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France
Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
Saint-Claude

Nanchez

Top 5 Natural Monuments around Nanchez

Best natural monuments around Nanchez include a series of impressive waterfalls and serene lakes. The region's landscape is characterized by its natural water features, offering diverse environments for exploration. These natural sites provide opportunities to experience the geological formations and unique ecosystems of the area.

Best natural monuments around Nanchez

  • The most popular natural monuments is Fan Waterfall, a waterfall that is known for its height and stepped layout. Its secure platform allows for observation.
  • Another must-see spot is…

Last updated: June 22, 2026

Fan Waterfall

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The Fan waterfall is undoubtedly the best known of the Hérisson waterfalls. Its height and stepped layout make it a very recognizable and rather unique waterfall. It has a secure platform that allows you to observe it without risk.

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Saut Girard Waterfall

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A waterfall with a larger pool and a smaller cascade in a beautiful setting. In front of it is a small stone lynx statue.

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The Hérisson Waterfalls

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The Hérisson waterfalls refer to a series of waterfalls that cause the waters of the Hérisson river to descend into the Ain. The waterfalls can be observed by a seven-kilometre path that starts from Menétrux-en-Joux.

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Lake Ilay

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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 …

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Combes Waterfall

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The Combes waterfall is a real small island of freshness, which is worth a detour, especially in summer. Its allure of the end of the world gives a very pronounced …

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Popular around Nanchez

Discover lakes and forests – Tour du Jura

Road Cycling Routes around Nanchez

Cycling around Nanchez

Hiking around Nanchez

MTB Trails around Nanchez

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Gravel biking around Nanchez

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Discover lakes and forests – Tour du Jura

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Totosupertramp (Thomas Boury)

Tips from the Community

Kristian
August 31, 2025, Cascade Saut Girard

A waterfall with a larger pool and a smaller cascade in a beautiful setting. In front of it is a small stone lynx statue.

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6

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View of the Cascade de L'Eventail. A small, rocky path leads directly to the waterfall.

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Beautiful view of the central waterfall Cascade Du Hérisson with several cascades.

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Kristian
August 19, 2025, Lac d'Ilay

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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5

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Beautiful walk along the water

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Thank you Jelle

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Jelle
April 15, 2025, Cascade des Combes

Beautiful, recommended!!

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Tri4Fun
August 25, 2024, Cascade des Combes

A waterfall that is well worth seeing. We were lucky and it had rained heavily the day before, so the waterfall practically shot over the falls.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most popular natural monuments to visit around Nanchez?

Among the most popular natural monuments in Nanchez are the impressive waterfalls and serene lakes. Visitors particularly enjoy the Fan Waterfall, known for its height and stepped layout, and Saut Girard Waterfall, which features a larger pool and a smaller cascade. The entire series of The Hérisson Waterfalls is also a must-see, offering a 7-kilometer path for observation.

Are there family-friendly natural monuments in Nanchez?

Yes, Lake Ilay is noted as family-friendly. It's one of the larger lakes in the Jura, beautifully situated, and offers an easy walk around its perimeter. While the Hérisson Waterfalls path is 7 km, shorter sections can be enjoyed by families.

What kind of natural features can I expect to see in Nanchez?

Nanchez is characterized by its abundant water features. You'll find numerous waterfalls, including the prominent Fan Waterfall, Saut Girard Waterfall, and Combes Waterfall. The region also boasts tranquil lakes, such as Lake Ilay, offering diverse landscapes from cascading waters to peaceful shores.

What outdoor activities can I do near the natural monuments in Nanchez?

Beyond exploring the natural monuments themselves, Nanchez offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for cycling, mountain biking, and gravel biking. For example, there are challenging cycling loops like the 'Saint-Nithier Church – Grand Lac de Clairvaux loop' and moderate MTB trails such as the 'Labaye de grandvaux loop'. You can explore these and more on the Cycling around Nanchez, MTB Trails around Nanchez, and Gravel biking around Nanchez guide pages.

Are there hiking trails near the waterfalls in Nanchez?

Yes, particularly around The Hérisson Waterfalls, there is a well-known 7-kilometer path that allows you to observe the series of cascades as the Hérisson river descends. This path starts from Menétrux-en-Joux. Many of the waterfalls, like Fan Waterfall and Saut Girard Waterfall, are accessible via walking paths.

What do visitors enjoy most about the natural monuments in Nanchez?

Visitors frequently praise the scenic beauty and the immersive experience. For instance, the Fan Waterfall is appreciated for its unique stepped layout and secure observation platform. The Combes Waterfall is described as a 'real small island of freshness' offering a feeling of travel and change of scenery, especially in summer. The overall natural water features and diverse environments are highly valued.

Is it possible to walk around Lake Ilay?

Yes, Lake Ilay offers an easy and pleasant walk around its perimeter. It's a great option for those looking for a less strenuous outdoor activity while enjoying the beautiful natural setting.

What is unique about the Fan Waterfall?

The Fan Waterfall is particularly unique due to its impressive height and distinctive stepped layout, making it very recognizable. It also features a secure platform, allowing visitors to observe it safely and get close to the cascading water.

Are there any hidden natural monuments or less-known spots in Nanchez?

While the Hérisson Waterfalls are well-known, the Combes Waterfall, located below the D69, offers a more secluded and tranquil experience. It's described as having an 'allure of the end of the world,' providing a strong sense of escape and natural beauty that poets like Lamartine reportedly found inspiring.

What is the best time to visit the waterfalls in Nanchez?

For the most impressive display, it's often recommended to visit the waterfalls, such as Fan Waterfall and Combes Waterfall, after a period of heavy rain. During drier summer months, some waterfalls might have reduced flow. Spring and autumn generally offer good water levels and pleasant temperatures for exploration.

Can I find viewpoints to observe the natural monuments?

Many of the natural monuments in Nanchez offer excellent viewpoints. For example, Fan Waterfall has a secure platform for observation. The path along The Hérisson Waterfalls provides multiple vantage points to see the various cascades. Saut Girard Waterfall also offers great views, with one perspective from above.

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Extend your search for the best caves by checking out these guides of the top ones around Nanchez:

LajouxLongchaumoisPrémanonSaint-Laurent-En-GrandvauxFort-Du-PlasneLac-Des-Rouges-TruitesLamouraLa ChaumusseLa Chaux-Du-DombiefMorbierSaint-PierreLes RoussesLes MolunesLes MoussièresBellecombeBellefontaineGrande-RivièreBonlieuSeptmoncelVillard-Saint-SauveurDenezièresSaint-Maurice-CrillatSaugeotChâtel-De-JouxLa PesseBois-D'AmontLes BouchouxCoiseretteHauts-De-BienneCoyrièreLavans-Lès-Saint-ClaudeSaint-LupicinChassalPratzLarrivoireAvignon-Lès-Saint-ClaudeLectMaisodViryMeussiaMoirans-En-MontagneVulvozCutturaRognaLavancia-EpercyMontcuselRavillolesChouxCoyronMolingesVillard-Sur-BienneJeurreVillards-D'HériaMartignaCharchillaCrenansÉtivalVaux-Lès-Saint-ClaudeLa RixouseLes CrozetsLac de VouglansChâteau-Des-Prés

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