Lac de Joux

Lac de Joux is a Swiss Jura lake whose shore lies beside the village of Les Charbonnières in the canton of Vaud. At roughly 1,004 m above sea level and about 9.5 km², it is the largest lake in Switzerland that sits above the 1,000 m mark.

Where is Lac de Joux?

The lake fills the Vallée de Joux in the Vaud Jura. The forested Risoux range closes the valley to the northwest, and its crest follows the French border. On the other side rises Mont Tendre (1,679 m). Three municipalities share the shoreline: Le Chenit, L'Abbaye and Le Lieu, and Les Charbonnières belongs to Le Lieu. The whole area falls within the Parc Jurassien Vaudois, a regional nature park.

What makes this lake unusual?

The River Orbe is its main feeder, and the maximum depth is around 32 m. There is no surface outflow of note. Water drains through fissures in the limestone and resurfaces near the caves at Vallorbe, a link confirmed by tracer studies.

What can you do in summer?

Water temperatures reach about 18 to 24°C, so swimming is popular, and many of the beaches are free. Steady winds draw windsurfers and kitesurfers. You can also rent kayaks, pedal boats or paddleboards. Walking and cycling routes circle the lake, and several educational trails run through the valley. Anglers fish from the shore and from boats, and in season you can take a cruise aboard a vintage wooden boat.

What can you do in winter?

In cold winters the lake freezes over and becomes one of the largest natural ice rinks in Switzerland. Skates can be rented in Le Sentier and, on busy weekends, on the shore in the bay of Le Pont. Ice does not form every year, so check the valley tourist office's live update before you go. About 200 km of cross-country trails cover the surrounding area, and snowshoeing and dog sledding are on offer too.

When should you visit?

For swimming and water sports, come between June and September. For skating and cross-country skiing, aim for January and February during a hard frost. In autumn the shoreline path makes a pleasant walk around the lake.

Frequently asked questions

Can you swim in Lac de Joux? Yes. Summer water temperatures reach up to 24°C, and the beaches are free to use.

Does the lake freeze every winter? Not always. When the ice is thick enough, a natural rink forms. Check with the valley tourist office for current conditions.

How big is the lake? It covers about 9.5 km², lies at 1,004 m and reaches roughly 32 m deep.

Which sports are popular here? Windsurfing, kitesurfing, paddleboarding, kayaking and water skiing in summer, then skating and cross-country skiing in winter.