guide
With its turquoise waters wedged between the forests of the Jura, the Lac de Vouglans looks like a fjord. This artificial lake, created in 1968 by the construction of a dam on the Ain river, is today one of the major destinations for swimming and water sports in eastern France. It also hides a story: a hamlet and a former charterhouse lie beneath its waters.
Beaches, activities, the sunken village, hikes and lakeside campsites: here is everything you need to know to enjoy the Lac de Vouglans.
| Information | At a glance |
|---|---|
| Where? | In the Jura, between Orgelet, Clairvaux-les-Lacs and Moirans-en-Montagne |
| Dimensions | About 1,600 hectares and 35 km long |
| Origin | EDF dam commissioned in 1968, third-largest reservoir in France |
| Main beaches | Bellecin, la Mercantine, le Surchauffant |
| Swimming | Supervised in July and August on the fitted-out beaches |
| Activities | Pedal boat, canoe, paddle, sailing, boat trips, fishing, hiking |
The Lac de Vouglans is a reservoir created by EDF to generate electricity. The dam, commissioned in 1968 after several years of studies and works, flooded the Ain valley over about 35 kilometres. With some 600 million cubic metres of water, it is the third-largest reservoir in France, behind Serre-Ponçon and the Lac de Sainte-Croix.
The lake has kept the winding shape of the valley: a succession of meanders lined with cliffs and forests, offering very fine views from the roads and paths overlooking it.
Flooding the lake made several inhabited places disappear. The hamlet of Brillat, home to around 120 people, was submerged, as was the Charterhouse of Vaucluse, an abbey founded in the 12th century. Only the portal and a few elements of the monastery were dismantled and rebuilt higher up, out of reach of the water.
Contrary to a persistent legend, no bell tower can be seen rising from the lake. But during major drawdowns or low-water summers, old paths and low walls sometimes reappear on the banks. The Lac de Vouglans is, moreover, not the only lake in France hiding a village: discover our selection of sunken villages in France.
Three fitted-out beaches concentrate swimming, supervised in July and August:
The water, shallow near the beaches, warms up quickly in summer, but the lake quickly becomes deep: keep to the marked areas and watch children at all times.
The lake is divided into zones: the north is reserved for fishing, the centre for motorised craft and the south for non-motorised activities, such as sailing. You can therefore enjoy:
The Lac de Vouglans is a good base for discovering the Jura lakes region. About twenty minutes away, the Hérisson waterfalls string together a series of spectacular falls in the forest. The Lac de Chalain, the Clairvaux lakes and the Quatre Lacs viewpoint complete the loop, not forgetting the town of Orgelet and, for food lovers, Comté cheese and vin jaune.
Several campsites let you sleep by the water or very close to it. Right on the shore, at La Tour-du-Meix, the Domaine du Surchauffant gives access to the beach of the same name. Further south, at Maisod, the Trélachaume campsite, and at Moirans-en-Montagne, the La Petite Montagne campsite, are ideal for enjoying the Mercantine. To combine several lakes, the Domaine de Chalain sits beside the neighbouring lake of the same name.
Browse all our lakeside campsites in the Jura.
The Lac de Vouglans is one of the Jura’s finest surprises: clear water, family beaches, activities for everyone and a story that intrigues. Come preferably in June or September to enjoy the lake in peace, and book early for July and August, when lakeside campsites fill up quickly.
Campsites marked “Partner” are Aimer Camper members and are shown first. All results match your search.
