Bonlieu

When looking for a hotel in Bonlieu, it is worth first considering which aspects of the destination appeal to you: Lac de Bonlieu as a forest lake, hikes and waterfalls, as well as monastic history and sacred art. These themes differ in scale and character, helping you see how Bonlieu fits with your own travel interests.

Lac de Bonlieu and its landscape

Lac de Bonlieu is a glacial lake in a forested area, overlooked by a rocky ridge. It is about 700 metres long and 300 metres wide. These dimensions give a sense of the lake’s elongated shape; the forest and rocky ridge also define the landscape. The Belvédère de la Ronde has a viewpoint above the lake. Lac de Bonlieu is also one of the sources of the Hérisson River, which flows by the Cascades du Hérisson. This connects the lake and waterfalls through the same river, while they remain distinct landscape features.

Compare hikes by distance and destination

A 3.3-kilometre hike can begin on the shore of Lac de Bonlieu. The Cascades du Hérisson comprise seven waterfalls along a 3.7-kilometre route with 255 metres of elevation gain. The route distances are similar, but their other features give them different emphases: at the Cascades, the waterfalls and elevation gain are useful points of reference; at the lake, the possible starting point on the shore is a reference. So when weighing up the outings, compare not only the kilometres but also the landscape each one showcases.

Visiting rules at the lake

Swimming in Lac de Bonlieu is prohibited as part of environmental protection measures. Dogs may accompany you at the lake but must be kept on a leash. Check both rules locally before your visit.

The history of the Chartreuse de Bonlieu

The Chartreuse de Bonlieu was founded in the 12th century in the valley of Lac de Bonlieu. During the French Revolution, it was sold as national property. In August 1944, during the liberation fighting, the Germans set fire to the remaining buildings. The foundation, sale and destruction can thus be understood as distinct events in its history.

Sacred art in Bouzailles

The church in the hamlet of Bouzailles in Bonlieu houses a painted, polychrome wooden statue of Saint Claude. It dates from the last quarter of the 17th century and has been protected as a historic object since 1 July 1997. “Polychrome” means multicoloured, and, together with the wood and paint, describes the statue’s workmanship. The date of creation and the date protection began refer to different things: one places the work in time, while the other marks the start of its protection as an object. For travellers interested in culture, this individual artwork adds a tangible sacred object to the history of the Chartreuse.

Discover more destinations: Chambéria, Choisey, Charézier, Syam, Montigny-lès-Arsures, Châteauneuf, Tancua, Uxelles

For the regional travel overview: Jura.