In Maisod, you can plan a stay around a range of interests: circular walks vary in length and character, while history and activities on the water offer their own highlights. When planning your day, you can decide whether you’d rather explore on foot or include the beach and harbour activities.

Circular Walks with Different Highlights

The Chemin du château is a 6.9 km, moderately difficult circular hike. It starts and ends at Maisod Town Hall. A detour to the Belvedere de Sur la Fratte takes ten minutes there and back and can be planned as a short extra section. If you’re looking for a shorter loop, the playful Sentier de la sirène égarée offers another option: this circular walk is 3.4 km long and starts in the commune of Maisod. Direction signs, a large book and crab-shaped markers give it its character. By comparison, the Chemin du château is the longer route and is rated moderate; the Sentier stands out for its playful design and shorter length. Route features may be updated or maintained seasonally. Check the signs and markers on site before setting out.

History and Nature

Château de Maisod is privately owned. It was rebuilt at its current location in 1565, with the lower section of the main building and the square tower. The poet Lamartine stayed at the château in 1815. The Saint-Étienne Chapel also offers a historical and architectural point of interest: it is considered late Romanesque and was rebuilt in 1693.

East of Maisod, you can follow a Roman road stretching more than 6 km from the Auberge jurassienne to Coyron or the Pont de la Pyle. Since the current condition of the paths should be checked on site, confirm this before planning your route. In spring, rare flowers can be found around Maisod, including the bee orchid and the pyramidal orchid. Whether you see these species may vary from year to year and depending on conditions.

Water Sports and Harbour

The Port de la Mercantine is in the sailing area of Lac de Vouglans. It has 270 berths across seven pontoons; capacity may change over time. The berths are large enough for bigger motorboats and sailboats. Facilities include sanitary facilities, parking for boat owners, a picnic area, a mast-lifting device, an accessible transfer lift and a crane service for launching boats. If you rely on the lift or a particular service, check the details in advance, as facilities and services may change.

At Plage de la Mercantine, Magic'nautic rents out motorboats with or without a boating licence. The options also include canoeing and kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and pedal boats. Booking by phone is recommended: 06 81 12 85 47. Availability is subject to seasonal changes; if you have specific plans, ask which options are available. Magic'nautic also offers boat trips to explore the shores of Lac de Vouglans. They depart from Plage de la Mercantine or Plage de Bellecin. This gives you a choice of separate options: rentals and trips departing from different locations.

Plage de la Mercantine

Plage de la Mercantine is mostly sandy; part of it is a grassy area shaded by pine trees. There is a large free car park at the beach. Seasonal lifeguard supervision runs from 1 July to 31 August. This period is a useful guide if lifeguard supervision is important when planning your visit.

Discover more destinations: Entre-Deux-Monts, Arsure-Arsurette, Longchaumois, Septmoncel, Chapelle-Voland, Nozeroy, Lac Des Rouges Truites, Morez

For the broader travel overview: Jura.