The Burgundy-Franche-Comté region contains several major lakes of various origins. Lake Saint-Point stretches 6 kilometers in length and ranks as France's second largest natural lake. Lake Vouglans covers 1500 hectares, forming a reservoir along the Ain gorge. The Jura area features ancient natural lakes such as Lake Chalain, formed thousands of years ago. The Belvédère des 4 Lacs provides a viewpoint overlooking the Jura lakes. In the Morvan, historic reservoirs like Lac des Settons enable water activities. The reservoirs of the Canal de Bourgogne reflect the region's waterway heritage. Many of these bodies of water offer swimming facilities and equipment for water sports. The lakes are distributed across different natural landscapes of the region, from the Morvan to the Jura mountains.
Morvan, France
Lac de Pannecière is an artificial reservoir built between 1936 and 1949 at the confluence of several valleys in the Morvan region. This reservoir regulates the flow of the Yonne River and supplies Paris with drinking water. Covering approximately 520 hectares with a maximum depth of 30 meters, it serves both flood control purposes and water supply needs for the French capital.
Doubs, France
Lac de Saint-Point is the third largest natural lake in France, covering 419 hectares at an altitude of 850 meters in the Jura Mountains. This elongated glacial lake reaches a maximum depth of 41 meters and extends approximately 7 kilometers in length. The lake is fed by the Doubs River and offers opportunities for swimming, fishing, and water sports. The shores of the lake are dotted with several villages including Malbuisson and Les Grangettes, which provide access to nearby ski resorts during winter months.
Morvan, France
Lac des Settons is a reservoir built in 1850 that covers 360 hectares within the Morvan Regional Natural Park. This artificial lake was created by constructing a dam that regulates the flow of the Cure River. The structure initially served log floating operations and later hydroelectric power generation. Today, the lake supports various water activities and attracts visitors seeking recreation in the forested Morvan landscape.
Jura, France
Lac de Chalain is a natural lake covering 232 hectares, formed during the last ice age. This lake in the Jura department sits within a forested region and reaches a maximum depth of 32 meters. The shores of Lac de Chalain contain prehistoric pile dwelling settlements from the Neolithic and Bronze Age periods, recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites. The lake provides swimming areas and various water sports activities during the summer months.
Saône-et-Loire, France
Lac de Laives is an artificial lake created in 1976 from a former quarry. The site features a recreational facility offering swimming, walking, and picnicking opportunities, along with a designated fishing area where regulations apply. Located in the commune of Laives in Saône-et-Loire, this lake serves as a leisure destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
Jura, France
Lac de Vouglans is an artificial reservoir covering 1600 hectares, created in 1968 following the construction of a hydroelectric dam on the Ain River. The dam stands 103 meters high and ranks among the largest arch dams in France. This lake extends 35 kilometers through forested valleys and provides various recreational activities including swimming, boating, and fishing. Several beaches and marinas line the shores, including the coves at Surchauffant and Bellecin.
Morvan, France
Lac de Chaumeçon was created in 1934 by damming the Chalaux River in a granite valley of the Morvan region. The 33-meter dam impounds water for electricity generation. The reservoir extends over several kilometers between forested slopes and provides opportunities for fishing and boating. Located within the Morvan Regional Natural Park, this lake supplies electrical power to surrounding communities while offering recreational access to visitors.
Yonne, France
Lac du Bourdon is an artificial reservoir created in 1983 on the Bourdon River. The lake supplies water to the Canal du Nivernais and hosts various water sports activities throughout the year. The facility covers approximately 220 hectares and provides opportunities for sailing, windsurfing, and fishing. The lake is located in the northern part of the Yonne department in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region.
Morvan, France
Lac de Saint-Agnan is an artificial reservoir built in 1980 within the Morvan Regional Natural Park. The lake serves hydroelectric power generation and plays a role in regulating water levels in the rivers of the region. A water sports facility operates along its shores, offering various nautical activities. Designated fishing areas attract anglers throughout the year. The reservoir sits within the forested hills of the Morvan, surrounded by the natural landscape of central Burgundy.
Jura, France
Lac des Rousses sits at an elevation of 1059 meters in the Noirmont massif and features a supervised beach during summer months. The lake includes designated fishing areas and is surrounded by coniferous forests. Spanning several hectares, it serves as a starting point for hikes into the surrounding Jura heights. In winter, cross-country skiers use nearby trails while the frozen lake offers a different perspective on the landscape.
Côte d'Or, France
Lac de Chamboux is a 75-hectare water reservoir located in Côte d'Or. This lake features a fine sand beach and provides facilities for water sports activities. Visitors can practice sailing, canoeing, and fishing at this location. The site is equipped for water-based recreation and offers opportunities for various outdoor activities during the summer months.
Nièvre and Yonne, France
Lac du Crescent is an artificial reservoir of 165 hectares on the Cure River, located between the departments of Nièvre and Yonne. This lake was created by the construction of a dam and serves for water regulation. The long-distance hiking trail GR13 runs along its shores, offering hikers the opportunity to discover the wooded slopes and water surface. The area surrounding the lake is part of the Morvan Regional Natural Park.
