Top 10 Lakes around Pillemoine
Lakes near Pillemoine are a prominent feature of the Jura department in France, offering a diverse natural landscape. The region is characterized by its chain of lakes, often nestled within forests and meadows, providing varied natural scenery. Many of these lakes are part of protected areas, such as Natura 2000 sites, which support rich biodiversity. The area around Pillemoine is known for its geological formations and the distinct characteristics of its freshwater bodies.
Best lakes around Pillemoine
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Last updated: June 23, 2026
Three Lakes Viewpoint
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Petit Maclu Lake
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Located in a Natura 2000 area, the lake offers …
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Lake Narlay
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A charming path goes around it, through the …
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Lake Ilay
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Moulin du Saut Waterfall
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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 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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The Serpentine, (first tributary of the Ain river whose source is located a little higher) forms a small lake near the ruins of a mill. It is from a cornice that this beautiful natural waterfall 15 meters high comes to life when the water level is sufficient.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the lakes around Pillemoine unique?
The lakes in this region are known for their diverse natural landscapes, often nestled within forests and meadows. Many are part of protected areas, such as Natura 2000 sites, which support rich biodiversity. A unique feature of some lakes, like those seen from the Three Lakes Viewpoint, is their whitish rim, a result of a chemical phenomenon involving chalk at their bottoms.
Are there any lakes suitable for swimming near Pillemoine?
Yes, Lake Narlay, situated near Champagnole, explicitly permits swimming. It also features a charming path around its perimeter through forests and meadows.
Which lakes are good for family outings?
Petit Maclu Lake is considered family-friendly, offering an easy, shaded path perfect for cooling off. Lake Ilay is also family-friendly and offers an easy walk around its shores.
What kind of wildlife and nature can I expect to see around the lakes?
Many lakes, particularly those within Natura 2000 sites like Petit Maclu Lake, provide exceptional habitats for various animal species. You can find rich wetlands featuring water lilies, reeds, rushes, and sedges, indicating a thriving ecosystem.
Are there hiking opportunities around the lakes?
Absolutely. Lakes like Lake Narlay and Lake Ilay have paths encircling them, offering pleasant walks through bordering forests and meadows. For more extensive hiking, you can explore various trails in the region, including those found in the Hiking around Pillemoine guide.
What is the best time to visit the lakes near Pillemoine?
The region's lakes are beautiful throughout the warmer months, offering opportunities for swimming, hiking, and enjoying the natural scenery. The Petit Maclu Lake, for instance, has shaded paths perfect for cooling off in hot weather. Visiting when water levels are sufficient will also enhance the experience of waterfalls like the Moulin du Saut Waterfall.
Can I find viewpoints to admire the lakes from above?
Yes, the Three Lakes Viewpoint offers a breathtaking panorama of three lakes, allowing you to appreciate their unique characteristics, including their whitish rims. There are also great views of Lake Narlay from its surrounding paths.
Are there any waterfalls near the lakes?
Yes, the Moulin du Saut Waterfall is a notable natural attraction. This 15-meter high waterfall is fed by The Serpentine river and creates a small lake near the ruins of a mill. It's particularly impressive when water levels are high.
What other outdoor activities are available near the lakes around Pillemoine?
Beyond hiking, the area offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous road cycling routes, including challenging ones like the 'Col de Saint-Sorlin' loop, detailed in the Road Cycling Routes around Pillemoine guide. There are also running trails available, such as the 'Viewpoint Over the Valley' loop, which you can explore in the Running Trails around Pillemoine guide.
What is the elevation of the lakes in the Jura region?
The lakes in the Jura region are situated at varying altitudes. For example, Lake Narlay is at 748 meters above sea level, while Petit Maclu Lake is located at an elevation of 779 meters. Lake Ilay is at 774 meters.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Pillemoine?
Visitors frequently praise the stunning natural landscapes and the opportunities for outdoor activities. The breathtaking panoramas from viewpoints like the Three Lakes Viewpoint are highly appreciated, as are the easy, shaded paths around lakes like Petit Maclu Lake, perfect for enjoying the tranquility and biodiversity.
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