Top 13 Lakes around Charcier
Best lakes around Charcier, a commune in the Jura department of France, are found in the surrounding region. While no major lakes are directly within Charcier, several notable examples are easily accessible in the immediate vicinity. The area is known for its diverse natural beauty and offers various activities. This region provides a mix of natural and artificial lakes, each with distinct features.
Best lakes around Charcier
- The most popular lakes is Three Lakes Viewpoint, a viewpoint that offers a panorama of 3 lakes. It is noted for its unique chalk mud phenomenon, a characteristic due to a chemical process involving chalk, depth, and heat.
- Another must-see spot is Petit Maclu Lake, a lake located in a Natura 2000 area. It is part of a string of lakes connected by a small stream and provides an exceptional habitat for various animal species.
- Visitors also love Lake Narlay, a lake situated on the second plateau of the Jura massif at 748 meters above sea level. A path circles the lake, passing through forests and meadows.
- Charcier is known for its glacial lakes, artificial reservoirs, and smaller, picturesque bodies of water. The region offers a variety of lake types, from large expanses suitable for water sports to tranquil spots for relaxation and hiking.
- The lakes around Charcier are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 400 upvotes and 90 photos shared.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
Three Lakes Viewpoint
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Petit Maclu Lake
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Located in a Natura 2000 area, the lake offers an exceptional habitat for many animal species. These wetlands are particularly rich: you can see water lilies, reeds, rushes or even sedges.
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Lake Narlay
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A charming path goes around it, through the forests and meadows that border the lake. Important point: swimming is allowed.
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Lake Ilay
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Grand Maclu Lake
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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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Small, rocky stretch of beach that you can climb down to, as well as good views of Lac Le Grand Maclu.
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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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Easy path to walk in the shade, very welcome in case of strong heat.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most picturesque lakes to visit near Charcier?
The region around Charcier is home to several stunning lakes. Many consider Lac de Bonlieu to be one of the most picturesque. Other beautiful options include the glacial Lac de Chalain with its turquoise waters and limestone cliffs, and Lac de l'Abbaye, known for its charming setting with a 12th-century abbey.
Are there any lakes near Charcier with historical significance?
Yes, Lac de Chalain is notable for its historical importance. Pre-historic pile-dwelling settlements dating from 4000-750 BC have been found at its western end. These sites are classified as French historical monuments and are recognized on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
What kind of water sports can I do on the lakes near Charcier?
Lac de Vouglans is a prime destination for a wide array of water sports. You can enjoy sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, water skiing, and jet skiing. Several developed beaches like Bellecin, la Mercantine, and Surchauffant offer amenities and rentals for these activities.
Which lakes are best for swimming near Charcier?
For supervised swimming, Lac de Chalain has two supervised sandy and pebble beaches during high season. Lac de Vouglans also offers swimming at its developed beaches. Swimming is permitted but unsupervised at Lac de Coiselet (Chancia Lake beach) and tolerated at Lac de l'Abbaye. Swimming is also allowed in Lake Narlay.
Are there family-friendly activities around the lakes near Charcier?
Absolutely! Many lakes offer family-friendly options. Lac de Chalain has beaches, pedalo, and paddleboat rentals. Lac de l'Abbaye is ideal for family walks with a 6.9 km footpath. Petit Maclu Lake and Lake Ilay also offer easy, pleasant walks suitable for families.
What are the best hiking opportunities around the lakes?
The region offers numerous hiking trails. The 'Sentier des Trois Lacs' connects Lac de Vouglans, Lac d'Ilay, and Lake Narlay. There's also a 6.9 km footpath around Lac de l'Abbaye. For panoramic views, an easy 9 km loop trail leads to Pic d'Oliferne near Lac de Coiselet. You can find more hiking routes in the area, including challenging mountain hikes, on the Mountain Hikes around Charcier guide.
Where can I find the best viewpoints overlooking the lakes?
The Three Lakes Viewpoint offers a breathtaking panorama of three lakes and is known for its unique 'chalk mud' phenomenon. For incredible panoramic views that include the ruins of an 18th-century castle, hike the loop trail to Pic d'Oliferne near Lac de Coiselet.
What makes the lakes around Charcier unique in terms of natural features?
The lakes exhibit diverse natural features. Lac de Chalain is a glacial lake framed by high limestone cliffs. Lac de Vouglans is an impressive artificial lake with striking emerald green waters. Petit Maclu Lake is part of a Natura 2000 area, providing an exceptional habitat for various animal species and featuring wetlands with water lilies and reeds. The Three Lakes Viewpoint highlights a unique chalk mud phenomenon in the lakes.
Are there opportunities for cycling or mountain biking near the lakes?
Yes, the region offers excellent cycling and mountain biking. Lac de Vouglans is part of sections of the 'Grande Traversée du Jura' for cycling. You can also find numerous mountain biking trails, such as the 'Chalain Lake Viewpoint – View of Lac de Chalain loop from Doucier', by checking the MTB Trails around Charcier guide. For gravel biking, explore routes like the 'Stunning view of the lake – View of Lake Vouglans loop from Boissia' in the Gravel biking around Charcier guide.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes near Charcier?
The best time to visit depends on your preferred activities. Summer is ideal for swimming and water sports on lakes like Lac de Chalain and Lac de Vouglans. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and enjoying the natural beauty, with autumn providing spectacular colors. While winter access might be limited for some activities, it can offer tranquil scenery for walks.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Charcier?
Visitors particularly appreciate the diverse natural beauty, from the wild settings of glacial lakes to the striking colors of artificial reservoirs. The variety of activities, including swimming, water sports, and numerous hiking trails, is also highly valued. The region's tranquil atmosphere and picturesque views, such as those from the Three Lakes Viewpoint, are frequently highlighted by the komoot community.
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