Joux brings together a cultural landmark, trails leading to the chapel and nature by the water. The Chapelle Notre Dame de la Salette offers panoramic views over Joux; two named hiking trails use the chapel as a point of reference. Walks and nature observation are the focus at Plan d’eau du barrage de Joux, while fishing is possible at Plan d’eau de Joux. If you are staying at a hotel in Joux, you can focus your search around a specific question: should culture, hiking or a nature experience by the water take priority? The differences below will help you decide what to focus on.

The chapel: dedication and panoramic views

The Chapelle Notre Dame de la Salette dates from the 19th century and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Its dedication makes the religious character of the building clear; the panoramic views over Joux add a landscape perspective to this cultural connection. If you would like to combine both on your trip, you can make the chapel your focus: it represents a specific religious dedication and also offers views across the area. The building, its dedication and the panorama provide different ways to get to know Joux. For travelers who want to take culture and scenery into account when making their decision, the chapel is a clear starting point.

Two hiking trails linked to the chapel

The two hiking routes can be distinguished by their connection to the chapel. The Sources hiking trail connects the village with the Chapelle Notre Dame de la Salette. The Circuit de la rivière au lac is marked in orange and leads to the Chapelle de la Salette. The Sources hiking trail therefore focuses on the connection between the village and the chapel, while the Circuit’s specific points of reference are its orange markings and the route to the chapel. If you are choosing between the two routes, consider whether you are more interested in the connection to the village or the orange-marked Circuit. The chapel is a shared point of reference, while the village connection and trail markings distinguish the routes.

Walks and nature at Plan d’eau

Plan d’eau du barrage de Joux is a destination for walks. An educational trail about fauna and flora offers another focus: numerous species can be observed along it. This gives you a choice between different aspects of a visit: getting out and about or observing nature. A walk is about the journey itself; the educational trail combines the route with the animal and plant life. If you would like to observe nature as you walk, this offers a specific reason to visit. Another activity is available at Plan d’eau de Joux: fishing. This adds another distinct reason to consider Joux. Walks, observing species and fishing cater to different interests and do not need to be combined into a single offering.

Plan your stay and hotel search

Use the relevant place or route name as a starting point for your search. The distinctions outlined above give you a practical basis for deciding what to focus on during your trip.

Discover more destinations: Messimy, Pollionnay, Vaux-En-Beaujolais, Chassagny, Anse, Taponas, Pierre-Bénite, Dommartin

For the broader travel overview: Rhône.