Water sports Franche-Comté

The deepest of the Jura lakes: it goes down to 40 metres. Unlike the others, it is not a glacial lake but formed after a collapse. A local tale gives another explanation for its origin: a beggar would one day have asked the inhabitants of the village for hospitality. All refused to welcome him except a miserable and blind old man... In anger, the beggar (who was a witch) caused torrential rains to fall on the village which was then completely swallowed up except... the house of the old charitable man. Since then, it seems that on Christmas Eve at midnight, we hear the rooster crowing from the village buried under the water. It is also said that a fairy once gave these waters the power to launder laundry, without detergent or soap! Today, the lake is a peaceful place, frequented in summer by fishermen, swimmers and guests of the municipal campground on its shore.

This small lake, 2 km long and 400 m wide on average, lies between Les Rousses and Bois-d'Amont. In winter, cross-country ski trails run alongside it, and you can admire its frozen shores and the surrounding peat bogs frozen in frost. In summer, it becomes a water sports base with supervised swimming. Sunday bathers and boaters meet anglers who try their luck in the clear, fish-rich water. Thanks to recent improvements, the surrounding area now boasts a pétanque court, picnic area with barbecue, bicycle parking... The nautical building is also the starting point for the path that leads to the remarkable natural site of the lake rock. Finally, a wooden walkway allows hikers to cross the surrounding peat bogs in complete tranquillity, without damaging the fragile ecosystem. A fascinating thematic trail where you can discover the flora and fauna typical of peat bogs. Worth knowing: of all the lakes in the Franche-Comté region, Lac des Rousses is the only one that forms part of the Rhine river system.

Situated between Champagney and Ronchamp, the Ballastières leisure centre has a beach from which you can access a stretch of water equipped for swimming. During the summer season, you can rent canoes directly on the beach. From May to September, bicycles are available for hire to ride the circuits of the mountain bike base (departure from the Camping des Ballastières). A path of hallage allows you to make the tour of the two ponds of the base, on foot or by bike.

Michaël Parmentier is a nature and outdoor sports instructor who offers sporting activities during your stay in the Jura. Located on the first plateau, in the commune of Mirebel, you can join him in exploring the many hiking trails and sharing his knowledge of the area. He also offers electric bike rides, archery and paddles and canoes for hire on Lac de Chalain. Contact him for information and bookings to discover the Jura in a different way.

The Great Lake Clairvaux-les-Lacs beach has an asset that differentiates it from others: a dive, at the end of the pier. Only 4 on-site diving sites exist in France! In 1945, the construction of the jetty was begun to create improvised swimming facilities for sports structures. In 1948 a dive on the pier by the commune was prepared. In 1997, the structure was consolidated with metal structures with today 3 supermounted fountains in platforms (3 m, 5 m, and 7.50 m). A rescue station is located nearby. A beach chair for disabled guests is available. The waters of the Grand Lake and the fine sandy beach are the ideal place for a summer stop in complete safety: the site is well maintained and bathing is monitored. It is possible to sail, rent a canoe, a mountain bike… Playground, children's games, picnic area, snack and restaurant, everything is planned for a pleasant day.