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Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
Lons-Le-Saunier

Cogna

Top 10 Natural Monuments around Cogna

Best natural monuments around Cogna feature a landscape rich in waterfalls and lakes, providing varied opportunities for exploration. The region's natural features are ideal for those seeking outdoor activities. Visitors can discover several significant natural monuments, including notable waterfalls and serene lakes. These areas offer a chance to experience the geological features and natural beauty of the Cogna area.

Best natural monuments around Cogna

  • The most popular natural monument is Fan Waterfall, a waterfall known for its height and…

Last updated: June 20, 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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Grand Maclu Lake

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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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Popular around Cogna

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Kristian
September 1, 2025, Lac du Grand Maclu

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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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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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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Beautiful walk along the water

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Yann
July 12, 2025, Lac du Grand Maclu

Tour of the lake possible by trail

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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 types of natural monuments can I explore around Cogna?

The natural monuments around Cogna are primarily characterized by stunning waterfalls and serene lakes. You can discover impressive cascades like the Fan Waterfall and Saut Girard Waterfall, as well as tranquil bodies of water such as Lake Ilay and Grand Maclu Lake.

Are there family-friendly natural monuments in the Cogna area?

Yes, Lake Ilay is noted as a family-friendly natural monument. It's beautifully situated, and you can enjoy an easy walk around it. The area around the lakes often provides accessible paths suitable for families.

What are the most popular natural monuments around Cogna?

Among the most popular natural monuments are the Fan Waterfall, known for its height and stepped layout, and The Hérisson Waterfalls, a series of cascades that can be observed via a seven-kilometer path. These spots are highly appreciated by the komoot community.

Are there hiking trails near the natural monuments around Cogna?

Absolutely. The region offers various hiking opportunities. For instance, you can take a nice hike through the Herrison valley from Saut Girard Waterfall. There are also several dedicated hiking routes, including easy and moderate options, which you can explore further on the Hiking around Cogna guide.

What kind of geological features can I expect to see?

The natural monuments around Cogna showcase impressive geological formations, particularly with the waterfalls. The Fan Waterfall, for example, is notable for its unique stepped layout. The lakes also present interesting features, such as the small island within Lake Ilay.

Can I go running near the natural monuments?

Yes, there are several running trails available. You can find routes like the 'LakeSide – Lac de Clairvaux-les-Lacs loop' or the 'Grand Lac de Clairvaux – LakeSide loop'. For more details and route options, check out the Running Trails around Cogna guide.

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

Visitors frequently praise the natural beauty and the varied landscapes, from cascading waters to tranquil lakes. The secure observation platform at Fan Waterfall is a highlight, as is the opportunity for easy walks around lakes like Lake Ilay. The community has shared over 190 photos and given more than 470 upvotes, indicating a high level of satisfaction.

Are there any specific viewpoints for the waterfalls?

Yes, the Fan Waterfall features a secure platform for observation, offering excellent views of its height and stepped formation. Additionally, The Hérisson Waterfalls provide multiple observation points along their seven-kilometer path.

What is the best time of year to visit the waterfalls?

For the most impressive display, it is recommended to visit the waterfalls, such as the Fan Waterfall, when there has been recent rainfall. During drier summer months, some waterfalls might have reduced flow.

Can I go gravel biking near the natural monuments?

Yes, the Cogna region offers challenging gravel biking routes. You can find options like the 'Lac de Clairvaux-les-Lacs – Pyle Bridge loop' or routes with stunning views of Lake Vouglans. Explore these and more on the Gravel biking around Cogna guide.

Are there any unique features at the lakes?

Lake Ilay is notable for its small island (Île de la Motte) and its significant depth of 32 meters. Grand Maclu Lake offers a small, rocky stretch of beach that visitors can access.

Is there a specific path to see all of The Hérisson Waterfalls?

Yes, The Hérisson Waterfalls can be observed by following a seven-kilometer path that starts from Menétrux-en-Joux, allowing you to experience the entire series of cascades.

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

Chaux-Des-CrotenayEntre-Deux-MontsLe FrasnoisLe VaudiouxLoulleChâtelneufPillemoineFoncine-Le-HautFoncine-Le-BasMarignySafflozChevrotaineSyamLes Planches-En-MontagneCharcierDoucierCransSalins-Les-BainsClucyLes ChalesmesSirodArsure-ArsuretteMenétrux-En-JouxSongesonFontenuMont-Sur-MonnetFrarozBourg-De-SirodThésyUxellesCharézierChampagnoleCizeLa FrasnéeGilloisBief-Des-MaisonsVertambozChâtillonMignovillardNeyHautecourClairvaux-Les-LacsLe PasquierBarretainePolignyCerniébaudSouciaIvoryArboisPont-D'HéryChaux-ChampagnyMontrondChilly-Sur-SalinsMesnayLa ChâtelainePretinMarnozAiglepierreBraconVers-En-MontagneVevyNognaPublyBlyeSaint-MaurMesnoisAreschesBesainSaint-ThiébaudMontigny-Lès-ArsuresLes ArsuresOrgeletAndelot-En-MontagneCernonVosblesLes Planches-Près-ArboisVadansIvreySaizenayGeraisePoids-De-FioleBriodCernansDournonLa FavièreLemuyAbergement-Lès-ThésyChamoleTourmontChaussenansVaux-Sur-PolignyBoissiaPupillinMolainValempoulièresVillette-Lès-ArboisThoiretteOnozCornodRevignyHauterocheBonnefontaineLa MarreFay-En-MontagneChâteau-ChalonBlois-Sur-SeilleLadoye-Sur-SeilleConliègeVergesLa Chapelle-Sur-FurieuseConteBuvillyGrozonLa Tour-Du-MeixPlaisiaArinthodAromasVernantoisSaint-Cyr-MontmalinMenétru-Le-VignoblePannessièresMontainDomblansVoiteurNevy-Sur-SeilleBaume-Les-MessieursLe VernoisLavignyLe LouverotArlayLa LatetteAbergement-Le-PetitDompierre-Sur-MontLargillay-MarsonnayBarésia-Sur-L'AinThoiriaPrésillyMéronaPont-De-PoitteLégnaSavignaValfin-Sur-ValouseLavans-Sur-ValouseSarrognaChissériaChambériaCéziaVesclesGenodMontigny-Sur-L'AinSaint-Germain-En-MontagneVannozPicarreauVilleneuve-Sous-PymontMontmorotL'ÉtoileQuintignyPerrignySaint-DidierLe PinChillePlainoiseauLentBilleculCoisiaÉcrilleFétignyCharnodVilleneuve-Lès-CharnodPatornayAlièzeMarnéziaCondesChemillaSaint-HymetièreChavériaLes NansMournans-CharbonnyÉquevillonFrontenayLe FiedRuffey-Sur-SeilleMontaiguPont-Du-NavoyRixMontmarlonAbergement-Le-GrandNozeroySapoisDoyeCharencyBourciaMontfleurDramelayChapoisPlasneAndelot-MorvalChatonnayLainsSaint-JulienLa Balme-D'ÉpyMontagna-Le-TemplierVal-D'ÉpyVillechantriaMoutonneMoutouxMacornayMoironArdonBréryMiéryCourbouzon

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