Circular walk around the Pic de l’Aigle, the viewpoints and Lac de Bonlieu

The starting point is at the car park along the D75, at the far end of Lac du Petit Maclu.

(S/E) Look out for a path at the edge of the car park that leads into the vegetation, away from the shore. Follow this path until you reach a clearing and the junction with the GR^®.

(1) Then take the clearly marked path on the right, which climbs steeply into the forest. Navigate the switchbacks along a treacherous path, with exposed roots and stones giving way beneath your feet. You’ll reach the summit of the Côte du Maclu.

(2) In this flatter section, turn right onto the most clearly marked path. Stay on the red-and-white-marked path and avoid the dangerous tracks along the cliff edge. Further on, you’ll reach a large junction.

(3) This major junction leads from the car park to the viewpoint. Turn right, following the main path, and head for the viewpoint overlooking the four lakes. Enjoy the view, then set off again towards the south-west along the ridge path. Further on, the path returns to the cliff edge. You will then reach the viewpoint overlooking the three lakes (Narlay is no longer visible).

(4) Continue along the path, which quickly moves away from the sheer drop. You will then reach a major junction.

(5) Take the path furthest to your right, which winds in a hairpin bend. Continue along this path until you reach the highest point of the walk, the Pic de l’Aigle.

(6) At the summit, enjoy the view and head down to the viewpoint, situated slightly below. Take in the peaks of the Swiss Jura and the ridges of the Haut-Jura, the highest points of the massif.
Then look out for the steps, carved into the rock and fitted with a handrail, to make your way back down into the forest. When you reach the bottom of this descent, you’ll find signposts.

(7) At the foot of the steps, follow the signs for “La Chaux Du Dombief”. The path soon leads onto a dry grassy area and takes you to a car park. Cross it and head for the second parking area.

(8) Opposite the two statues at the car park entrance, cross the road and look out for the Cairns footpath. This will take you to the village without having to walk alongside the road. Cross the factory car park and turn right onto the street.

(9) You will then come out onto Rue des Saillards (D678), which you follow to the left. Walk through the village to reach the square.

(10) In the square, walk past the church and take the Grande Rue on your right. Walk through the village.

(11) At the next junction, where there is a Fork in the road ahead of you, take the Route de la Vallière on the right. Carry on past the “Chalet du Ski”, where the Route de la Vallière becomes the Maguenay forest track. Continue through the forest. You will then reach a Fork in the forest tracks.

(12) Turn right and carry on past the water tower. Carry on, ignoring any side paths.

(13) At the Balayre crossroads, by the hunting car park, take the road that branches off at a right angle to the right. Continue along this forest track and, further on, you’ll come to a signpost by a forestry track.

(14) At the signpost – which is not very visible – turn right and head up the forestry track. Carry on until you reach the cliff edge.

(15) Enjoy the view of Lake Bonlieu from the Maguenay viewpoint, then begin the descent to the left and join the junction with the^GR® 559.

(16) Turn right down the slope and continue to the bottom. You will then arrive at the shore of Lake Bonlieu.

(17) Head straight ahead, passing the hamlet of L’Abbaye, then cross the Hérisson stream – a tributary of the lake – which flows gently towards the famous waterfalls of the same name.

(18) At the car park at the corner of the bridge, take the dirt track on your right, which winds its way through meadows and copses. Continue along this forest track until you come to a forestry track branching off to the right.

(19) At this junction, head steeply uphill to the right along this track. Continue along this path, with its uneven surface, which takes you up the Côte d’Aval. After a short descent, you’ll reach the D678.

(20) Take it very carefully on the left-hand side. You’ll very quickly reach a junction.

(21) Turn right onto Rue de la Cotière. Walk a few metres and take the^GR® path which descends to the left. A little further on, you’ll rejoin the tarmac road.

(22) Cross Rue des Waterfalls via the parallel path, which is safer. Enter the hamlet of Ilay and reach the wash house at the hairpin bend in the road.

(23) Then turn right onto the path to the lake. Pass the last few houses and leave the path to turn right onto a lovely white track that runs alongside Lac d’Ilay. You’ll come to a small junction with a grassy path leading down to your left.

(24) Keep to the right on the main path and continue towards Lac du Grand Maclu.
Walk along the shores of both lakes until you reach the far end of Lac du Petit Maclu.
Where the lake ends, turn right and head back to your car park (S/E).

Orientation table at the Pic de l’Aigle.
Several picnic tables at both car parks at (8), with dry toilets at the^second car park.
Fast-food options in the village of La Chaux-du-Dombief.
Tables along Lac de Bonlieu towards (17)

Dangerous stretch between (20) and (21). Walk alongside the D678 with the utmost caution

For a more peaceful experience, avoid weekends and holiday periods for this walk.
Overcrowding with tourists and the resulting issues (disrespect, various nuisances) can be a nuisance.

There are numerous vantage points all along the ridge, in addition to the two designated viewing points.
Pic de l’Aigle: 2 viewpoints and an orientation board.
Maguenay viewing point.
A developed site along Lake Bonlieu.
The shores of the Grand and Petit Maclu lakes.