Best lakes around Uxelles are situated in the Jura department of France, within the Jura massif. This region is characterized by its natural landscapes, including a string of interconnected lakes and surrounding forests. The area is recognized as a Natura 2000 site, providing an important habitat for various animal species. Lakes here are often found in depressions, bordered by meadows and woodlands.
Last updated: April 25, 2026
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🌿 Lake Narlay: Essential Information Location: Frasnois municipality, in the Lakes Region (Jura). Altitude: 748 m. Surface area: 41 ha. Depth: Up to 40 m, making it the deepest lake in the Jura. Origin: Glacial lake, likely formed by a rockfall. Environment: Meadows, forests, peat bogs, Natura 2000 and Ramsar sites. (Copilot)
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Small, rocky stretch of beach that you can climb down to, as well as good views of Lac Le Grand Maclu.
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Lac d'Ilay, also called Lac de la Motte, is a lake in the Jura department of France, about 14 km south of Champagnole in Franche-Comté. It lies at an altitude of 774 m in the municipalities of Le Frasnois and La Chaux-du-Dombief and covers an area of approximately 0.7 km². The lake is 1.9 km long, has a maximum width of 400 m, and has a small island (Île de la Motte). Its greatest depth is 32 m.
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Lac de Narlay is a lake in the Jura department of France, about 10 km south of Champagnole in Franche-Comté. It lies at an altitude of 748 m in the municipality of Le Frasnois and covers an area of approximately 0.4 km². The lake is 950 m long and 625 m wide. Its maximum depth is 40 m.
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Lacs de Maclu are two adjacent lakes in the western part of the French Jura, in the Jura department of Franche-Comté. They are located at an elevation of 779 m in a depression in the High Jura, in the region of the Five Lakes near Le Frasnois, about 12 km south of Champagnole. The Petit Maclu, located to the northeast, has an area of 5 hectares, a length of about 500 m, and a maximum width of about 120 m. Its greatest depth is 11 m. It lies entirely within the municipal territory of Le Frasnois.
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Easy, shaded path, perfect for cooling off in hot weather.
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Easy path to walk in the shade, very welcome in case of strong heat.
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Visitors frequently enjoy the Three Lakes Viewpoint, which offers a stunning panorama of three distinct lakes. Other highly appreciated spots include Lake Narlay, known for its scenic path and swimming, and Petit Maclu Lake, a family-friendly natural monument.
Yes, Petit Maclu Lake is specifically noted as a family-friendly natural monument. It's part of a string of lakes connected by a small stream, offering a rich habitat with water lilies and reeds. Lake Ilay is also considered family-friendly and offers an easy walk around it.
The lakes around Uxelles are set within the Jura massif, characterized by natural landscapes, forests, and meadows. You can observe the unique whitish rim of the lakes, a characteristic due to a chemical phenomenon involving chalk at the lake bottom. Wetlands around lakes like Petit Maclu are rich in biodiversity, featuring water lilies, reeds, and sedges.
The region offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling routes, such as the 'Lac de la Motte – Grand Maclu Lake loop', and mountain hikes like the 'Fan Waterfall – Le Grand Saut loop'. Running trails are also popular, including the 'Pic de l'Aigle – Three Lakes Viewpoint loop'. For more details, explore the cycling, mountain hikes, and running guides for Uxelles.
Yes, there are many hiking opportunities. For instance, Lake Narlay has a charming path that goes around it through forests and meadows. The area around Lake Ilay also offers an easy walk. For more challenging routes, check out the Mountain Hikes around Uxelles guide.
Yes, swimming is permitted in Lake Narlay, making it a great spot for a refreshing dip.
The lakes are unique due to their geological characteristics, particularly the whitish rim caused by a chemical interaction between chalk at the lake bottom, depth, and heat. They are also part of a Natura 2000 site, providing an important habitat for various animal species within the Jura massif.
Visitors particularly enjoy the breathtaking panoramas, such as those from the Three Lakes Viewpoint. The easy, shaded paths around lakes like Petit Maclu are also appreciated, especially for cooling off in hot weather. The overall natural beauty and tranquility are frequently highlighted.
Absolutely. The Three Lakes Viewpoint is a prime location that offers a clear panorama of three lakes, allowing you to appreciate their unique characteristics, including their whitish rims.
Yes, many of the paths around the lakes are considered easy. For example, the path around Petit Maclu Lake is described as easy and shaded, perfect for a leisurely stroll. The walk around Lake Ilay is also noted as easy.
While specific seasonal recommendations aren't detailed, the region's natural beauty, especially with forests and meadows, suggests that spring and autumn would offer vibrant colors and pleasant temperatures for outdoor activities. Summer is also popular, particularly for swimming in lakes like Narlay.
Yes, a notable geological feature is the whitish rim visible on some lakes, particularly from the Three Lakes Viewpoint. This is due to a chemical phenomenon involving chalk at the lake bottom, depth, and heat, which creates a 'chalk mud' effect.


Still not found your perfect lake around Uxelles? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.