Lac de Vouglans is a 35 km-long reservoir on the Ain river in the southern Jura, renowned for its striking emerald-green water and dramatic limestone canyon setting. The Plage de Bellecin is the main supervised beach, a sandy shoreline with shaded lawns, pedalo and kayak hire, and a 100-space free car park. The lake's vast size and varied shoreline make it one of eastern France's top summer destinations.
Lac de Vouglans was created in 1968 with the construction of the Vouglans dam, impounding the Ain river between vertical limestone gorge walls in the southern Jura. The result is France's third-largest artificial lake by surface area and fifth-largest by volume: a 35 km-long body of water covering 1,630 hectares, with the distinctive emerald-green colour that the local limestone geology imparts to Jura waters.
The Plage de Bellecin is situated near the Bellecin nautical base in the commune of Orgelet, on the lake's western shore. The beach combines a sandy foreshore with broad shaded lawns behind — a practical design for families who want shade during the hottest afternoon hours. Pedalo and stand-up paddleboard rentals operate from the beach. A 100-space free car park with direct beach access makes this one of the more accessible large lake beaches in the Jura. Swimming is supervised in July and August.
The Bellecin nautical base, immediately adjacent, provides a wider range of watersports including sailing and motorboat outings. The lake's size and typically calm conditions in the sheltered central section make it particularly well-suited to beginners learning sailing or paddleboarding.
Beyond Bellecin, the lake has two further principal beaches: the Plage de la Mercantine (in the commune of Maisod, accessed via D3 from Orgelet) and the Surchauffant beach near the Meix port, which is the main base for water skiing and jet skiing. All three beaches offer free access and free parking. More than 82 km of marked trails encircle the lake, offering hiking and mountain biking itineraries at all levels. Two lakeside campings — Camping Trélachaume at Mercantine and Camping du Surchauffant near Meix — provide multi-day stays with direct beach access.
Visitors arriving by boat can use the marina facilities at Meix, Mercantine, and Saisse ports. Commented lake cruises depart from the main ports in summer; fares are typically around €12–15 per adult (approximately $13–16 USD).
Amenities
- supervised swimming (July–August)
- sandy beach with shaded lawns
- pedalo rental
- stand-up paddleboard rental
- nautical base (sailing, motorboat outings)
- free parking (100 spaces)
- picnic tables
- lake cruise departures from nearby Meix port (approx €12–15/adult / $13–16 USD)
- 82 km of lakeside trails for hiking and mountain biking
Good to know
- Best for
- watersports, families, hikers, nature lovers
- Water
- Large reservoir lake in Ain river canyon; emerald-green water from limestone geology; typically calm in the sheltered central section; deeper than natural lakes (significant depth in canyon sections); water temperature 22–26°C in peak season; no tidal or river current in the main lake body
- Facilities
- lifeguards (July–August), free parking, picnic areas, pedalo and SUP hire, nearby campings (Trélachaume, Surchauffant)
Location
Base Nautique de Bellecin, Route de Bellecin, 39270 Orgelet
46.4158, 5.6055 View on map
Highlights
- France's third-largest artificial lake by surface area — emerald-green water set in a dramatic Jura limestone canyon
- Free beach and free parking at Bellecin, Mercantine, and Surchauffant — no entry fees for any of the lake's supervised beaches
- 82 km of marked lakeside trails for hiking and mountain biking circling the entire reservoir
- Commented lake cruises from Meix port — approximately €12–15 per adult ($13–16 USD) for a narrated tour of the canyon
- Water skiing and jet skiing base at the Surchauffant beach near Meix port for thrill-seekers
Tips for visiting
- The Bellecin beach is the most family-oriented of the three lake beaches; Surchauffant is better for watersports and jet skis; Mercantine sits between the two in character
- Lake cruise booking can be done on arrival at the Meix port; summer weekends sell out — ask at the port kiosk in the morning
- The D3 road to Mercantine is narrow with limited passing places; drive carefully and use the designated parking rather than roadside spaces
- The canyon walls provide shade in the morning and afternoon depending on orientation — Bellecin receives full afternoon sun
- Pack provisions: the beaches have no full restaurant on-site, only seasonal kiosks; Orgelet town centre (10 km) has bakeries and supermarkets
When to visit
June through September for comfortable swimming. July and August for supervised bathing and full activity hire. September offers warm water, significantly fewer visitors, and excellent conditions for the lakeside hiking trails with autumn colours beginning in late September.
Accessibility
The Bellecin beach car park is level with the beach and has a short flat path to the waterfront. The sandy and grassy beach area is navigable for most visitors. Full wheelchair access to the water's edge is possible on the firmer sand sections. Contact the Base Nautique de Bellecin directly to confirm any specialist equipment availability.
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Frequently asked questions
Is there an entry fee for the Lac de Vouglans beaches?
No — access to all three main beaches (Bellecin, Mercantine, Surchauffant) is free, and parking at each is also free. Pedalo and SUP rentals are charged separately by on-site operators.
How long is the Lac de Vouglans reservoir?
The lake stretches approximately 35 km from the Vouglans dam at the southern end to the northern inlets. It covers 1,630 hectares and is France's third-largest artificial lake by surface area.
Can visitors take a boat cruise on the lake?
Yes — commented lake cruises depart from the Meix port in summer. The fare is approximately €12–15 per adult (approx $13–16 USD). The cruise passes through the limestone canyon and several narrow gorge sections.
Is the lake suitable for beginners learning watersports?
The central section of the lake near Bellecin and Mercantine is typically calm and well-suited to beginners on pedalos, SUPs, and small sailing dinghies. The Surchauffant end sees more motorised activity and is less suitable for absolute beginners.