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France
Auvergne Rhône Alpes
Nantua

Charix

Top 3 Lakes around Charix

Best lakes around Charix are found in the Ain department of France, nestled within the Jura Mountains. This region is characterized by its diverse natural landscapes, including several notable lakes. The area offers a mix of glacial and mountain lakes, each with distinct features and activities. These bodies of water are integral to the local environment and provide various outdoor opportunities.

Best lakes around Charix

  • The most popular lake is Lake Nantua, a glacial lake backed by limestone cliffs,…

Last updated: June 22, 2026

Lake Nantua

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This glacial lake backed by limestone cliffs is sometimes sapphire and sometimes emerald in color - Alexandre Dumas wrote in his book Impression de voyage in 1834: “This pretty little …

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Camping at Lake Nantua

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Perfect for an overnight stop for bike packing trips. The location is excellent, right by the lake. There are beautiful landscapes and it is close to the shops and restaurants of the village.

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Lake Genin

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Nicknamed "the little Canada of Haut-Bugey", this mountain lake, with its alpine fir trees and turquoise waters, is an excellent mid-course break.

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Lake Genin

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Nicknamed the little Canada of Haut-Bugey, this mountain lake, with its alpine firs and turquoise waters, is an ideal destination in the Ain for a bike ride. At 850 meters …

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Lac de Nantua

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Lake Nantua is of glacial origin and is 141 hectares. The limestone cliffs offer a magnificent contrast with the emerald or sapphire water, depending on the day. Alexandre Dumas described …

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Popular around Charix

Gems of the Ain — MTB routes amidst natural beauty

Road Cycling Routes around Charix

MTB Trails around Charix

Running Trails around Charix

Cycling around Charix

Gravel biking around Charix

Hiking around Charix

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Gems of the Ain — MTB routes amidst natural beauty

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Ain Tourisme

Tips from the Community

Lucie
August 27, 2025, Lac de Nantua

Beautiful, simple, easy walk; lots of traffic noise on the "road" section, a bit of a shame, but the color of the water is magical

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Unfortunately I was unlucky with the weather, but even as I drove past the place looked very nice, lots of grass and a place to swim.

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unvara
April 14, 2024, Lac Genin

Viewpoint on Lake Genin.

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Alex Fox
March 3, 2024, Lac de Nantua

Natural jewel, sapphire blue or emerald green waters, nautical activities.

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kelafuti
January 3, 2024, Lac Genin

Wonderful place! There is a restaurant, ideal for a break

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Liese Lotte
September 19, 2023, Lac Genin

Small and cute

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PeterStar
July 22, 2023, Lac de Nantua

The northern part of the lake borders the village of Port.

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PeterStar
July 22, 2023, Lac de Nantua

The house lake of the city of Nantua.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What water activities can I enjoy at the lakes near Charix?

At Lac de Nantua, you can enjoy supervised swimming, canoeing, waterskiing, paddleboarding, and pedalo rentals during summer. Lac Genin also offers supervised bathing in summer, and transforms into a spot for ice skating and ice diving in winter. Lac de Sylans is primarily for fishing, with swimming and boating generally not permitted.

Are there good fishing spots around Charix?

Yes, the lakes offer excellent fishing opportunities. Lac de Nantua is popular for carp fishing and a variety of other fish. Lac de Sylans is highly prized by pike anglers and is known for abundant pike, whitefish, carp, and bream. Lac Genin also allows fishing.

Which lakes are best for hiking and walking trails?

Lac de Nantua features an accessible 6.9 to 7 km loop trail with panoramic views. Many other hiking and mountain biking trails lead from the lake into the surrounding mountains. Lac Genin has several hiking paths, including a discovery trail around its peat bogs. Lac de Sylans is also ideal for hikers to walk along its banks in a preserved environment. For more options, explore hiking routes around Charix on komoot.

Are there family-friendly lakes near Charix?

Absolutely. Lac de Nantua is considered family-friendly, offering various water sports and picnic areas. Lac Genin is a popular destination for families, with supervised bathing, hiking, mountain biking, and tree climbing in summer, and ice skating in winter. Étang de Lalleyriat also offers a beautiful spot with benches and public restrooms, ideal for a family break.

What historical sites can be found near the lakes?

Near Lac de Sylans, you can explore the ruins of 19th-century ice factories, which once supplied ice to major cities. Guided tours are available to learn about this unique industrial heritage. The nearby town of Nantua, close to Lac de Nantua, also offers historical sites like Saint-Michel Abbey and a local museum.

What makes Lac Genin unique?

Lac Genin is often nicknamed the 'Little Canada of Haut-Bugey' due to its setting in a clearing surrounded by pine trees at 830-850 meters altitude. It's known for its clear waters reflecting fir trees and meadows, and offers diverse activities year-round, from summer bathing and hiking to winter ice skating and snowshoeing.

Can I cycle around the lakes near Charix?

Yes, cycling is a popular activity. There are various cycling routes in the region, including those that pass by the lakes. You can find several cycling tours around Charix, including routes near Lac Genin and Lac de Nantua, on komoot.

What are the best times to visit the lakes around Charix?

The lakes offer activities across different seasons. Summer is ideal for water sports and supervised swimming at Lac de Nantua and Lac Genin. Lac Genin is also a unique winter destination for ice skating and snowshoeing when it freezes. Hiking and enjoying the scenery are pleasant in spring, summer, and autumn.

What kind of natural beauty can I expect at Lac de Nantua?

Lac de Nantua is a glacial lake known for its striking limestone cliffs and waters that shift in color from sapphire blue to emerald green depending on the light. It's a protected natural site, offering rich biodiversity and picturesque views that have inspired writers like Alexandre Dumas.

Are there any viewpoints to get a good overview of the lakes?

Yes, there are several excellent viewpoints. For Lac de Nantua, the View over Lake Nantua highlight offers a stunning perspective from 300 meters above, allowing you to appreciate the water's colors and the lake's expanse. There's also a View of Lake Sylans where you can see the lake and its historic icehouses.

What do visitors particularly enjoy about the lakes near Charix?

Visitors appreciate the diverse natural beauty and the range of activities. For Lac de Nantua, the varying water colors and the pleasant walks are often highlighted. Lac Genin is loved for its tranquil, 'Little Canada' atmosphere and as a perfect getaway for hot summer days or a unique winter experience. The preserved environment and historical significance of Lac de Sylans also draw many visitors.

Is there parking available at the lakes?

Yes, parking is generally available. For example, Étang de Lalleyriat has a parking lot right on the lake, which serves as a good starting point for hikes. Specific parking information for other lakes like Lac Genin can often be found through local tourism resources.

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Still not found your perfect lake around Charix? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.

OyonnaxBellignatMartignatGroissiatDortanGéovreissetSamognatMontréal-La-CluseIzernoreApremontLes NeyrollesBrénodLe Poizat-LalleyriatPlagneBrionChanciaPortChevillardSaint-Martin-Du-FrêneSaint-Germain-De-JouxBéard-GéovreissiatNurieux-VolognatSonthonnax-La-MontagneMatafelon-GrangesVieu-D'IzenaveMaillatCondamineChâtillon-En-MichailleÉchallonArbent

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Things to Do around Lac de Sylans

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