Belvédère des 4 Lacs
The 4 Jura lakes site comprises the Ilay, Narlay, Petit and Grand Maclu lakes. This is an exceptional natural site, often nicknamed "Little Scotland" in reference to a quote by Charles Nodier. These glacial lakes, with their deep, clear waters, create magnificent landscapes that change with the seasons.
Dominated by the Pic de l'Aigle, a ridge culminating at 993 metres, this site offers a spectacular 360° panorama of the 4 lakes plateau and the Jura mountains. A few hundred metres from the Pic de l'Aigle, the Belvédère des 4 lacs, accessible on foot or by car, is another unmissable vantage point from which to admire the entire landscape.
Of the 4 lakes, Narlay stands out for its depth of 48 metres, which has earned it the nickname of the black lake, while Ilay, also known as Lac de la Motte, is home to an island whose occupation dates back to the Neolithic period.
The 4 lakes area is ideal for hiking (Tour des 3 lacs and Tour des 4 lacs), mountain biking (Tour des 5 lacs) and cycling (Loops 12 and 6), with a number of signposted trails for exploring the lakes and their surroundings. The lakes are also ideal for fishing from the shore or from a boat (fishing licence required). To protect this fragile environment, swimming is not permitted in any of the 4 lakes.
A remarkable site, classified Natura 2000 and Ramsar site "Peat bogs and lakes of the Jura mountains", the 4 lakes site welcomes a great many visitors. To preserve the balance of the site and its natural heritage, a voluntary tranquillity zone has been set up from 15 April to 15 September (in brown on the map). This limits disturbance to animal species during the breeding and rearing season, prevents trampling and preserves the tranquillity of the various natural environments.
Please respect the area and help us to preserve the environment: stay on the marked footpaths, keep your dog on a lead, don't pick flowers, don't make fires, don't swim, and remember that camping and bivouacking are prohibited throughout the area.
To make the most of this exceptional site, we recommend visiting in autumn or winter, when there are fewer visitors and the landscapes take on particularly enchanting colours. The 4 Lakes area is part of the Jura's "lake country" region, offering plenty of opportunities to explore and discover the surrounding area, including the nearby Vallée du Hérisson. For swimming enthusiasts, the lakes of Clairvaux, Chalain and Vouglans are just the ticket.
