Top 13 Lakes around Le Frasnois
Best lakes around Le Frasnois are found in the Jura region of France, an area known for its glacial lakes. This landscape is characterized by a series of interconnected lakes, often referred to as the "Four Lakes," which include Lac de Narlay, Lac d'Ilay, Lac du Petit Maclu, and Lac du Grand Maclu. These natural features contribute to the region's biodiversity and offer varied natural environments. The area provides opportunities for exploring diverse aquatic ecosystems and surrounding forests.
Best lakes around Le Frasnois
- The most popular lakes is Lake Narlay, a lake situated at 748 meters above sea level. Known as "the black lake" due to its depth of up to 40 meters, it is bordered by forests and meadows.
- Another must-see spot is Petit Maclu Lake, a lake located within a Natura 2000 area. This lake, along with Lac du Grand Maclu, provides a habitat for various animal species and features wetlands with water lilies and reeds.
- Visitors also love Lake Ilay, a lake with an average depth of 10 meters and a small island at its center. This natural monument is recognized as a Natura 2000 and Ramsar site, preserving its natural state and wildlife.
- Le Frasnois is known for its glacial lakes, including deep, dark lakes and shallower ones with rich wetlands. Visitors can explore a variety of lake environments, from those surrounded by dense forests to those with open meadows.
- The lakes around Le Frasnois are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 400 upvotes and over 90 photos shared by users.
Last updated: July 7, 2026
Three Lakes Viewpoint
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Petit Maclu Lake
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Located in a Natura 2000 area, the lake offers an exceptional habitat for many animal species. These wetlands are particularly rich: you can see water lilies, reeds, rushes or even sedges.
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Lake Narlay
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A charming path goes around it, through the forests and meadows that border the lake. Important point: swimming is allowed.
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Lake Ilay
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Church of Our Lady of the Nativity of the Abbey and Abbey Site of Grandvaux
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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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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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The monks of Saint-Claude are credited with establishing a monastery in the 6th century to the southwest of the Abbey Lake on the island known as sur la Motte. Then, probably having fallen into disuse for several centuries, a second monastery succeeded it in the 12th century (1172) built to the northeast of the lake on the current site of the hamlet of l'Abbaye by the canons of the Abbey of Abondance (Augustinians of Haute-Savoie). The status of abbey, served by a particular abbot, remained for a century, until the monastery was the subject of an exchange of goods between the abbot of Abondance and that of Saint-Claude. Once again dependent on the Abbey of Saint-Claude, the Abbey of Grandvaux regained the status of priory. From the fortified buildings of the 12th century, which were accessed by a drawbridge, there remains today an old farm building (called La Joséphine after the former owner of the place), a presbytery and a church, dedicated to Notre-Dame de la Nativité, like that of Abondance. The site has been listed since September 15, 1966. A site to discover through a stroll in 4 scenes, evoking the history of the site.
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The tour of the lakes is not of much interest, mainly being wide paths, without much relief, and with no view worthy of the name, including on the lakes (which we see very little, except on the eastern part, which is a shame). The western part is even difficult (we follow the road for 2km...). In short, a walk to forget, except perhaps for a running outing, or a detour via the Eagle peak.
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A magnificent hike from the parking lot of the first lake via the Pic de l'Aigle and then the Belvederes overlooking the lakes, a magnificent site
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main lakes in the Le Frasnois area?
The Le Frasnois area in the Jura region is famous for its glacial lakes, often called the "Little Scotland of the Jura." The most prominent are the interconnected "Four Lakes": Lac de Narlay, Lac d'Ilay, Lac du Petit Maclu, and Lac du Grand Maclu. Other notable lakes include Lac de Bonlieu and Lac de Remoray.
Which lakes are best for hiking or walking around Le Frasnois?
