Lakes around Cize are situated in the Jura department of France, within the larger Franche-Comté region. This area is characterized by its natural landscapes, including the Jura massif and its plateaus. The region features a variety of lakes nestled among forests and meadows, offering diverse natural habitats. These bodies of water are often found in depressions within the High Jura, providing distinct geographical features.
Last updated: June 23, 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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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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Beautiful view of the lake, and afterward, we had a lovely swim in the lake. Nice bar with delicious ice cream.
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Easy, shaded path, perfect for cooling off in hot weather.
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On most maps it is called "Lac d’Ilay". The other name probably comes from the small island "Île de la Motte" which is located in the lake.
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Very nice on the way back along the south of the lake
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Beautiful view of Lake Chalain (Lac de Chalain)
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For families, the area offers several options. Petit Maclu Lake features an easy, shaded path, perfect for cooling off and exploring the Natura 2000 area with its diverse wetlands. Additionally, the Trail Along the Lakes of Haut-Jura is an easy, family-friendly forest trail that follows three beautiful lakes, offering idyllic swimming spots.
Yes, the lakes around Cize are excellent for hiking. You can find a charming path that goes around Lake Narlay, winding through forests and meadows. The Trail Along the Lakes of Haut-Jura also offers an easy forest trail along the Grand Lac Maclu and two other lakes. For more hiking options, explore the dedicated Hiking around Cize guide.
Yes, swimming is allowed in Lake Narlay, which is located on the second plateau of the Jura massif. The Trail Along the Lakes of Haut-Jura also mentions idyllic swimming spots along its route.
The region is rich in natural beauty. You'll find lakes nestled among forests and meadows, often in depressions within the High Jura. Petit Maclu Lake, for instance, is part of a Natura 2000 area, providing a habitat for various animal species and featuring wetlands with water lilies, reeds, and sedges. You can also discover the Moulin du Saut Waterfall, where the Serpentine river forms a small lake before cascading 15 meters.
Absolutely. The Chalain Lake Viewpoint offers expansive views of Lake Chalain and its surrounding forests from the heights, near Fontenu. You can also get a great view of Lake Narlay from a narrow path that follows green dots.
The Lacs de Maclu refer to two adjacent lakes, the Grand Maclu and the Petit Maclu Lake, which are connected by a small stream. Located in a Natura 2000 area, these wetlands are exceptionally rich in biodiversity, featuring water lilies, reeds, and various animal species. They are situated in a depression in the High Jura, near Le Frasnois.
Beyond hiking and swimming, the area offers various outdoor pursuits. You can explore mountain biking trails with options ranging from easy to difficult, as detailed in the MTB Trails around Cize guide. Road cycling is also popular, with routes like the 'Col de la Joux – View of Lac de Narlay loop' available in the Road Cycling Routes around Cize guide.
Visitors frequently praise the stunning views, especially from spots like the Chalain Lake Viewpoint. The easy, shaded paths around lakes like Petit Maclu Lake are appreciated for their cooling effect in hot weather. The clear water and idyllic swimming spots along trails like the Trail Along the Lakes of Haut-Jura are also highly rated.
Yes, the Moulin du Saut Waterfall is a notable natural attraction. The Serpentine river forms a small lake near the ruins of a mill before cascading 15 meters. It's a beautiful natural sight, especially when the water level is sufficient.
The lakes around Cize are situated in the Jura department of France, within the larger Franche-Comté region. This area is characterized by its natural landscapes, including the Jura massif and its plateaus. The lakes are often found in depressions within the High Jura, providing distinct geographical features and diverse natural habitats.


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