Jura with kids — Adventures, lakes and discoveries
La Vache Qui Rit, waterfalls, lakes — the Jura enchants all ages
- Duration
- 2 to 4 days
- Best for
- Families with children, multi-generational groups
- Best season
- June to September (lakes and waterfalls), year-round for cultural activities
The Jura is an ideal region for families. The lakes are calm and well-equipped in summer, the waterfalls are accessible on waymarked trails, and Lons-le-Saunier is home to La Maison de la Vache Qui Rit — an experience that combines culture and play for children. From the spacious T4 Perrin apartment (3 bedrooms, terrace, 8 people), you have all the space you need for a family trip without compromise.
See & do
La Maison de la Vache Qui Rit
Interactive museum in the heart of Lons town centre. Opening hours, prices and recommended age: check the official website before visiting.
Lac de Chalain
~25 km from Lons. Supervised swimming in summer, beach, kayak, pedalo and paddleboard rental in season. Ideal for children and teenagers.
Cascades du Hérisson
~35 km from Lons. The Éventail waterfall and the lower circuit are accessible to children with good footwear. The upper sections are more strenuous and better suited to adults.
Family cycling on the greenway
From Perrigny, the greenway is suitable with child trailers and bikes of all sizes. Flat, paved route — ideal for first cycling outings.
Lac de Clairvaux-les-Lacs
Allow ~25 km from Lons-le-Saunier. Lake with developed beach, known for family water activities in summer.
Jura on a rainy day
La Maison de la Vache Qui Rit is the number-one rainy-day option with children. Also check availability of Lons bowling and cinema by season.
In bad weather
La Maison de la Vache Qui Rit is built for rainy days: interactive, fun and cultural. Complete with bowling or cinema in Lons. Check opening hours and availability before heading out.
Itinerary ideas
Day 1: La Maison de la Vache Qui Rit museum in Lons — unmissable with children. Afternoon: settle into T4 Perrin, first activities. Day 2: Lac de Chalain (~25 km) — supervised swimming, kayaking, beach games. Picnic by the lake. Terrace dinner at the T4. Day 3: Hérisson Waterfalls (family-friendly trail from the Éventail viewpoint). Return via Baume-les-Messieurs for the abbey and natural amphitheatre at the end of the day.
Related destinations
Where to stay
Family — the ideal choiceT4 Perrin3 bedrooms, 8 beds, large terrace. The space for a family trip without everyone on top of each other.
Family of 3 or 4T2 PerrignySeparate bedroom for parents, parking, greenway for family bike rides.
Grandparents in adjacent studioPerrigny StudiosFor multi-generational families: independent studio in the same building as the T2.
Plan your stay in Lons
Book directly, no platform fees. Describe your stay and receive a response within 2 hours on weekdays.