The Lac des Rousses circuit is a 10km loop around the principal lake of the Haut-Jura Natural Regional Park, set at 1,100m altitude in the Jura department of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté. The circuit combines an open lakeside promenade on the western shore with a mixed spruce and beech forest section on the eastern slope, offering a gentle and family-accessible introduction to the Jura plateau landscape without the technical demands or exposure of the higher ridge routes.
The trailhead is the Parking du Lac on the Route des Pyrénées in Les Rousses (39220), directly in the town centre. Les Rousses is accessible by car on the N5 from Pontarlier (50km from Besançon) and by Mobigo bus from Lons-le-Saunier in approximately 45 minutes. Direct bus services increase substantially in the winter ski season. Parking is available at the lakeside car park. No permit is required.
The total circuit covers 10km with only 100m of elevation variation at a consistent 1,100m altitude throughout. Trail surfaces include compacted gravel lakeside promenade, forest dirt track, and occasional short boardwalk sections across boggy ground near the northern tip of the lake. The lakeside sections are open and exposed to prevailing westerly winds, while the forest section on the eastern slope provides shelter and shade. The circuit is waymarked with yellow markers and takes approximately 3 hours at a comfortable walking pace.
Key landmarks include the Lac des Rousses itself (80 hectares, one of the highest natural lakes on the Jura plateau), the Espace Nordique Les Rousses cross-country ski centre whose maintained trails partially overlap the summer walking route, and a panoramic bench viewpoint at the northern lake tip looking back across the water toward the Franco-Swiss border ridges. Seasonal rowing boat and pedalo hire operates from the southern lakeside in July and August. Les Rousses town offers several cafés, a supermarket, and a tourist office within walking distance of the trailhead.
In winter the circuit is maintained as a cross-country skiing trail by the Espace Nordique Les Rousses; ski rental is available from approximately €15 per day at the Nordic centre. The Jura plateau climate brings snowfall from November to March at this altitude; in summer, afternoon thunderstorms are common from June to August and an early-morning start is advisable to complete the exposed lakeside section in settled conditions.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Les Rousses, Jura
- Best season
- June–October for lake walk; December–March for cross-country skiing on the same trails
What to bring
Walking shoes in summer; Nordic skis in winter (ski rental at Les Rousses from €15/day)
Location
Parking du Lac, Route des Pyrénées, 39220 Les Rousses
46.4794, 6.0542 View on map
Highlights
- 80-hectare Lac des Rousses at 1,100m — one of the highest natural lakes on the Jura plateau with views toward the Swiss border ridges
- Dual-season route: lakeside walking circuit in summer, maintained cross-country ski trail in winter
- Panoramic bench viewpoint at the northern lake tip overlooking the full length of the Lac des Rousses
- Accessible from Les Rousses town centre by Mobigo bus from Lons-le-Saunier with cafés and services at the trailhead
- Seasonal rowing boat and pedalo hire on the southern lakeside in July and August for a mid-circuit break
Tips for visiting
- Start before 10:00 to complete the exposed lakeside section before afternoon thunderstorms build over the Jura plateau in July and August
- In winter, rent Nordic skis from the Espace Nordique Les Rousses for approximately €15 per day and follow the maintained cross-country tracks
- Carry a windproof layer — the western lakeside section is exposed to prevailing westerly winds even on sunny summer days
- The boggy boardwalk sections near the northern lake tip can be muddy after rain; waterproof footwear is useful in spring and autumn
- Combine with a pedalo rental in July–August for a relaxed mid-circuit break on the lake itself
When to visit
June to October for summer walking; December to March for cross-country skiing on the same trails. Morning starts are recommended in July and August to complete the exposed lakeside section before afternoon thunderstorms develop on the Jura plateau.
Accessibility
Partially accessible. The lakeside promenade on the western shore is compacted gravel and manageable for pushchairs and some wheelchair users in dry conditions. The forest section on the eastern slope involves uneven dirt track and is not suitable for wheelchairs or standard strollers.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Lac des Rousses circuit suitable for families with young children?
Yes. The circuit has only 100m of elevation change and follows well-surfaced paths throughout. It is one of the most family-friendly walks in the Haut-Jura Natural Regional Park. Pushchairs may struggle on muddy forest sections in wet weather.
Can the circuit be walked in winter?
The circuit is maintained as a cross-country skiing trail in winter and is not practical for walking when snow covers the ground. Nordic ski rental is available at the Espace Nordique Les Rousses from approximately €15 per day.
How long does the full 10km circuit take?
At a comfortable pace with stops, the circuit takes approximately 3 hours. A faster pace without stops can complete it in 2 to 2.5 hours. Adding a pedalo hire or a café stop in Les Rousses extends the outing comfortably.
Is there a swimming area at the lake?
Yes. The Lac des Rousses has a supervised bathing area on the southern shore open in July and August. Wild swimming is possible along the western bank outside the supervised zone, though water temperatures remain cool even in peak summer at 1,100m altitude.