What to do around Mesnois? Activities in the heart of the Jura
Nature activities around Mesnois : Lakes, waterfalls and hikes
From Mesnois, we enjoy wide Jura horizons shaped by varied landscapes, perfect for exploration and outdoor escapes.
The Jura lakes are among the region’s most prized natural treasures. Set in a preserved environment, Lake Chalain charms with clear waters and wide developed shores, ideal for swimming, canoeing, walks or family relaxation.
Wilder, the lakes of Ilay, Narlay and Clairvaux offer a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for gentle hikes, picnics and wildlife spotting. Nearby, the Four Lakes viewpoint lets us admire the intertwining waters and forests shaping the Jura landscape.
For lovers of grand panoramas, don’t miss the Pic de l’Aigle or the Regardoir rock: spectacular viewpoints overlooking valleys and lakes, perfect for a contemplative pause or a memorable selfie.
When it comes to waterfalls, the Hérisson Falls offer one of the Jura’s most spectacular walks. Wear comfortable shoes: the trail winds past seven major cascades, including the impressive Eventail Falls. Less known but equally remarkable, Baume-les-Messieurs Falls gush into a unique natural amphitheatre at the foot of the village.
And for a different perspective, head underground: the Moidons Caves and Baume-les-MessieursCaves reveal fascinating galleries shaped by time. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore the Jura’s typical underground passages.
What to visit around Mesnois: charming villages, wine and traditions
Around Mesnois, several villages are worth a longer stop.
Start with Baume-les-Messieurs, ranked among the most beautiful villages in France. Nestled at the bottom of a steep valley, it offers a striking natural setting. Walking through its streets, we find an ancient abbey, traditional houses and small flowered squares. Cliffs and trails around the village enhance its unique character.
Another must-visit village: Château-Chalon. Perched on a rocky slope, the village overlooks the vineyards stretching below to the horizon. Here, the famous vin jaune, the pride of the Jura, was born. Several local cellars offer guided tastings in an authentic atmosphere. Depending on the season, we enjoy aged comté, smoked charcuterie, or red fruit desserts, all emblematic of the local terroir.
For a more urban day, head to Lons-le-Saunier, the department’s prefecture. On Thursday mornings, its market fills the town centre with local products, flowers, crafts and a lively atmosphere. Take the chance to visit the Bains Park or the birthplace of Rouget de Lisle.
Wine lovers should not miss Arbois, a small town famous for its vineyards and excellent restaurants. Here, we encounter Louis Pasteur’s legacy and the expertise of Jura winemakers.
For families: explore, learn and have fun differently
Around Mesnois, family holidays take on a gentle sense of adventure. Here, amusement parks aren’t needed for memorable experiences.
Children will love the playful trails at natural sites like the Hérisson Falls or the shores of Lake Clairvaux: treasure hunts, educational panels, and discovery booklets let them learn while walking and looking around.
For the curious, several nature workshops run in summer at local tourist offices: tracking animal footprints, building birdhouses, or discovering the insects that inhabit the Jura meadows.
Some villages also offer digital treasure hunts (like geocaching), encouraging the whole family to explore differently. Perfect for keeping holidays lively, even without a car.
A comfortable break at Sites et Paysages Beauregard
To fully enjoy your holidays around Mesnois, the nature campsiteSites et Paysages Beauregard is an excellent choice. Located 500 metres from the village in a wooded setting, it offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every style of stay.
Franck, the owner, personally ensures warm welcome and guest comfort. The campsite pitches are spacious, separated by hedges, and offer different exposures (sun or shade), close to or further from modern sanitary blocks. Guests can choose a grassy pitch or a hard-standing one, according to their habits and preferences.
For rentals, the campsite combines comfort and originality with fully equipped mobile homes and unique accommodations like Coco Sweet or tented bungalows, welcoming up to five people.
For relaxation, the water park features a heated indoor pool, a lap pool, a paddling pool with a mini-slide, and a wellness area with sauna, steam room, hot tubs and hydro-massage jets. Outside, children enjoy another paddling pool and a pool with a 40-metre slide. All of this is complemented by a well-positioned solarium, perfect for resting.
What if Mesnois became your next nature getaway?
Between swims in turquoise lakes, walks along waterfalls, historic villages and relaxing moments at camping Beauregard, everything here invites you to slow down and savour the moment. Whether travelling as a couple, with family, or with friends, the Jura around Mesnois offers a wealth of intimate, crowd-free experiences.
If adventure calls elsewhere, explore our campsites in Bourgogne Franche Comté, stay at a campsite in the Jura, or stop by a campsite in Lons-le-Saunier to continue enjoying the charm of this authentic region.