Territoire de Belfort, France
The Étang des Forges is a 40-hectare artificial lake located within the urban area of Belfort. The lake features a pathway through the reed beds that allows walkers and nature observers to discover local flora and fauna. Several equipped swimming areas provide opportunities for bathing during summer months. The site includes picnic areas and rest zones for families. The lake serves as a recreational area for local residents and attracts visitors seeking water sports and outdoor activities.
Haute-Saône, France
Lac de Vesoul-Vaivre is an artificial lake covering 86 hectares, located two kilometers southeast of Vesoul. This reservoir was created in 1978 by damming the Durgeon River and now serves as a recreational area. The site includes a water sports center with facilities for sailing, windsurfing and canoeing, as well as a supervised swimming area during summer months. The shoreline areas provide habitat for various waterbirds and migratory species, including grey herons, great crested grebes and mallards. Paved paths around the lake accommodate walkers, cyclists and joggers through the surrounding green spaces.
Jura, France
Lac du Val is a glacial lake in the Jura Mountains, formed by the retreat of ice age glaciers. The lake receives water from the Cascades du Hérisson, a well-known waterfall series in the region. The lake sits within a forested area dominated by coniferous trees. The surrounding area offers numerous walking trails through the woods and along the waterfalls that flow down the valley.
Jura, France
Lac d'Ilay covers 72 hectares in the Jura lake district and sits at an altitude of 774 meters. This natural lake formed through glacial erosion during the Quaternary period and represents a characteristic example of the Jura lake landscape alongside neighboring bodies of water. The lake can be observed from the Quatre Lacs viewpoint, which provides an overview of several regional water bodies. The shores of Lac d'Ilay are partially surrounded by forest and serve as a starting point for walks through the regional natural area.
Jura, France
Lac du Grand Maclu is a natural glacial lake located at an altitude of 779 meters in the Jura Mountains. Its surface area extends over 24 hectares with a maximum depth of 27 meters. The lake was formed by glacial erosion during the last ice age and lies in a forested setting. The water body is fed by underground springs and provides habitat for various fish species. Water temperature remains relatively cool even in summer due to the elevation.
Jura, France
Lac de Narlay is a natural glacial lake located at an altitude of 735 meters in the Jura department. The body of water was formed during the Ice Age through glacial processes and reaches a maximum depth of 39 meters. The lake sits within a forested environment of the Jura Mountains and offers anglers various fish species. The water surface extends over several hectares and is fed by natural springs. Hiking trails lead around the lake and provide access to its shores.
Dijon, France
Lac Kir is an artificial lake located on the western edge of Dijon, created in the 1960s by damming the Ouche River. The lake covers approximately 375 hectares and serves both as a drinking water reservoir and a recreational area. Its eastern shore features a public beach with a grassy area, facilities, and refreshment stands. The lake offers opportunities for sailing, rowing, and pedal boating. A path of around 6 kilometers circles the water and is used by walkers, joggers, and cyclists.
Jura, France
Lac du Petit Maclu is a natural glacial lake located at an altitude of 803 meters in the French Jura. This lake covers an area of 6 hectares and reaches a maximum depth of 27 meters. The body of water was formed during the last Ice Age through glacial erosion and sits in a forested valley. The lake is fed by underground springs and precipitation and displays a characteristic greenish coloration.
Côte-d'Or, France
Lac de Chour is an artificial lake covering 38 hectares in the Côte-d'Or department. This reservoir features a sandy beach and offers various recreational opportunities. During summer months, visitors can enjoy water sports activities, while fishing is permitted year-round. The lake serves both relaxation and leisure purposes for locals and tourists alike.
Côte-d'Or, France
Lac de Grosbois is an artificial reservoir covering 15 hectares, constructed in 1830. This lake was created to supply water to the Canal de Bourgogne and is located in the Côte-d'Or department. The structure was built as part of the development of inland waterways during the 19th century and continues to fulfill its original function as a storage basin for canal navigation.
Côte-d'Or, France
Lac de Panthier is an artificial reservoir built in 1836 to supply water to the Canal de Bourgogne. This engineering structure is located in the Côte-d'Or department and has fulfilled its original purpose of canal feeding for nearly two centuries. The lake now serves as a recreational area for various water sports and fishing activities. Its position within the Burgundy landscape makes it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and water sports practitioners seeking outdoor leisure opportunities in a rural setting.
Côte-d'Or, France
Lac de Pont is an artificial reservoir covering 220 hectares, created in 1883 to supply water to the Canal de Bourgogne. This reservoir is located in the Côte-d'Or department and serves as a water supply for navigation on the canal. The facility was built as part of 19th-century hydraulic infrastructure projects and continues to play an important role in regulating water levels throughout the regional canal system.
Nièvre, France
Étang de Vaux covers 106 hectares along the Canal du Nivernais in the Nièvre department. The water body offers fishing opportunities for various species and allows sailing and kayaking activities. The lake sits within a wooded environment and forms part of the historic canal infrastructure that crosses the region.