Discover L'Abbaye: Lac de Joux and abbey history

L'Abbaye brings together the lakeside scenery of Lac de Joux, a long abbey history, and a variety of trails and activities. When planning your trip, there are several different aspects to consider: water sports and the beach by the lake, historical landmarks in the village, and activities whose season or access arrangements are worth checking in advance.

At Lac de Joux: Lakeshore, Beach and Water Sports

A lakeside path connects L'Abbaye and Le Pont. L'Abbaye also has a sailing club with a sailing school. The Club d'aviron de la Vallée de Joux offers introductory sessions and coaching for groups, and organizes regattas. Plage de L'Abbaye is a grassy beach with a playground, a table tennis table, a pétanque court, equipped barbecue areas, tables, and a small shelter.

A floating jetty at the beach serves as a starting point for outings by rowboat, canoe, or paddleboard. The lake therefore offers a range of activities: sailing, group rowing activities, and trips in smaller watercraft. Les Archets de Joux is also listed among the archery activities in L'Abbaye. Chaudière de l’Enfer, described as the source of the Lionne, is one of the walking destinations in L'Abbaye.

Abbey History and Visible Landmarks

The former Premonstratensian abbey was built between 1126 and 1134 and remained in operation until the arrival of the Bernese in 1536. A model of the former abbey can be seen inside the church: Dr. Convert made it in the 1950s. The Tour de L'Abbaye du Lac de Joux was built in 1326 and serves as the bell tower of the present-day church. In 2026, it will be open to the public for guided tours from 1 April to 31 October; check the dates before your visit.

The Toblerones also tell of another era: these fortifications, built during the Second World War, were intended to defend against tanks, and some are still visible in L'Abbaye. The Sentier didactique du chemin de Saint-Norbert complements these historical traces with a look at the development of the village. Nine stained-glass windows depict traditional occupations and the development of the village economy over the centuries. The trail is accessible to everyone.

Trails and Seasonal Activities

The landscaped Chemin de méditation is three kilometres long and has six meditation stations. Its length and number of stations give it a different character from a walking destination such as Chaudière de l’Enfer. In winter, the Téléskis du Lac de Joux are among the local activities on offer: they have four ski lifts, including one for beginners. Operating conditions may vary by season; check them before planning a day of skiing.

The Hors Normes Festival includes venues across the Vallée de Joux, including the Grande salle de l'Abbaye. The festival has been held in the region at Pentecost for more than ten years. The programme and venues may change, so it is worth checking the details for the relevant edition before your trip.

Regional Landscapes and Local Specialities

L'Abbaye is part of the Parc naturel régional Jura vaudois, a Swiss nature park of national importance since 2013, which extends across the Vallée de Joux and other regions of Vaud. In the park, characteristic landscapes and protected nature stretch from the Pied du Jura to the Vallée de Joux, across mountain ridges and the passes of La Givrine, Le Marchairuz, and Le Mollendruz. The park offers hiking activities as well as routes for cycling, mountain biking, and e-biking; winter routes on foot, on skis, and on snowshoes are also available. Cultural heritage and living traditions are considered defining features of the park.

At the Les Croisettes alpine pasture above the village, visitors can sample local or regional terroir products. The listed chalet dishes include rösti, croûtes, and fondue, as well as Malakoffs and various salads. The chalet service is seasonal; check opening times before your trip. La Gourmanstine's range includes sweet and savoury bricelets, Linzer tarts, amaretti, sweet-and-sour zucchini, and seasonal jams. The products on offer may change.

Discover more destinations: Orbe Vd, Champvent, Ballaigues, L'auberson, La Praz, Grandevent, Onnens, Villars-Burquin.

For the broader travel overview: Northern Vaud Jura.