Attractions and places to see around Cize, located in the Jura department of Franche-Comté, offer a diverse natural landscape. This region is characterized by its lakes, gorges, and waterfalls, providing opportunities for outdoor exploration. The area features unique geological formations and serene natural habitats. Visitors can discover a variety of natural monuments and scenic viewpoints.
Last updated: June 18, 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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The Bief de la Ruine waterfall is located in the spectacular Malvaux Gorge. One of the most astonishing features of this waterfall is the fact that it only comes alive after heavy rainfall or during snowmelt. When it dries, it gives way to the spectacle of the carved stone, revealing the "Creux des Joyaux," a natural cave where the water swirls with varying degrees of vigor, polishing a multitude of limestone pebbles thanks to the force of its current.
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The Gorges de la Langouette are impressive for their vastness and the uniqueness of their wild environment. With the many light effects illuminating the mosses and ferns growing beneath the wooded canopy, they exude a gentle and tranquil atmosphere, particularly conducive to relaxation. This unspoiled spot offers a privileged view of the water's work, carving the canyon with its capricious meanders. The Petit Saine River, roaring and unpredictable, overcomes all obstacles to continue its course before converging with the Ain a few kilometers further on.
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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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waterfalls don't always flow
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Easy, shaded path, perfect for cooling off in hot weather.
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Very nice walk but a lot of tarmac
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Cize, located in the Jura department of Franche-Comté, is rich in natural landscapes. You can discover impressive gorges like the Langouette Gorges, known for its deep canyons and footbridges. The region also features serene lakes such as Lake Narlay, where swimming is permitted, and Petit Maclu Lake, part of a string of lakes in a Natura 2000 area. Don't miss the Bief de la Ruine Waterfalls, especially after heavy rainfall or snowmelt.
Yes, the natural settings around Cize offer several family-friendly options. Petit Maclu Lake is located in a Natura 2000 area with an easy, shaded path perfect for cooling off, making it suitable for families. The Langouette Gorges also feature footbridges, allowing safe exploration for visitors of all ages.
Visitors particularly appreciate the natural beauty and tranquility. For instance, the Langouette Gorges are praised for their wild environment and the peaceful atmosphere created by light effects on mosses and ferns. The path around Lake Narlay is described as charming, winding through forests and meadows, with the added bonus of permitted swimming.
Absolutely. The Cize region is ideal for hiking. You can find various trails, including moderate routes like the 'Dinosaur Tracksite at Loulle – Belvédère de Benedegant loop' or the 'Pertes de l'Ain – Waterfall loop'. For more options, explore the dedicated hiking guide: Hiking around Cize.
Yes, Cize offers diverse cycling routes. You can find options ranging from moderate to difficult, such as the 'Champagnole – Pont Vieux loop' or the 'Lac de Chalain – Domaine de Chalain loop'. For a comprehensive list of routes, check out the cycling guides: Cycling around Cize and Road Cycling Routes around Cize.
Beyond the well-known natural sites, you might find the Tunnel de 180 m de long sur la Tramjurasienne intriguing. This former unlit railway tunnel offers a unique experience, though a flashlight is highly recommended due to its complete darkness in the middle and uneven ground.
The Langouette Gorges are a superb canyon, often concealed by dense vegetation. They feature deep gorges equipped with footbridges for safe exploration. Visitors describe them as impressive and wild, with a tranquil atmosphere. The Petit Saine River carves the canyon with its meanders, offering a privileged view of nature's work.
Yes, swimming is permitted in Lake Narlay. It's a popular spot located on the second plateau of the Jura massif, offering a refreshing experience amidst beautiful surroundings.
The Bief de la Ruine Waterfalls are most spectacular after heavy rainfall or during snowmelt. When water levels are low, the waterfall may dry up, revealing the carved stone of the 'Creux des Joyaux,' a natural cave where water swirls and polishes limestone pebbles.
Many of the natural attractions around Cize offer scenic views. The Langouette Gorges and Bief de la Ruine Waterfalls are noted for their viewpoints. Additionally, the path around Lake Narlay provides great views of the lake and its surroundings.
The lakes, particularly Petit Maclu Lake, are located in Natura 2000 areas, providing exceptional habitats for many animal species. These wetlands are rich in biodiversity, and you might spot various water birds and other wildlife that thrive among the water lilies, reeds, and rushes.


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