Top 11 Lakes around Saint-Pierre
Best lakes around Saint-Pierre are found within the Jura department of France, a region characterized by its high plateaus, forests, and unique geological formations. This area is known for its natural lakes, many of which are nestled in depressions and form part of larger lake systems. The landscape provides diverse aquatic environments and opportunities for nature observation.
Best lakes around Saint-Pierre
- The most popular lakes is Three Lakes Viewpoint, a lake viewpoint that offers a panorama of three lakes. This viewpoint allows observation of the whitish rim of these lakes, a characteristic due to a chemical phenomenon involving chalk.
- Another must-see spot is Lake Narlay, a lake located on the second plateau of the Jura massif. Visitors can find a charming path that goes around the lake, through bordering forests and meadows, and swimming is permitted.
- Visitors also love 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 offers an exceptional habitat for many animal species, including water lilies and reeds.
- Saint-Pierre is known for its natural lakes, including those forming interconnected systems and those with unique geological features. The region offers a variety of lakes to see and explore, from those suitable for swimming to those best viewed from scenic overlooks.
- The lakes around Saint-Pierre are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 400 upvotes and 90 photos shared.
Last updated: May 10, 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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Church of Our Lady of the Nativity of the Abbey and Abbey Site of Grandvaux
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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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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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The monks of Saint-Claude are credited with establishing a monastery in the 6th century to the southwest of the Abbey Lake on the island known as sur la Motte. Then, probably having fallen into disuse for several centuries, a second monastery succeeded it in the 12th century (1172) built to the northeast of the lake on the current site of the hamlet of l'Abbaye by the canons of the Abbey of Abondance (Augustinians of Haute-Savoie). The status of abbey, served by a particular abbot, remained for a century, until the monastery was the subject of an exchange of goods between the abbot of Abondance and that of Saint-Claude. Once again dependent on the Abbey of Saint-Claude, the Abbey of Grandvaux regained the status of priory. From the fortified buildings of the 12th century, which were accessed by a drawbridge, there remains today an old farm building (called La Joséphine after the former owner of the place), a presbytery and a church, dedicated to Notre-Dame de la Nativité, like that of Abondance. The site has been listed since September 15, 1966. A site to discover through a stroll in 4 scenes, evoking the history of the site.
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The tour of the lakes is not of much interest, mainly being wide paths, without much relief, and with no view worthy of the name, including on the lakes (which we see very little, except on the eastern part, which is a shame). The western part is even difficult (we follow the road for 2km...). In short, a walk to forget, except perhaps for a running outing, or a detour via the Eagle peak.
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A magnificent hike from the parking lot of the first lake via the Pic de l'Aigle and then the Belvederes overlooking the lakes, a magnificent site
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular lakes to visit around Saint-Pierre?
Visitors frequently enjoy the Three Lakes Viewpoint for its panoramic views and unique whitish lake rims. Other popular spots include Lake Narlay, where swimming is permitted, and Petit Maclu Lake, known for its rich biodiversity within a Natura 2000 area.
Are there family-friendly lakes in the Saint-Pierre area?
Yes, several lakes are suitable for families. Petit Maclu Lake and Lake Ilay are both categorized as family-friendly, offering pleasant environments for all ages to enjoy.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see at these lakes?
The lakes around Saint-Pierre are known for their unique geological formations. You can observe the distinctive whitish rim of the lakes from the Three Lakes Viewpoint, a characteristic due to a chemical phenomenon involving chalk. Wetlands around lakes like Petit Maclu Lake are rich in water lilies, reeds, and other aquatic plants, providing exceptional habitats for various animal species.
Can I swim in any of the lakes near Saint-Pierre?
Yes, swimming is permitted at Lake Narlay. It's a great spot to cool off, especially after exploring the charming path that goes around the lake.
Are there hiking or walking trails around the lakes?
Absolutely. Lake Narlay features a charming path that circles the lake through forests and meadows. Lake Ilay also offers an easy walk around its perimeter. For more extensive options, you can find various running routes, including loops around Lac de l’Abbaye and Lac du Grand Maclu, in the Running Trails around Saint-Pierre guide.
What historical sites are located near the lakes?
Near the lakes, you can explore the Church of Our Lady of the Nativity of the Abbey and Abbey Site of Grandvaux. This site, with origins dating back to a 6th-century monastery and a significant 12th-century abbey, offers a glimpse into the region's rich history, including an old farm building, a presbytery, and the church itself.
What outdoor activities can I do near these lakes besides hiking?
Beyond hiking, the area offers excellent opportunities for cycling and mountain biking. You can find various routes, such as the 'Lac de la Motte – Doucier Beach loop' for cycling or the 'Shore of Lac de Narlay – Grand Maclu Lake loop' for mountain biking. Explore more options in the Cycling around Saint-Pierre and MTB Trails around Saint-Pierre guides.
What makes the lakes around Saint-Pierre unique?
The lakes are unique due to their location within the Jura department of France, characterized by high plateaus and unique geological formations. Many are nestled in depressions and form interconnected systems, like the string of lakes that includes Petit Maclu Lake. The whitish rim visible from the Three Lakes Viewpoint is a distinct feature caused by chalk deposits.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Saint-Pierre?
Visitors particularly appreciate the breathtaking panoramas, especially from the Three Lakes Viewpoint. The ability to swim in lakes like Lake Narlay and the easy, shaded paths around lakes like Petit Maclu Lake are also highly valued, making them perfect for cooling off in warm weather.
Are there any specific lakes that are part of a larger lake system?
Yes, Petit Maclu Lake is part of a string of lakes connected by a small stream, which also includes Grand Maclu and Lac d'Ilay. This interconnected system creates a rich and diverse wetland environment.
What is the depth of the lakes around Saint-Pierre?
The lakes vary in depth. For example, Petit Maclu Lake has a maximum depth of 11 meters, while Lake Narlay is significantly deeper, reaching up to 40 meters. Lake Ilay has a maximum depth of 32 meters.
Where can I find more information about the biodiversity of these lakes?
Lakes like Petit Maclu Lake are located in Natura 2000 areas, indicating their ecological importance. These wetlands provide exceptional habitats for many animal species and are rich in aquatic flora such as water lilies, reeds, rushes, and sedges.
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