Top 17 Lakes around Champagne
Lakes around Champagne offer diverse natural landscapes and recreational opportunities. While the region is known for its vineyards, its lakes provide significant areas for outdoor activities. These bodies of water contribute to the region's natural beauty and serve as hubs for various water sports and nature observation. The area combines natural features with opportunities for exploration and relaxation.
Best lakes around Champagne
- The most popular lakes is View of Lake Neuchâtel, a viewpoint that offers expansive vistas over the Three Lakes region and towards the Swiss Alps. This location is a starting point for Jura hikes and features an observation tower.
- Another must-see spot is Sandy beach at La Menthue, Lake Neuchâtel, a beach with a Mediterranean ambiance. Visitors can find a playground and restaurant nearby, making it suitable for families.
- Visitors also love Lakeshore Scenery at Lake Neuchâtel, a natural monument appreciated for its waterfowl and plant diversity. It is special for walks along a wooden footbridge, offering opportunities for nature observation.
- The region's lakes offer diverse experiences, from sandy beaches and viewpoints to areas rich in wildlife. These bodies of water provide varied settings for outdoor activities and natural exploration.
- The lakes around Champagne are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 90 upvotes and 4 photos shared across various highlights.
Last updated: October 1, 2026
Sandy beach at La Menthue, Lake Neuchâtel
Highlight • Beach
Playground and restaurant at La Menthue campsite in the East.
Out of season, accessible by bike (watch out for sand in the gears).
A Mediterranean ambiance separates the beach from the road.
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Lakeside Promenade on Lake Neuchâtel
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Individual barbecue areas, as well as a few shallow swimming spots (swimming only allowed for experienced swimmers) are the famous icing on the cake. In addition, near the Bois des Vernes nature reserve, there is a spacious playground with a clean toilet block and seating available for children with their parents, grandparents, aunts and relatives.
To ensure that no unwanted rubbish accumulates in this wonderful environment, large and clearly marked bins and dog waste bags are available at regular intervals along the roadside.
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View of Lake Neuchâtel
Highlight (Segment) • Viewpoint
Next to the mountain station, the characteristic, 100-year-old observation tower offers a fantastic view over the Three Lakes region and as far as the Alps. The "Sentier du Temps" back to Neuchâtel train station is a 4.5km long themed trail on the history of the earth's development; one million years measures exactly one meter. Tree rope park at the mountain station.
Information
Height: 1171m
Accessibility:
From Neuchâtel train station on foot (2km) or by trolleybus (No. 107) from the north exit to the Le Coudre district, funicular to Chaumont
View: Lake Neuchâtel, over the western Swiss plateau to the Swiss Alps, if visibility is good to Mont Blanc
Attractions: Lighthouse observation tower, earth history theme trail back to Neuchâtel, course in the trees, playground and picnic area
Culinary: Petit Hotel: Restaurant with panoramic views, special funicular rides
Accommodation: Petit Hotel: 5 charming rooms
Groups: Petit Hotel: Seminar room for up to 15 people
Winter: Funicular runs all year round, winter hiking, alpine snowshoe tour to Les Savagnières
Special features: High-altitude hike to Chasseral
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Lakeshore Scenery at Lake Neuchâtel
Highlight • Lake
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Yvonand Beach
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Tips from the Community
Currently, the walkways on the shore have been demolished and some passages are impassable.
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Very nice sandy beach, perfect for relaxing.
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Beautiful sandy beach with campsite.
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Quiet bike connection between the towns of Concise and Bevaix. It rolls comfortably through small towns above Lake Neuchâtel. Asphalt is of good quality.
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Just enjoy the scenery, and the ice coffee at the restaurant next door
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A well-kept lakeside promenade with a mega panoramic view of the blue of Lake Neuchâtel (Lac Neuchâtel) is the main feature of this section of the path from Yverdon-les-Bains to Grandson. Individual barbecue areas, as well as a few shallow swimming spots (swimming only allowed for experienced swimmers) are the famous icing on the cake. In addition, near the Bois des Vernes nature reserve, there is a spacious playground with a clean toilet block and seating available for children with their parents, grandparents, aunts and relatives. To ensure that no unwanted rubbish accumulates in this wonderful environment, large and clearly marked bins and dog waste bags are available at regular intervals along the roadside.
