La Tour-du-Meix is a town in the Jura department, in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region, 23 km south-east of Lons-le-Saunier.
Its 13 km² area ranges from 423 to 686 m above sea level and is located on the west shore of Lake Vouglans. This water reservoir was built in 1968 following the construction of a dam on the course of the Ain. Stretching over a length of 35 km but only 900 m wide at most, it covers 1,600 hectares and contains up to 605 million m³ of water depending on the season. As a result, Lake Vouglans is the third artificial lake in France by its capacity.
Within the Pays des Lacs et Petite Montagne, the lake changed the vocation of La Tour-du-Meix, a village renowned under the Ancien Régime for its textile units and which then remained agricultural and forestry. Now, while wooded areas still occupy 56% of the land, the village, which has nearly 240 inhabitants, has become a tourist hub thanks to its beach and its marina.
In an exceptional environment, we combine relaxation, nautical activities and the pleasures of hiking thanks to an invigorating landscape (middle mountain). A godsend for green tourism enthusiasts!
If the village has now developed on the edge of the lake, the historic center is for its part somewhat set back. It had developed around a priory, in the Middle Ages (11th century). We can observe the Saint-Christophe church built on Romanesque bases, which has preserved an 11th century portal. Several statues of interest are housed there, such as the 15th century wooden one that represents Saint Christopher: we notice snakes escaping from his staff, symbolizing the devil that must be fought. From the square of the building, on a clear day, visitors can sometimes see the silhouette of Mont-Blanc in the distance! Old houses with flat stone roofs (locally called "lavas") and protruding stepped gables (or crenellations) are also to be seen.
In terms of heritage, we can still see the remains of the 12th century seigneurial castle built by the abbots of Saint-Claude to watch over the valley (one of the accesses to the land over which they had authority). It was abandoned in the 17th century after the Ten Years War during which Louis XIII's troops ravaged Franche-Comté which, however, was only later attached to France.
Both the church and the remains of the castle are protected as historical monuments.
Then it is time for sports and "nature" leisure activities.
Near the Pont de la Pyle, built in 1967, with concrete beams to connect the two shores of the lake, a marina has been built. It can accommodate up to 274 boats on three pontoons and notably has a launching ramp and a fuel station. A boat license training center is based on the site. Information on +33 3 84 25 49 59.
In the same sector, a campsite has been created with a mountain bike rental point: information on +33 3 84 24 41 08.
Finally, a beautiful sandy beach adjoins the whole, suitable for relaxation and swimming, which is supervised in July and August. A picnic area is also available to visitors and tourists.
For amateurs, a water ski club offers initiation sessions in season (or sessions for experienced practitioners). Contact +33 6 07 60 91 80.
In a more "quiet" way, a cruise ship, "Le Louisiane", allows you to enjoy walks on the lake to enjoy magnificent views of the village or the wooded hillsides overlooking the mountains. "turquoise" waters of the lake. For more information, call +33 9 70 71 77 05.
From La Tour-du-Meix, many hiking trails (hiking or mountain biking) are accessible which are dotted with lookouts, sensitive natural sites due to their flora and fauna. It combines a change of scenery, panoramas and oxygen. The itineraries of various sizes ensure to take advantage of all the riches of the Pays des Lacs et Petite Montagne!
Maps and information on +33 9 70 71 77 05 or +33 3 84 42 31 57.
