Fontenu walks

A pleasant walk to do in a day. The trail runs either along the lake, overlooking it or along the edge of the rocks, with numerous viewpoints.

This balcony trail offers breathtaking views of the turquoise waters of the largest natural lake in the Jura. Surrounded by mountains, forests and rivers, the lake is an invitation to linger and discover the secrets of the woods...

Magnificent waterfalls, among the most impressive in the Jura, whose reputation is well established. This walk leads to the foot of the torrent, which you follow to the summit, near the waterfalls and caves. It forms a loop, returning alongside the ridges, in the shade of a lush forest.

The Hérisson has a lot to offer! Its 7 waterfalls with 31 jumps: starter or dessert, depending on where you choose to start! A day to feast your eyes, literally and figuratively!

Eleventh stage of the Échappée Jurassienne. Although relatively short,this stage is a veritable festival of natural sites, each more incredible than the last. It begins with the Hérisson waterfall trail, a refreshing escape along a picturesque path dotted with 31 waterfalls and 7 cascades, revealing breathtaking panoramas where the water flows majestically in an aquatic ballet. You then continue your journey by entering the Haut Jura Regional Nature Park via the plateau of the seven lakes. To round off this day full of discoveries, from the Pic de l'Aigle and the Belvédère des Quatre Lacs, you can enjoy not one but several breathtaking views of four of these turquoise lakes: the lakes of Ilay, Petit and Grand Maclu, and Narlay. Dominate the whole scene from the Pic de l'Aigle and the Belvédère des Quatre Lacs... There's no denying it, this stage is spectacular!

From the car park in the hamlet of La Fromagerie, which also provides access to the Cascades du Hérisson from above, cross Le Frasnois and follow the banks of Lac de Narlay before climbing up to discover several magnificent viewpoints overlooking the emerald-coloured lakes (Ilay, Narlay, Grand and Petit Maclu), some of which are unnamed and wild, and those of the Quatre Lacs, Trois Lacs and Pic de l'Aigle, then return to the starting point along the Lac d'Ilay.

This magnificent hike will take you along the Cascades du Hérisson waterfalls and around Lac de Bonlieu. Don't forget your camera, as there are some magnificent views. Please note that from the point (4), the trail is temporarily closed due to a landslide.

The Pic de l'Aigle dominates the valley of the 4 lakes, offering magnificent views of the entire Jura plateau, the Vallée du Hérisson, Grandvaux and even Mont Blanc on a clear day. Starting from Lac d'Ilay, you will climb up to this splendid line of ledges and its viewpoints over these turquoise lakes.

An iconic site in the Jura: the Hérisson waterfalls. This route allows you to discover all of the Hérisson waterfalls, starting from the top of the falls. Allow 3 hours for the round trip along the 7 Hérisson waterfalls. If you prefer to admire the two largest waterfalls, "L'Éventail" and "Le Grand Saut", without hiking for three hours, we suggest parking at the Maison des Cascades in Ménétrux-en-Joux, from where you can quickly and easily reach the foot of L'Éventail. The Hérisson waterfalls can be very busy in summer, so spring and autumn are better times to visit.

The walk descends the Hérisson ('hedgehog') River with its series of rapids and waterfalls, then returns via Bonlieu, passing through the Dame Blanche viewpoint, with a panoramic view over lakes Val and Chambly and the Herisson valley.

Tenth stage of the Échappée Jurassienne. For this stage starting from Châtillon, you will head towards the largest natural lake in the Jura: the magnificent Lac de Chalain. A true blue jewel surrounded by limestone rocks, the lake can be seen in all its splendour from the plateau, offering breathtaking panoramic views. You will then walk through stunning natural landscapes before reaching Menétrux-en-Joux, located near the famous Hérisson waterfalls. An adventure where every step will reveal enchanting and varied scenery!

A hike to do preferentially during fall to admire the beautiful colors of the Indian summer reflecting off the lakes.

Very nice and easy walk above the lakes of the Jura, Maclu and Illay. Important note regarding parking: this site is particularly busy and has three car parks numbered P1, P2 and P3. We strongly recommend parking in car park P1, which can be accessed via this link.

A short hike between forest and lake, very peaceful and relaxing in this popular lake region.

The Loulle dinosaur trail,the third largest site of footprints in France, was discovered by J.F. Richard in 2001. More than 1,500 footprints, corresponding to 21 tracks of peaceful herbivorous sauropod dinosaurs and six less friendly carnivorous "bouffozaura", were studied. Along the way, there are no fewer than five viewpoints, the last and most beautiful of which is the Surmont viewpoint over the upper Ain valley, the Loulle sharp limestone pavement and, finally, on the way back, beautiful paths crossing karstic sinkholes.

This magnificent route, ideal for families, overlooks Lake Ilay with a panoramic view of the entire Jura mountain range and the Alps in the background. Marked with cairns, the route offers a fun walk full of discoveries.