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Beautiful large sandy beach. Playground and restaurant at the Menthue campsite in the East. Out of season, accessible by bike (be careful of the sand in the cogs). A Mediterranean atmosphere separates the beach from the road. View towards the North along the length of Lake Neuchâtel.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary lakes in the Champagne region?
The Champagne region is known for its significant man-made lakes, primarily designed to regulate the Seine river. The most prominent are Lac du Der-Chantecoq and the Lakes of the Forêt d'Orient, which include Lac d'Orient, Lac du Temple, and Lac Amance.
What activities can I do at Lac du Der-Chantecoq?
Lac du Der-Chantecoq is a hub for various activities. You can enjoy a wide range of watersports like sailing, windsurfing, water skiing, and jet skiing. It also features six sandy beaches for swimming and relaxation. For nature lovers, it's an important ornithological site, ideal for birdwatching, especially for Common Cranes in autumn. Cycling is also popular, with a 36 km tour and around 100 km of greenways.
Are there good spots for birdwatching in Champagne?
Yes, Lac du Der-Chantecoq is a rare and important ornithological site in Europe, home to approximately 310 different bird species. It's particularly famous for the arrival of tens to hundreds of thousands of Common Cranes during their migration in autumn. Observatories are set up around the lake for optimal birdwatching.
What kind of watersports are available at the Lakes of the Forêt d'Orient?
The Lakes of the Forêt d'Orient offer diverse watersports. Lac d'Orient is dedicated to sailing, windsurfing, and bathing. Lac Amance is geared towards more dynamic nautical sports such as boat races, water skiing, and jet skiing (seadoos).
Can I go fishing in the Champagne lakes?
Yes, fishing is a popular activity in the Champagne lakes. Lac du Der-Chantecoq is a popular spot for fishing. Additionally, Lac du Temple, part of the Lakes of the Forêt d'Orient, is primarily known as a fishing destination due to its more natural and 'wild' setting.
Are there cycling routes around the lakes in Champagne?
Absolutely. Lac du Der-Chantecoq offers an excellent natural environment for cycling, with a 36 km tour suitable for all skill levels and approximately 100 km of greenways. These routes provide scenic views and a great way to explore the area.
What is the best time to visit the Champagne lakes for outdoor activities?
The best time to visit depends on your interests. Summer is ideal for watersports and swimming at the beaches. Autumn is particularly special for birdwatching at Lac du Der-Chantecoq, especially to witness the migration of Common Cranes. Cycling and walking can be enjoyed throughout the warmer months.
Are the lakes in Champagne suitable for families?
Yes, many of the lakes offer family-friendly activities. Lac du Der-Chantecoq has six sandy beaches with lifeguard surveillance during the summer, making it suitable for families with children. The diverse range of activities like cycling, swimming, and nature observation also caters to various family interests.
Where can I find more information about Lac du Der-Chantecoq?
For more details on Lac du Der-Chantecoq, you can visit the local tourism sites. For example, you can find information on chalons-tourisme.com or epernay-tourisme.com.
What is the Forêt d'Orient Regional Natural Park known for?
The Forêt d'Orient Regional Natural Park is home to the artificial lakes of the Forêt d'Orient (Lac d'Orient, Lac du Temple, and Lac Amance). It's known for its beautiful natural landscape and the diverse range of water sports and leisure activities offered by its lakes, from tranquil fishing spots to bustling nautical hubs.
Are there any easy walking trails around the Champagne lakes?
While specific easy walking trails are not detailed, the region's greenways, particularly around Lac du Der-Chantecoq, offer flat and accessible paths suitable for walking. The natural settings of lakes like Lac du Temple also provide opportunities for leisurely strolls in a wilder environment.
What types of outdoor routes are available near the lakes in Champagne?
Near the lakes in Champagne, you can find various outdoor routes. For cycling, there are options like the 'Grandson Castle – Beach at Les Pins loop' or the 'Yverdon-les-Bains – Yverdon-les-Bains Old Town loop'. If you're interested in running, routes such as the 'Yverdon-les-Bains Marina – Grandson Castle loop' are available. For more details on these and other routes, you can explore the Cycling around Champagne guide or the Running Trails around Champagne guide.
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