L'Echappée Jurassienne: hikes among lakes and waterfalls

From the famous Hérisson waterfalls to Lake Chalain, the largest natural lake in the Jura, via the 4 lakes plateau with its incredible colours, get away from it all and fill up on oxygen in unspoilt natural surroundings. It's no coincidence that part of this area is in the process of being classified as a Grand Site de France!

Situated in the heart of the countryside, with beautiful views over the surrounding valley, you'll quickly fall under the spell of this small mountain village and its surroundings, which are particularly rich in natural sites. Just a stone's throw away, the Lac de Bonlieu awaits you for a bucolic stroll along its banks...

Day 1: Settle into your accommodation*** in the afternoon (arrival between 4pm and 6pm): dinner and overnight stay.
Here are a few ideas for walks from the TopoGuides® "Le Jura... à pied" to discover some of the region's most beautiful sites. :

Day 2: Le Tour des 4 lacs (PR 33) - Difficult: 4h30/14km (shorter option: 3h/12km)
After breakfast, take your vehicle to the starting point of this walk, which is located in the hamlet of "La Fromagerie" (4km/5' ride). Borrowing a large part of the route of the Échappée Jurassienne, this is a beautiful walk around the plateau of the 4 lakes (Ilay, Narlay du Petit and Grand Maclu), allowing you to walk around them and enjoy the richness of their preserved flora and fauna. Swimming is forbidden in these glacial lakes, which is a godsend for anglers, who can cast their lines in the peace and quiet. But anglers aren't the only ones to enjoy these lakes, and hikers are not to be outdone either. As you climb the rocky promontory overlooking the 4 lakes, you'll be treated to some superb views. From the 4 lakes lookout, the 3 lakes lookout and the Pic de l'Aigle, you can admire the Vallée du Hérisson and the 7 lakes plateau below. A breathtaking hike you'll remember for a long time!
Remember to pack a picnic lunch before setting off, as refreshment points are rare on this hike.
At the end of the day, return to your accommodation ***: dinner and overnight stay.

Day 3: Les Cascades du Hérisson (PR32) - Average: 4h/12.5km
After breakfast, still from your hotel (with a return walk along the forest road to Moulin Jeunet), set off for a few hours of particularly refreshing hiking. Following the route of the emblematic Échappée Jurassienne, you'll hike along the Hérisson, the tumultuous river that gave its name to the valley! You're not sure you'll spot the animal along the trail, but you're sure to be thrilled by the fabulous Cascades du Hérisson... 7 large waterfalls ranging in height from 30 to 65 metres follow one another over a few kilometres, while there are more than thirty jumps throughout the valley. A white-water spectacle not to be missed. The walk then takes you as far as the village of Menétrux-en-Joux, from where you can admire the valley and in particular the Eventail waterfall from a magnificent vantage point!
Refreshments are available along the way at the Maison des Cascades, Menétrux-en-Joux and the hamlet of La Fromagerie (remember to book in advance). This hike is best done in spring and late autumn, or after a heavy spell of rain, so that the water level is at its highest, and you can return home with unforgettable memories... and some great photos!
At the end of the day, return to your *** accommodation: dinner and overnight stay.

Day 4: Chalain (PR31) - Average: 3h30/13km
From your hotel, head for Fontenu (15km/15' from your accommodation), the starting point for this 3rd hike, which takes you around Lake Chalain, the largest natural lake in the Jura. Particularly popular with bathers and water sports enthusiasts in summer (the water easily reaches 25°C in summer). Lac de Chalain, set in a green setting, is dominated in part by limestone cliffs offering beautiful panoramic views, making it a particularly pleasant spot for hikers.
For lunch, you'll need to leave the route and head for Doucier or one of the lake's beaches. So make sure you have enough food for a dip before you set off.
At the end of the day, return to your *** accommodation: dinner and overnight stay.

Day 5: Breakfast, end of services. The room must be vacated by 10:00 a.m.

In addition to your hikes, make the most of your stay to discover the 2 lakes of Clairvaux, the combe du Grandvaux and the village of Saint-Laurent-en-Grandvaux, or the Champagnole region and its sites of La Billaude, Les Pertes de l'Ain or the Gorges de la Langouette. You can also enjoy a swim, try your hand at paddle-boarding or kayaking on the River Ain, visit the boissellerie du Hérisson or sample Jura cheeses at one of the many fruitières in the area.