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.
Last updated: June 22, 2026
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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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Natural jewel, sapphire blue or emerald green waters, nautical activities.
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The northern part of the lake borders the village of Port.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.


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