Attractions and Places To See around Clairvaux-Les-Lacs - Top 20

The region is renowned for its stunning natural beauty. The Lacs de Clairvaux, including the Grand Lac and Petit Lac, are central to the area, offering picturesque turquoise and emerald waters. A major highlight is the magnificent The Hérisson Waterfalls, a series of cascades including the impressive Le Grand Saut with its 60-meter free fall, and the recognizable Fan Waterfall. For panoramic views, visit Pic de l'Aigle, where you can see the Jura, Hérisson valley, Lac d'Ilay, and even Mont Blanc on clear days.

Yes, the Grand Lac de Clairvaux is particularly popular for swimming, boasting a supervised beach and sandy shores. Its waters can reach a pleasant 25°C in summer, making it ideal for a refreshing dip. The wider 'Lakes Region' also offers numerous other beautiful lakes for various water-based activities.

Clairvaux-les-Lacs has a rich history. You can visit the Romanesque Church St. Nithier, which houses significant 18th-century paintings. A single tower remains from the original 12th-century Clairvaux-les-Lacs Castle. The region is also home to UNESCO-listed prehistoric pile-dwelling sites, with an exhibition in Clairvaux-les-Lacs featuring models and a life-sized replica house to immerse you in Neolithic life.

Beyond the archaeological exhibition, you can discover the fascinating Museum of Machines to Feed and Roam the World (Musée des Machines à Nourrir et Courir le Monde). This museum showcases over 100 intricate wooden models of agricultural machinery, locomotives, cars, and planes, all handcrafted by Marcel Yerli, alongside an exhibition of 90 Jura landscape paintings.

Absolutely! The supervised beach at the Grand Lac de Clairvaux is perfect for families, offering safe swimming and sandy areas. Exploring the The Hérisson Waterfalls along its 7-kilometer path can be an exciting adventure for older children. The archaeological exhibition, with its models and replica house, also provides an engaging educational experience for all ages.

The area offers diverse hiking opportunities, especially around the Hérisson Waterfalls. A 7-kilometer path allows you to explore several cascades, starting from Menétrux-en-Joux. You can also find trails that lead past Saut Girard Waterfall and Moulin Jeunet Ruins and Waterfall. For more specific routes, you can explore the Running Trails around Clairvaux-Les-Lacs guide, which includes moderate difficulty loops around the lakes.

Cyclists can enjoy a variety of routes around Clairvaux-les-Lacs. There are options like the 'Grand Lac de Clairvaux – Saint-Nithier Church loop' or more challenging rides such as the 'Grand Lac de Clairvaux – La Chaux-du-Dombief loop'. For detailed routes and their difficulty, refer to the Cycling around Clairvaux-Les-Lacs guide.

Beyond the main attractions, consider exploring the natural caves of Gorges du Drouvenant and Grotte de la Grande Cave for a unique adventure. The picturesque villages of Baume-les-Messieurs and Chateau-Chalon, listed among the 'Most Beautiful Villages of France,' are also within easy reach and offer additional charm.

The summer months are ideal for enjoying the lakes, especially the Grand Lac de Clairvaux, where water temperatures are warm enough for swimming. Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather for hiking and exploring the waterfalls, which are often at their most powerful after rainfall. The vibrant turquoise and emerald hues of the lakes are particularly striking on sunny days.

Yes, you can. While the Hérisson Waterfalls are a natural wonder, the path also leads past historical elements such as the Moulin Jeunet Ruins and Waterfall, which features the remains of an old mill. This allows you to experience both the region's natural beauty and its industrial heritage in one outing.

Visitors are consistently impressed by the sheer power and beauty of the Hérisson Waterfalls. The 60-meter free fall of Le Grand Saut is often cited as a truly impressive natural monument. The unique stepped layout of the Fan Waterfall, with its secure viewing platform, also makes it a highly recognizable and beloved spot.