛡️ Travel advice - France

Check official recommendations

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming countryside, ideal for all regions, moderate crowds, excellent value, romantic atmosphere.

Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, perfect for Mediterranean coast, festival season.

Fall (September-October): Harvest season, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, wine regions spectacular, excellent photography, good value.

Winter (November-March): Christmas markets, ski season Alps, fewer crowds, lowest prices, cozy indoor attractions, cultural experiences.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 4 and 6 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in France?

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