Top 10 Lakes around Chevrotaine

For breathtaking panoramic views, visit the Three Lakes Viewpoint. From here, you can see the Lacs de Maclu and Lac d'Ilay, noting their unique whitish rim, a geological characteristic of the area.

Yes, swimming is allowed at Lake Narlay, which is located near Champagnole. It's a popular spot where you can enjoy a refreshing dip.

Several lakes are family-friendly. Petit Maclu Lake offers easy, shaded paths perfect for cooling off. Lac d'Ilay, also known as Lac de la Motte, is another great option for families, offering pleasant walks. Additionally, Lac de Clairvaux is often referred to as a 'family paradise' in the region.

The lakes around Chevrotaine are known for their diverse natural features. The Lacs de Maclu and Lac d'Ilay display a unique whitish rim due to a chemical phenomenon. Petit Maclu Lake, situated within a Natura 2000 area, features rich wetlands with water lilies, reeds, rushes, and sedges, providing an exceptional habitat for various animal species. Lac de Bellefontaine is notable for its highly protected peat bog with boreo-arctic vegetation.

The area around Chevrotaine's lakes is ideal for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for road cycling, such as the 'Doucier Beach – Lac de Chalain loop' or the 'Lac de Narlay – View of Lac de Narlay loop'. For touring cyclists, there are options like the 'Lac de Chalain – Doucier Beach loop' and the 'Lac de la Motte – Petit Maclu Lake loop'. Mountain hiking routes are also available, including loops around the Fan Waterfall and Le Grand Saut. You can explore more routes on the respective guide pages for Mountain Hikes, Road Cycling Routes, and Cycling around Chevrotaine.

Yes, many lakes offer easy walking paths. The path around Lake Narlay is described as charming, winding through forests and meadows. Lake Ilay also offers a nice, easy walk around its perimeter. The Grand Maclu Lake also has nice and easy walks along its shores.

The lakes around Chevrotaine are beautiful year-round, but the best time to visit for outdoor activities like swimming, hiking, and cycling is typically during the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn. This allows you to fully enjoy the recreational opportunities and the lush natural landscapes.

Lac de Chalain is often referred to as 'the big blue' due to its expansive and vibrant waters. It is a significant and popular attraction in the region, offering various activities.

While popular lakes like Lac de Chalain can attract crowds, you can find more tranquil spots. The high-altitude Lac de Bellefontaine, for instance, is known for its pristine natural setting and protected peat bog, offering a quieter hiking experience (swimming is not recommended here due to its protected environment). The mountain lakes like Lac des Rousses and Lac de Lamoura also offer picturesque and often less crowded settings.

Visitors particularly enjoy the stunning views, such as the breathtaking panorama from the Three Lakes Viewpoint. The easy, shaded paths around lakes like Petit Maclu Lake are appreciated for cooling off. The opportunity to swim in lakes like Lake Narlay and the overall natural beauty and diverse habitats are also highly valued.

Yes, the region features beautiful mountain lakes. Lac des Rousses, perched at 1,000m above sea level, and Lac de Lamoura, a wild, natural lake surrounded by fir trees, are prime examples of the picturesque mountain lake settings you can find.