Top 11 Lakes around Saint-Laurent-En-Grandvaux

The region boasts several beautiful lakes. The "4 Lakes" area, including Lac d'Ilay, Lac Narlay, and the Maclu lakes (Petit Maclu Lake and Grand Maclu), is often called "Little Scotland" for its wild landscapes. Lac de Bonlieu is also highly regarded for its serene atmosphere and turquoise waters.

Yes, the area offers numerous hiking trails. You can explore dedicated trails around the "4 Lakes" region, including popular loops like the "3 lakes tour" or "4 lakes tour." A pleasant 3.3 km walking path circles Lac de Bonlieu. For more options, you can find various routes in the hiking guide for Saint-Laurent-En-Grandvaux.

Swimming is generally prohibited in the "4 Lakes" area from April 15 to September 15 to protect wildlife, though it is tolerated in Lac d'Ilay at your own risk. Lake Narlay does allow swimming. Swimming is prohibited in Lac de Bonlieu to preserve its pristine nature. Lac de l'Abbaye is another notable lake where swimming is permitted, though unsupervised.

The region is rich in natural beauty. The "4 Lakes" area features unique pale carbonate platforms and diverse flora. You can enjoy magnificent panoramic views from the Pic de l'Aigle and the 4 Lakes belvedere. The Three Lakes Viewpoint offers a different perspective, showcasing the whitish rim of the lakes. Lac de Bonlieu has panoramic viewpoints like La Ronde and Le Maguenay, offering stunning views reminiscent of Canadian landscapes. Lac des Mortes is notable for its surrounding peat bogs, which are valuable ecological sites.

Many lakes offer family-friendly experiences. Petit Maclu Lake, located in a Natura 2000 area, features an easy, shaded path perfect for cooling off. Lake Ilay is also considered family-friendly. The general area around the lakes provides opportunities for picnicking and easy walks suitable for all ages.

The region is beautiful throughout the warmer months. Spring and summer are ideal for hiking and enjoying the lush landscapes. The easy, shaded paths around lakes like Petit Maclu Lake are perfect for hot weather. Autumn brings vibrant colors to the surrounding forests, offering a different scenic experience.

The lakes have interesting historical connections. Lac d'Ilay once had a priory built by monks on an island. Lac de Bonlieu holds historical significance with the ruins of the 12th-century Chartreuse de Bonlieu monastery once located on its shores. Lac de l'Abbaye also had a monastery established on an island. Lac Narlay is steeped in local legends, including tales of a submerged village and a witch.

Absolutely. The region offers diverse terrain suitable for biking. You can find gravel biking routes, including a "Shore of Lac de Narlay – Grand Maclu Lake loop." Explore more options in the gravel biking guide for Saint-Laurent-En-Grandvaux.

Lac des Mortes is notable for its unique hydraulic regime, where its waters disappear into a crevice, feeding a source downstream that supplies drinking water to Morez. The surrounding peat bogs are invaluable ecological and historical sites, preserving ancient pollen records that reveal the region's plant history. Access is primarily on foot, with a 16 km hiking loop available to explore this distinctive environment.

While the "4 Lakes" region is popular, Lac de Bonlieu is known for its serene atmosphere, where silence is often only broken by birdsong, making it a haven for contemplation. Lac des Mortes, being primarily accessible on foot, also offers a more secluded experience amidst its unique peatland environment.

Visitors frequently appreciate the breathtaking panoramas, especially from viewpoints like the Three Lakes Viewpoint. The unique geological features, such as the whitish rim of the lakes formed by chalk deposits, are often highlighted. The easy, shaded paths around lakes like Petit Maclu Lake are also popular for comfortable walks, especially in warm weather.