Lac de Vouglans Reservoir

Address: Lac de Vouglans, Jura department, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France

Lac de Vouglans is an artificial reservoir in eastern France’s Jura department, created by the construction of the Vouglans Dam on the river Ain. It is a large impounded lake used for hydroelectric generation and recreational activities along its shoreline.

The reservoir’s elongated, fjord-like shape and steep wooded banks produce many sheltered coves and beaches that are popular for boating, fishing and lakeside leisure. Roads and viewpoints run along parts of the lake, providing multiple access points and lookout spots.

The lake was formed when the dam was completed in the 1960s; its headpond flooded former river valleys and villages to create the present reservoir. It lies in the Jura region of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté and is accessed from nearby towns and departmental roads.

• Recreation and shoreline: The reservoir’s long, narrow shape with numerous inlets creates sheltered bays used for boating and swimming; many small villages and viewpoints line the shores.

What to See#

• Vouglans Dam: The hydroelectric Vouglans Dam was completed in the late 1960s and impounds the river to form the reservoir; the dam infrastructure and headpond are focal points for services and viewpoints.

Lac de Vouglans is in the Jura department. The nearest towns are Saint-Claude and Lons-le-Saunier; access is best by car via the D436 and D469 roads. Regional bus services connect surrounding towns seasonally.

• Drive the road that crosses the Vouglans dam for expansive views of the lake and the concrete arch.
• Visit midweek to avoid popular weekend boating crowds in summer.
• If cycling, use the dedicated lanes and watch for sections shared with car traffic near the dam.