La Chaux-du-Dombief walks

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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

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

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!

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!

This route is designed for electric hybrid bikes; you will not find any signposts along the way.Your route will take you along tarmac roads, carriageways, footpaths, forest tracks, etc. Given that you will be passing through a relatively long old railway tunnel and considering the length of the route, be sure to bring a torch or other lighting and a spare battery.

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.

On a 9.5 km route around the lake, three separate interpretation stations allow you to discover this natural site in Grandvaux. To be done on foot, with good walking shoes or snowshoes when there is enough snow.

Twelfth stage of the Échappée Jurassienne. For this stage,prepare to be amazed by the wild and authentic beauty of the Jura as you let yourself be carried away by the water for a peaceful break, out of time. Follow the tumultuous course of the Saine River through theLangouette Gorges, then discover the village of Les Planches-en-Montagne and the spectacular Malvaux Gorges, where the Saine has formed the Cascade du Bief de la Ruine, the largest waterfall in the department with a drop of 110 metres. The river then winds its way under the viaduct of the old tramway towards Foncine-le-Bas, offering breathtaking natural landscapes. Finally, cross the Mont Bayard at an altitude of over 1,000 metres for a remarkable view of the surrounding mid-mountain landscape. End your day with a descent to the village of Foncine-le-Haut, ideal for a restful and rejuvenating night.

The Malvaux and Langouette Gorges offer cool respite on hot summer days as well as magnificent scenery. This hiking route is suitable for families, with a shorter alternative (9.5 km) that does not go around Lac à la Dame. Part of the route follows the old tramway, so a head torch or torch is required to cross the 180 m tunnel.

The village of Les Planches-en-Montagne has a picturesque gem at its heart: gorges carved into the limestone and well hidden under the trees. The Saine rushes through them with gusto. Force, turmoil and noise coexist here with calm, serenity and gentleness.

Forest walk in the hills above Syam to discover the Grande Cheminée, an open-air cave that was visited in the Bronze Age. An axe made of this metal was found there. According to some, you may be walking on the lost site of Alesia as you make your way to two viewpoints over the wild Saine valley.

This circuit, starting from Morez, will take you on a tour of the surroundings of the Bienne and its Trou Bleu, as well as the Saillard Viaduct, crossing two Himalayan footbridges. Information panels are dotted along the route.

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.

Located in the heart of the forest in a most peaceful setting, the three lakes, the "Petit", the "Grand" and the "Lac de la Fauge", are home to flora and fauna characteristic of wetlands. A nearby trail offers a panoramic view of the lakes and the village of Étival from the lookout point.