What to do around Lamoura in summer
Lamoura is a very good base if you want a cooler, clearer and less scattered side of the Haut-Jura. The right instinct is not to drive from one spot to another, but to keep the day in two parts: one simple nature block, then one real highlight depending on the group's energy.
Quick answer
- simplest format: Lake Lamoura + forest or ridge section + long break
- with children: only one real walking block on top of the lake stop
- in hot weather: keep exposed sections early, then move toward shade and elevation
- for a more active stay: add a half-day of canyoning or via ferrata
Why does Lamoura work so well in summer?
Lamoura lets you enjoy the Haut-Jura without building a complicated day. You quickly get plateau scenery, wooded sectors, an easy lake stop, and several atmospheres that still fit together on the same day.
It is also a practical base for mixed groups. Some people mainly want fresh air, a bit of walking and a calmer rhythm. Others want one proper sport block. Around Lamoura, those expectations can fit together without rebuilding the whole plan.
Should you start with the lake or with a walk?
The simplest choice is usually to start with whatever will feel most exposed later. If you have a more sustained walk planned, go early and keep Lake Lamoura for the middle or end of the day. If you are travelling as a family or aiming for a more relaxed format, the lake can instead become your easiest first block.
The real criterion is not only the weather. It is also the group's energy. A successful day around Lamoura often starts gently, then keeps just one more active moment.
Around Lamoura, elevation and water usually make summer days easier than in lower areas.
Which nature highlight should you keep if you only have one day?
The best option is to choose one main atmosphere only.
Lake Lamoura if you want the easiest day format
Lake Lamoura works very well to set the pace. It is useful with children, for a calmer day, or if you arrive late and still want an attractive setting without heavy planning.
Forest sectors and the Hautes Combes if you want air and open space
If you want to walk more, the forest sectors and the Hautes Combes immediately give you a different feel of the Haut-Jura. You keep the elevation, a real sense of space, and an effort level that can still stay reasonable if you avoid overlong loops in the hottest hours.
Crêt Pela if your group wants a real sporty block
Crêt Pela only makes sense if the group clearly wants more walking. It is not the right extra on a day that is already full. But on a more active format, it is a good way to give the stay more relief.
How do you keep a good rhythm in hot weather?
Around Lamoura, the best summer day is often the simplest one: an early start, one main block before the hottest part of the day, then a long break before resuming with something shorter.
Avoid putting a long exposed walk or several scattered drives between noon and 4 pm. In the Haut-Jura, you usually enjoy the stay more when you use elevation intelligently instead of trying to fit in everything.
Should you keep it relaxed or add a real activity?
Lamoura already works very well without a guided activity. But if you want to turn a short stay into a real outdoor weekend, the clearest move is to add one more memorable half-day.
Two formats work especially well:
Canyoning makes sense if you want cool water and a stronger summer feel. Via ferrata fits better if the group prefers height, rock and a drier effort.
From Lamoura, one well-placed activity is often enough to give the whole stay a stronger shape.
Example of a simple day around Lamoura
- early start for a short walk or panoramic stop
- long break around Lake Lamoura or in the village
- lighter second block in the forest or at a viewpoint
- calm return instead of chasing a third major stop
If you stay for two days, keep the lighter day first, then place the more athletic activity on the following morning.
Useful links
- What to do around Saint-Laurent-en-Grandvaux in summer
- What to do around Morez in summer
- Guided canyoning in the Jura
- Guided via ferrata in the Jura
Bottom line
Around Lamoura, the best summer day is not the busiest one. Keep a cool setting, one real highlight, and very little unnecessary driving. That is what lets you enjoy the Haut-Jura without turning the outing into a rush.
