There are still places in France where nature truly takes the lead.
Around Saint-Laurent-en-Grandvaux, the landscape unfolds between dense forests, lakes and rolling hills.
It’s an ideal destination to:
- reconnect with nature
- enjoy accessible outdoor activities
- discover some of the most beautiful lakes in the Jura region
Here is a complete guide to help you plan your stay in the Haut-Jura.
🌿 Why visit the Haut-Jura?
The Haut-Jura stands out for its rare balance:
- diverse landscapes (lakes, mountains, forests)
- accessible terrain for all levels
- a quieter atmosphere than the Alps, while still offering a lively local scene
👉 It’s a perfect destination for a nature weekend or an active holiday.
🏞️ The most beautiful lakes in the Haut-Jura
Around Saint-Laurent-en-Grandvaux, lakes are at the heart of the experience. Each one feels different, yet all are easy to access and deeply connected to the surrounding nature.
The Lac de l’Abbaye is one of the most peaceful. Surrounded by forest, it’s perfect for a quiet walk, especially early in the morning or at sunset.
The Lac de Narlay has a more rugged feel. Framed by cliffs and set deeper into the landscape, it offers a wilder, more mysterious atmosphere.
A few minutes away, the lakes of the Frasnois area — Petit Maclu, Grand Maclu and Ilay — are connected through a very natural environment, ideal for longer walks between forest paths and viewpoints.
The Lac de Chalain is completely different: larger, more open, with turquoise water in summer. It’s the perfect spot for swimming or spending a full day by the water.
Further south, the Lac de Vouglans stands out for its size. One of the largest man-made lakes in France, it offers emerald waters and plenty of water activities.
👉 What makes the Haut-Jura unique is this diversity:
you can move from a quiet forest lake to a wide, vibrant swimming spot within a short drive.
⛰️ The best viewpoints in the Haut-Jura
The Haut-Jura offers a wide range of panoramic views, most of them easily accessible. Around Saint-Laurent-en-Grandvaux, several viewpoints allow you to gain elevation quickly and take in the landscape.
The Pic de l’Aigle is one of the most iconic. After a short hike, the view opens up over lakes and forests, and on clear days, even the Alps can be seen in the distance.
Right next to it, the Belvédère des 4 Lacs offers a perfectly framed panorama of several lakes aligned within rolling hills and forest.
The Belvédère du Hérisson overlooks the Hérisson waterfalls valley, with a more rugged and untouched feel.
Above the Lac de Chalain, several viewpoints (around Fontenu and Doucier) provide wide, open views over the lake, with a brighter, more summery atmosphere.
More discreetly, the Grandvaux area is full of hidden viewpoints. Walk a little, and you’ll often come across natural openings overlooking valleys, forests and plateaus.
👉 What stands out here is not just one viewpoint, but the repetition of them:
you walk… and the landscape opens again. And again.
🥾 Best hikes in the Haut-Jura
The Tour des 4 Lacs
- 10 to 14 km
- 3 to 4 hours
- Intermediate level
One of the most popular hikes in the Jura, combining forests, ridges and lakes.
Pic de l’Aigle + viewpoint
- 3 to 6 km
- 1.5 to 2.5 hours
- Easy to intermediate
A short hike with a major scenic reward.
Belvédère des 4 Lacs (extended loop)
- 6 to 9 km
- 2 to 3 hours
- Easy
A gentler option, perfect for enjoying the views without effort.
Tour of the Lac de Narlay
- 5 to 7 km
- 1.5 to 2 hours
- Easy
More wild and immersive.
Tour of the Lac de l’Abbaye
- حوالي 6 km
- 1.5 hours
- Easy
Ideal for a relaxed walk at sunrise or sunset.
Hérisson waterfalls
- 7 to 14 km
- 2 to 4 hours
- Intermediate
A series of spectacular waterfalls in the forest — one of the most impressive natural sites in the Jura.
🚴♀️ What to do in the Haut-Jura?
The Haut-Jura is a year-round outdoor destination.
Summer:
- hiking
- trail running
- cycling & mountain biking
- swimming in lakes
Winter:
- cross-country skiing
- snowshoeing
- Nordic skiing
👉 The rolling terrain makes it accessible for all levels.
🧀 Local specialties to try
- Comté, Morbier and Cancoillotte
- Fondue and raclette
- Pontarlier (anise-flavored spirit) & absinthe
👉 Best enjoyed locally, in small traditional spots.
🏡 Where to stay in the Haut-Jura
If you’re looking for a quiet place in nature:
Located near Saint-Laurent-en-Grandvaux, this spot offers:
- a house at the edge of a village
- no direct neighbors
- kilometers of open nature
- two eco-friendly gîtes (up to 9–10 guests)
👉 Ideal to disconnect and fully experience the Haut-Jura.
🗓️ When to visit the Haut-Jura?
- Spring / Autumn: fewer people, beautiful light
- Summer: perfect for lakes and outdoor activities
- Winter: well-known for Nordic skiing
🌿 In summary: why choose the Haut-Jura?
The Haut-Jura is ideal if you’re looking for:
- preserved natural lakes
- accessible hikes
- a real immersion in nature
- a peaceful stay away from crowded destinations
It’s a place that naturally combines activity and rest.