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.
Last updated: June 22, 2026
Highlight • Waterfall
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Waterfall
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Waterfall
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Waterfall
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more natural monuments around Nanchez.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
A waterfall with a larger pool and a smaller cascade in a beautiful setting. In front of it is a small stone lynx statue.
6
0
View of the Cascade de L'Eventail. A small, rocky path leads directly to the waterfall.
7
0
Beautiful view of the central waterfall Cascade Du Hérisson with several cascades.
7
0
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.
5
0
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.
1
0
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.


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