Discover Clairvaux-Les-Lacs

Clairvaux-Les-Lacs brings together prehistoric stilt-dwelling settlements and local history with two lakes that differ considerably in how they can be used. Cultural sites, swimming opportunities, and seasonal activities can each be a priority when choosing your destination. If you are looking for a hotel, you will find some pointers here to help you weigh up your interests for your stay.

Stilt-Dwelling Culture and Local History

The prehistoric stilt-dwelling settlements of Clairvaux are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The oldest stilt-dwelling settlement in Clairvaux dates back to 3900 BC. Seventeen stilt houses have been counted in the waterlogged sediment of the Grand Lac de Clairvaux. These details represent different aspects of the site: the long time span covered by its oldest settlement and the number of stilt houses counted in the sediment.

Another way to explore the past is at the Musée des machines à nourrir et courir le monde. It displays around 100 handmade wooden models by Marcel Yerly and offers 1,000 m² of climate-controlled exhibition space for family visits. The models and the size of the exhibition space give you two concrete points to consider if you are thinking of including a museum visit in your travel plans.

You will also encounter various historic buildings around the town. The Tour de Clairvaux-les-Lacs is the surviving tower of a 12th-century castle. The Église Saint-Nithier de Clairvaux-les-Lacs is a Romanesque church; its bell tower has an imperial dome. A remaining castle tower and a church with a distinctive tower form thus stand side by side as separate historical landmarks.

La Méridienne is located in the town hall courtyard and has been restored. It dates from the 18th or 19th century. At the time, it served as a timekeeping reference for the entire working and trading community of the town. Notre-Dame de L’Isle is still located on the castle grounds.

An exhibition in the Salle des fêtes de Clairvaux-les-Lacs introduces the daily life of Neolithic farmers and includes a reconstruction of a house. It offers another thematic perspective on the town’s past. Together with the stilt-dwelling settlements and historic buildings, it forms a cultural offering with a variety of historical periods and themes.

Grand Lac and Petit Lac: Different Activities

The Grand Lac de Clairvaux is suitable for swimming and water sports. Seasonal activities include pedal boats, paddleboards, and canoes; fishing for pike, perch, and carp, as well as windsurfing, is also possible. These specific activities are seasonal and may change. If a particular activity is important for your trip, it is best to check whether it is available on your travel dates.

The beach at the Grand Lac has fine sand and gentle slopes that are ideal for children. It has been awarded the Blue Flag for water quality. If you are planning a visit in a later season, it is a good idea to check the current status of the beach facilities and the award.

The Petit Lac de Clairvaux is quite different: it is private and has a wild character. Swimming and fishing are prohibited there. For your plans, it is therefore important to consider which lake suits the activities you have in mind: swimming and the seasonal water sports mentioned above are available at the Grand Lac, while the explicit prohibitions apply at the Petit Lac.

Clairvaux-Les-Lacs is also on the 150 km Route des Lacs, which crosses the département. This route connection adds a wider geographical perspective to the local cultural and lake-related attractions. It is another factor to consider when choosing Clairvaux-Les-Lacs as your destination.

Discover more destinations: Cuttura, Souvans, Saint-Amour, Grange-De-Vaivre, Gigny, Champrougier, Choisey, Chaussin.

For the broader travel overview: Jura.