Best lakes around Marigny are primarily found in the Jura department, a region known for its glacial lakes and the Jura Lake District. This area features a landscape shaped by ancient glaciers, resulting in numerous bodies of water nestled among forests and limestone cliffs. Marigny serves as a gateway to exploring these natural features, offering access to several significant lakes. The region's geology contributes to unique lake characteristics, including distinctive water colors.
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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Around Marigny in the Jura, popular choices include Three Lakes Viewpoint, offering a panorama of three lakes, and Lake Narlay, known for its scenic path and permitted swimming. Lac de Chalain is also a must-see, recognized as the largest natural lake in the Jura.
The lakes in the Jura region, particularly those visible from the Three Lakes Viewpoint, are known for their distinctive whitish rim. This characteristic is due to a chemical phenomenon involving chalk at the lake bottoms. Additionally, Lac de Chalain is notable for its prehistoric pile-dwelling settlements, which are a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Yes, several lakes offer family-friendly options. Petit Maclu Lake and Lake Ilay are located in Natura 2000 areas, providing rich wetlands for exploration. Lac de Chalain features two supervised beaches during high season (July-August) with pedalo hire, and the Étang de Marigny in Manche offers a playground and pétanque court.
The area around Marigny is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous options for hiking, running, and gravel biking. For example, there are hiking routes around Lake Chalain, running trails, and gravel biking routes that explore the lake district.
Yes, swimming is permitted in some lakes. Lake Narlay allows swimming, and Lac de Chalain has supervised beaches during the high season (July-August).
Yes, there are several easy walking trails. A charming path goes around Lake Narlay through forests and meadows. The tour around Lake Ilay is also considered an easy walk. Additionally, the path around Petit Maclu Lake is shaded and suitable for cooling off in hot weather.
The Three Lakes Viewpoint offers a breathtaking panorama of three lakes. You can also find good views of Grand Maclu Lake from rocky stretches of beach, and there are great views of Lake Narlay along its narrow path.
Lac de Chalain is particularly rich in history, featuring prehistoric pile-dwelling settlements dating from 4000-750 BC. These settlements are classified as French historical monuments and were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2011. Additionally, the Crescent Dam at Lac du Crescent has a unique history, with its mechanisms being German-made, financed by WWI reparations.
Yes, fishing is a popular activity. Lac du Crescent is particularly popular for predator angling, with a good population of pike, perch, and pike-perch. The Étang de Marigny in Manche is a 1.1-hectare first-category fishing pond and a popular meeting place for fishermen.
The high season for visiting Lac de Chalain, with supervised beaches and pedalo hire, is typically July-August. Parking fees may apply during the high season, which can extend from June to September. For quieter experiences, visiting outside of these peak months might be preferable, though some services may be limited.
Visitors frequently praise the stunning natural beauty and the diverse activities available. Many appreciate the breathtaking panoramas from viewpoints like the Three Lakes Viewpoint, the opportunity for swimming in lakes like Lake Narlay, and the easy, shaded paths around lakes such as Petit Maclu Lake, perfect for cooling off.


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