Réserve naturelle nationale du lac de Remoray

The Lac de Remoray Nature Reserve is one of the ecological gems of the French Jura, straddling the communes of Labergement-Sainte-Marie and Remoray-Boujeons in the Doubs department, roughly 20 km southeast of Pontarlier. Established in 1980 as a French national nature reserve, it protects a glacial lake together with the surrounding wetlands that make up the upper Doubs valley.

What makes this reserve so unusual?

Spread across nearly 350 hectares, the reserve brings together a striking variety of habitats within a small area: the glacial lake itself, former gravel pits, extensive peatlands, wet meadows and patches of forest. This patchwork of environments is the reason more than 5,000 species have been recorded here to date, making it one of the richest natural sites in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region. The peat bogs surrounding the lake are a particularly fragile and rare type of ecosystem typical of the Jura highlands, while the wet meadows act as a natural buffer that slows and filters the water feeding the upper Doubs river.

Why is the reserve famous among birdwatchers?

Lac de Remoray is above all a haven for birdlife. Across its open water, reedbeds and surrounding meadows, an impressive 231 bird species have been recorded — both resident breeding species tied permanently to the site and numerous migratory species that stop here while travelling between northern and southern Europe. It is precisely this exceptional avian diversity that justified granting the area such a high level of legal protection back in the early 1980s.

Who manages the reserve, and how can it be visited?

Since 1985, management of the protected area has been entrusted to the Association of Friends of the Lac de Remoray Nature Reserve, operating under an agreement with the French ministry responsible for the environment. The association runs the Maison de la Réserve on site — a visitor centre spread over 500 square metres, offering interactive exhibitions dedicated to the local fauna and flora. It is the natural starting point for anyone exploring the area, providing background on the reserve's history, its ecological importance, and the rules visitors need to follow, such as staying on marked trails to avoid disturbing wildlife and damaging the sensitive peatland habitats.

Who is this destination for?

The reserve appeals mainly to nature lovers, birdwatchers and anyone looking for a quiet, contemplative walk through a genuine Jura landscape. It is also a worthwhile educational stop for families, since the exhibitions at the Maison de la Réserve explain in accessible terms what peatlands are and why they deserve protection. Because of its protected status, access to the most sensitive zones can be restricted or limited to designated paths, so it is worth checking current visiting rules before setting out.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the reserve located? Within the communes of Labergement-Sainte-Marie and Remoray-Boujeons in the Doubs department, about 20 km from Pontarlier.

When was the reserve created? In 1980, as a national nature reserve protecting the lake and its surrounding wetlands.

What is the main natural attraction? The exceptional bird diversity — 231 recorded species — alongside a mosaic of habitats including the lake, peatlands, meadows and forest.

Is there a visitor centre? Yes, the Maison de la Réserve offers 500 square metres of exhibitions on the local fauna and flora.