Lac de Chalain

The Chalain is a lake in the western part of the French Jura in the Jura, around 20 kilometers east of Lons -le- Saunier. It is located 486 m above sea level. M. on the communal land of Fontenu and covers an area of approximately 2.3 square kilometers. The lake is 2.7 km long and up to 1.1 km wide. Its maximum depth is 32 m.

Geography

The Chalain is located in a characteristic valley on the western edge of the Jura plateau of Champagnole. On three sides of the lake is surrounded by steep, 100 m high slopes, where some prominent limestone cliffs; However, there is a flood plain on the east bank, so that here the steep slope is set back a bit. To the west the valley opens to the wide Talniederung of Ain ​​, which here flows in a north-south direction. The Chalain is of glacial origin, it is separated by a terminal moraine from the Ain Valley. He has no significant above-ground inflow, but is fed by underground water that seeps among others in the small Jura lakes Lac du Vernois and Lac de Narlay on the karstic plateau about 10 km east of Chalain. This fact could be detected on the basis of tracer tests. Despite the lack of above-ground inflow mean residence time of the lake water is due to the calculations, only about 10 months. At the northwest end of the lake, near Marigny outflow over the Bief de l' Oeuf done. Its waters is used for electricity production.

History

The shore of the Lac de Chalain was settled very early. When in 1904 due to a drought, the water level dropped very low, tracks were a prehistoric settlement found on the west bank. Excavations numerous items of a riparian settlement to light, which was inhabited during the period from the Neolithic to the Bronze Age (about 4000-750 BC ). The finds, including a well-preserved dugout, are now kept in the archaeological museum in Lons -le- Saunier.

Since the Middle Ages was located on a small hill on the eastern edge of the lake, a hunting lodge. The ownership over the extensive grounds changed several times. However, in the course of time the building is no longer inhabited gradually disintegrated and fell into ruin in 1945 by fire.

Tourism

Since the 1950s, is the Chalain property of Jura. On the flood plain on the eastern shore of the lake, a tourism center were built with camping and recreational facilities. Especially in the summer, the lake is also an attraction for water sports enthusiasts and hikers from near and far. On the west bank two stilt houses were reconstructed. From the cliffs, also has a beautiful views of the Chalain.