Lac de Vouglans, France’s largest artificial reservoir by volume, offers an unexpected setting for a family ride in the Jura: turquoise water, wooded cliffs and developed beaches along a dedicated cycle route.
A loop between beaches and forests
From Surchauffant, the route follows part of the lake’s shore toward Cernon, alternating a dedicated greenway with quiet small roads. Expect around 24 km for a full loop, on terrain that stays largely rolling despite a few undulations tied to the surrounding Jura landscape.
Getting the ride right
The route, less flat than a lowland one, still suits a trailer or bike seat from a young age. The supervised beaches at Surchauffant and Cernon make it easy to split the ride with a swim stop.
When to go
May to September, with June and September preferred, quieter than the summer peak around the lake’s beaches.
Good to know
Moirans-en-Montagne, nearby, offers a decent choice of accommodation for the area, with convenient access to the rest of the Jura massif to extend the stay beyond the lake.