Many lakes offer excellent walking opportunities. A signposted path encircles Lac de Narlay, providing spectacular views. Lac d'Ilay also has an easy walk around it. For a broader experience, consider the tours that encompass 3, 4, or 5 lakes. You can find detailed routes, including the 'Petit Maclu Lake – Grand Maclu Lake loop from Le Frasnois', on the Hiking around Le Frasnois guide.
Are there family-friendly lakes in the Le Frasnois region?
Yes, several lakes are suitable for families. Lac d'Ilay is considered family-friendly, offering easy walks. Lac de Bonlieu is ideal for family walks and relaxation. Lac de Remoray also features a beach with lifeguards and an outdoor activities center, making it very family-friendly.
Where can I find the best panoramic views of the lakes?
For breathtaking panoramas, visit the Three Lakes Viewpoint, which offers a unique perspective on the whitish rim of the lakes. A magnificent panoramic view of Lac de Bonlieu can be enjoyed from the belvedere at La Ronde. Additionally, the '2 Lakes panoramic viewpoint' near Lac de Remoray provides views of both Remoray and Saint-Point lakes.
What makes Lac de Narlay unique?
Lac de Narlay is known as "the black lake" due to its depth, reaching up to 40 meters, making it the deepest of the Jura lakes. It's a Natura 2000 and Ramsar site, highlighting its ecological importance. A charming path goes around it through forests and meadows, and swimming is generally allowed.
Can I swim in the lakes around Le Frasnois?
Swimming regulations vary by lake. Swimming is generally allowed in Lac de Narlay. In Lac d'Ilay, swimming is tolerated at one's own risk, though boating is prohibited. Swimming is not permitted in Lac du Petit Maclu, Lac du Grand Maclu, or Lac de Bonlieu due to their protected status or private ownership. Lac de Remoray has a supervised beach.
What kind of wildlife can be observed near the lakes?
The lakes are rich in biodiversity. Lac du Petit Maclu and Lac du Grand Maclu, part of a Natura 2000 area, provide habitats for various animal species and wetlands with water lilies and reeds. Lac de Remoray, a national nature reserve, hosts over 200 bird species, 1,300 insect species, and 42 mammal species, including the lynx, making it a haven for nature lovers and birdwatchers.
Are there historical sites near the lakes?
Yes, Lac d'Ilay features an island at its center where archaeological digs have revealed human occupation since the Neolithic period, and a monastery was built around the year 1000. The nearby Church of Our Lady of the Nativity of the Abbey and Abbey Site of Grandvaux also has a rich history dating back to the 6th century.
What outdoor activities, besides hiking, are available around the lakes?
Beyond hiking, the region offers various outdoor activities. Anglers can enjoy fishing in lakes like Lac de Narlay and Lac de Bonlieu. Mountain biking is popular on trails around the lakes. For more options, explore the Gravel biking around Le Frasnois guide and the Running Trails around Le Frasnois guide.
What is the significance of the 'Four Lakes' area?
The 'Four Lakes' – Lac de Narlay, Lac d'Ilay, Lac du Petit Maclu, and Lac du Grand Maclu – form a significant part of the natural heritage around Le Frasnois. They are glacial in origin, offering exceptional biodiversity and scenic beauty. Many are classified as Natura 2000 and Ramsar sites, indicating their ecological importance and the need for preservation.
What are the characteristics of Lac du Petit Maclu and Lac du Grand Maclu?
Lac du Petit Maclu is a smaller lake surrounded by dense forest, while Lac du Grand Maclu is larger, bordered by alpine meadows and peat bogs. Both are part of a Natura 2000 area, providing rich habitats for diverse animal species and wetlands with unique vegetation like water lilies and reeds. Swimming is not permitted in either lake.
What is the best time to visit the lakes around Le Frasnois?
The lakes are beautiful year-round, but summer offers opportunities for activities like hiking, mountain biking, and enjoying the supervised beach at Lac de Remoray. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures for walking and observing nature, with vibrant foliage in the fall. The region's natural beauty makes it appealing across seasons.
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