Best attractions and places to see around Onoz, a commune in France's Jura department, include a mix of natural landscapes and cultural sites. The region is characterized by numerous lakes, viewpoints, and historical structures. Visitors can explore significant landmarks and enjoy the area's diverse natural beauty.
Last updated: May 11, 2026
Highlight • Lake
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Highlight • Viewpoint
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Highlight • Religious Site
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worth cycling past
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Very nice little walk! No particular difficulty for someone who is not sporty (haha) I would just advise against the last descent (at the end) to someone who would be afraid when it is slippery (lots of leaves and stones), in which case take the same passage as on the way there.
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Reservoir in the Jura Park with an interesting construction.
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Magnificent place, ideal for contemplation, introspection and meditation. Beautiful energies.
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magnificent lake 35 km long.
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Commissioned in 1968, the Vouglans dam retains the waters of the Ain to form the eponymous artificial lake, the third largest in France. The scope of the work impresses.
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The La Fratte belvedere is a superb view of the cliffs overlooking the turquoise lake and the forest.
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Mercantine beach can be taken for an exotic place. It's a great place to take a break from your run or take in the views as you pass.
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The region around Onoz is rich in natural beauty, particularly lakes and viewpoints. You can visit the impressive Vouglans Dam, which forms France's third-largest water reservoir, known for its emerald-colored water. For panoramic views of the turquoise lake and surrounding forests, the La Fratte Viewpoint is highly recommended. Additionally, the area boasts numerous other lakes like Lac de Vouglans, Lake Clairvaux, and Lac de Chalain, along with waterfalls such as Cascade de la queue de cheval.
Yes, Onoz and its surroundings offer several historical and cultural points of interest. The Saint Romain de Roche Chapel is a Romanesque religious building perched on a rocky outcrop, offering both heritage curiosity and a superb belvedere overlooking the Biel river. Another notable site is the Church of Saint-Hymetière, an elegant 11th-century building isolated in the fields. Further afield, you can find the historic Voltaire Chateau and the Brou Royal Monastery.
The area around Onoz is ideal for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking, gravel biking, and road cycling. For hiking, popular routes include the 'Chemin du château de Maisod' and several trails offering views from the Regardoir Viewpoint. Cyclists can explore routes like 'Brasserie with lake view – Lect Climb loop' or 'Route d'Étival – Crozatons Pass loop'. You can find more details on these activities in the dedicated guides for Hiking around Onoz, Gravel biking around Onoz, and Road Cycling Routes around Onoz.
Absolutely! The region offers several family-friendly options. The La Fratte Viewpoint is secured with barriers, making it safe for families to enjoy the panoramic lake views. For a fun day by the water, La Mercantine Beach on Lac de Vouglans provides a lawn and sand area for swimming and relaxation, complete with amenities. Additionally, the Museum du Jouet (Toy Museum) in Moirans-en-Montagne is a cultural highlight that can be engaging for children.
The numerous lakes in the Jura region provide excellent opportunities for water activities. La Mercantine Beach on Lac de Vouglans is a well-equipped beach with a lawn and fine sand, perfect for swimming and relaxing. The emerald waters of Lac de Vouglans itself are very inviting. Other nearby lakes like Lake Clairvaux also offer beautiful spots to enjoy the water.
Visitors particularly appreciate the stunning natural landscapes and the tranquility of the area. The panoramic views from spots like La Fratte Viewpoint are frequently praised for their beauty. The unique emerald color of the water at Vouglans Dam is also a highlight. Many enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of historical sites like the Saint Romain de Roche Chapel, describing it as ideal for contemplation.
Yes, the region is known for its spectacular viewpoints. The La Fratte Viewpoint is a must-visit, offering superb panoramic views of the turquoise Lac de Vouglans and the surrounding forests, safely secured by barriers. The Saint Romain de Roche Chapel also serves as a belvedere, providing beautiful views overlooking the Biel river.
While specific weather data isn't provided, generally, the warmer months from late spring to early autumn (May to September) are ideal for enjoying outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and swimming in the lakes around Onoz. During these months, the weather is typically pleasant for exploring the natural landscapes and historical sites.
Yes, several nearby towns host vibrant local markets where you can experience regional life and find local products. Clairvaux-les-Lacs has a market on Wednesdays, Saint-Claude on Saturdays, and Lons-le-Saunier on Thursdays. These markets offer a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture.
Around Onoz, you'll find a variety of hiking trails, many offering scenic views. Trails range from moderate difficulty, such as the 'Chemin du château de Maisod' loop in the PARC NATUREL RÉGIONAL DU HAUT-JURA, to routes like the 'Regardoir Viewpoint – Panorama loop'. These trails often provide beautiful vistas of the lakes and forests. For more detailed options, refer to the Hiking around Onoz guide.
Beyond the main highlights, the region holds several charming spots. The Church of Saint-Hymetière, isolated in the fields, offers an incredible charm and a fine example of rural Romanesque architecture. Exploring the numerous smaller lakes like Lac de l'Abbaye or Lac de Bonlieu can also lead to peaceful, less-crowded discoveries. The Gorges de la Lemme and Cascade de la Billaude are also natural wonders worth seeking out.


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