Lac Genin

Lac Genin is a small lake in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, sitting within the municipality of Charix in the Ain department at roughly 850 metres above sea level. Covering just under 8 hectares, it is fed by underground springs, which keeps its water cool and clear throughout the year. The lake's shoreline is shared by three communes — Oyonnax, Echallon and Charix — and the surrounding meadows and fir forests have earned it the nickname "the Little Canada of Haut-Bugey."

What makes Lac Genin a protected site?

The lake was first recognized in 1935 as a site of natural and scenic character, an unusually early designation for such a modest body of water. Since 2015 it has carried the additional status of Espace Naturel Sensible (Sensitive Natural Area), managed by the Ain department. This protection covers not just the lake itself but the adjoining peat bogs, which form a distinct ecological attraction in their own right.

What can visitors do at the lake in summer?

From July through August, a supervised sandy beach operates near the local inn, with lifeguards on duty from 10am to noon and again from 1pm to 6pm. That makes Lac Genin a popular stop for families looking for a swim in a mountain setting. Beyond swimming, visitors can fish, rent a paddleboard, ride mountain bikes along marked circuits, or try a treetop adventure course. Children's activities include a barefoot sensory trail and orienteering stations. Walkers can also follow an educational path dedicated to the peat bogs, named "l'étrange trésor de la vouivre" ("the strange treasure of the wyvern"), which introduces the marshland's plants and wildlife in an accessible way.

What happens at Lac Genin in winter?

Once temperatures drop, the lake and surrounding slopes take on a different character. The frozen surface is sometimes used for ice skating, and nearby areas are prepared for sledding. The surrounding fir forests also invite snowshoe walks, making the site one of the few attractions in Haut-Bugey that stays active whatever the season.

Who is Lac Genin best suited for?

The lake's modest size, calm surroundings and the presence of a nearby inn make it work equally well as a family day-trip destination and as a starting point for longer hikes through the hills of Haut-Bugey. The footpaths circling the lake are relatively gentle, so they suit less experienced walkers too.

Frequently asked questions

Can you swim in Lac Genin? Yes. A supervised sandy beach operates near the inn in July and August, with lifeguards present during set hours. Outside that period, swimming is at your own risk.

How big is the lake? It covers just under 8 hectares and sits at an altitude of roughly 850 metres.

Which communes does the area belong to? The site is shared by three municipalities: Oyonnax, Echallon and Charix.

Are there hiking trails around the lake? Yes, marked footpaths and mountain-biking circuits run around the lake, along with an educational trail through the peat bogs.

What can you do at Lac Genin in winter? Popular activities include ice skating on the frozen lake, sledding, and snowshoe walks through the surrounding forest.

Is the lake legally protected? Yes. It has been classified as a site of natural and scenic character since 1935, and since 2015 it has also been designated a Sensitive Natural Area by the Ain department.