Top 12 Lakes around Grande-Rivière
Best lakes around Grande-Rivière, a commune in the Jura department of France, are characterized by their natural beauty and diverse aquatic environments. This region is part of the French Jura, known for its mountainous setting, forests, and numerous lakes. The landscape offers a mix of geological features, including chalk formations that influence the unique characteristics of some lakes. It is a destination for those seeking outdoor activities amidst a preserved natural setting.
Best lakes around Grande-Rivière
- The most popular lakes…
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 …
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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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Les Rousses
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Popular around Grande-Rivière
Swim and hike – grand Tour of France's Jura lakes in the Western Alps
Road Cycling Routes around Grande-Rivière
Hiking around Grande-Rivière
Running Trails around Grande-Rivière
Gravel biking around Grande-Rivière
Cycling around Grande-Rivière
MTB Trails around Grande-Rivière
Mountain Hikes around Grande-Rivière
Other adventures around Grande-Rivière
Tips from the Community
🌿 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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A very nice border village to relax in after a bike ride (from Geneva in our case). We spent the afternoon and a night camping near the lake. Shops nearby for supplies 👍
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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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It is a typical Jura village. It benefits from a lot of sporting and cultural activities. It is the starting point for many hikes. It is located on the route of the Grande Traversée du Jura or GTJ (https://www.gtj.asso.fr/). To be discovered in all seasons, whether on foot, by bike, by mountain bike, by snowshoes or by ski.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the lakes around Grande-Rivière unique?
The lakes in the Grande-Rivière area, part of the French Jura, are known for their natural beauty and unique geological features. Many exhibit a distinctive whitish rim, a result of a chemical phenomenon involving chalk at their bottoms. They are nestled within a mountainous setting, surrounded by forests, offering diverse aquatic environments and preserved natural settings.
Are there any viewpoints to see multiple lakes at once?
Yes, the Three Lakes Viewpoint offers a breathtaking panorama where you can observe three distinct lakes and their characteristic whitish rims. It's a highly recommended spot for scenic views.
Which lakes are good for wildlife observation and nature walks?
Petit Maclu Lake is an excellent choice. Located in a Natura 2000 area, it provides an exceptional habitat for various animal species. Its rich wetlands feature water lilies, reeds, rushes, and sedges, and there's an easy, shaded path around it, perfect for a relaxing nature walk.
Can I swim in any of the lakes around Grande-Rivière?
Yes, swimming is permitted in Lake Narlay. This lake, situated on the second plateau of the Jura massif, also has a charming path that encircles it through forests and meadows.
Are there family-friendly lakes or activities suitable for children?
Absolutely. Petit Maclu Lake offers an easy, shaded path that is ideal for families, especially in warm weather. Lake Ilay is also considered family-friendly, with an easy walk around its beautifully situated shores.
What kind of hiking trails are available near the lakes?
You'll find a variety of hiking opportunities. For instance, a charming path goes around Lake Narlay through forests and meadows. For more extensive options, you can explore the Mountain Hikes around Grande-Rivière guide, which includes routes like the 'Fan Waterfall – Le Grand Saut loop'.
Are there opportunities for mountain biking near the lakes?
Yes, the region offers several mountain biking trails. You can find routes like the 'Labaye de grandvaux loop' or the 'Grand Maclu Lake – Shore of Lac de Narlay loop' in the MTB Trails around Grande-Rivière guide.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the lakes in this region?
Visitors frequently praise the breathtaking panoramas, especially from spots like the Three Lakes Viewpoint. The easy, shaded paths around lakes like Petit Maclu Lake are also highly appreciated for cooling off and enjoying nature. The allowance for swimming in Lake Narlay is another popular feature.
Is there a lake that is part of a larger interconnected system?
Yes, Petit Maclu Lake is part of a string of interconnected lakes, including Grand Maclu and Lake Ilay, all linked by a small stream. This creates a unique wetland environment.
Are there any running trails around the lakes?
Yes, there are several running trails available. For example, you can find routes like the 'Lac de l’Abbaye — loop' or the 'Abbey Lake – Mill Viewpoint loop' in the Running Trails around Grande-Rivière guide.
What is the significance of the whitish rim seen on some lakes?
The whitish rim, notably visible from the Three Lakes Viewpoint, is a unique characteristic of these lakes. It's a specificity due to a chemical phenomenon between the chalk lining the lake bottoms, the depth of the water, and the heat, creating a distinctive 'chalk mud'.
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