Pic de l’Aigle and the Lookout Points on the Lakes

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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.

Details

n°121993
Creation:
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 3.02 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 00 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 653 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 627 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 3,261 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 2,933 ft
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Photos

Just before the ‘4 Lacs’ viewpoint
Belvédère 2 lakes
View of the lakes from Pic de l’Aigle
Pic de l’Aigle – lakes

Description of the walk

Park in a car park of the Pic de l’Aigle (signs) north of the town of La Chaux-du-Dombief.

(S/E) Head on the Yellow-marked path to the north that winds through the forest. It quickly leads to stairs and just as quickly ends at the top of Pic de l’Aigle (1).

Continue to the north-east on this good path, and along a bumpy not too challenging path. Reach the first lookout point of the three lakes (2), namely the two Maclu Lakes (Grand Maclu and Petit Maclu) and the Lac de la Motte or the Lac d’Illay.

Continue in the same direction to quickly reach the second viewpoint with views of 4 lakes, the previous 3 and Lac de Narlay to the north-east (3).

Then return to the car park on the outbound path (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 2,933 ft - Car park - Pic de l'aigle 994m
  2. 1 : mi 0.38 - alt. 3,173 ft - Pic de l'Aigle
  3. 2 : mi 1.23 - alt. 3,045 ft - First viewpoint
  4. 3 : mi 1.51 - alt. 2,972 ft - Bélvédère des Quatre Lacs
  5. S/E : mi 3.02 - alt. 2,940 ft - Pic de l'Aigle car park

Notes

No water or shelter but benches for a nice break to admire these bodies of water.
Note on the route: the route of this trail was mapped on a smartphone with the Visorando application, it differs somewhat from the route on the map; this is due to the sometimes imprecise reception because the trees sometimes block the signal, but it is still very close.
Note on markings: Initially the signs indicate the Yellow markings (Pic de l'Aigle and Viewpoints) and the route is also marked in the Red-White of the GR®559A contrary to the map’s indications where this GR® follows the lakes’ shores.

Worth a visit

The walk along the Hérisson waterfalls are approximately 2 km from the start at the waterfall car park in the village of Illay. Find the description here.

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

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Reviews and comments

4.6 / 5
Based on 99 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.6 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.6 / 5
Route interest
4.7 / 5
User 3066842

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 13, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

To avoid the crowds, it is advisable to return via the forest track.

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Pascale Ageron
Pascale Ageron

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 01, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

A lovely route, but it’s very crowded this August

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AnGa
AnGa

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 17, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A hike undertaken in mid-August during a heatwave. It was a tough start, as we were walking in full sun on a fairly steep climb up to the first viewpoint (the Pic de L’Aigle), but after that it was very pleasant and shaded. And what magnificent views from the viewpoints! The lakes had such beautiful shades of blue!
The trail was very busy during the school holidays, but it didn’t feel crowded.
A hike not to be missed if you’re in the area.

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cathyferrer
cathyferrer

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 16, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

During this heatwave and drought, it’s refreshing to see all these lakes. The views are magnificent and the walk is fairly straightforward, apart from the very short section leading up to the Pic de l’Aigle, which has steps and a chain. Definitely a place worth visiting!!!
Thanks to the author.

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User 2233580

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 22, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A lovely walk. The start, with the steps, is quite challenging. Otherwise, no particular issues. Lovely views and plenty of shade.

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User 19412397

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 29, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A lovely walk – make sure you wear proper walking shoes

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pathy
pathy

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 31, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

I did this hike with a 4-year-old who walks well. It's a lovely outing with some beautiful views. The only downside was that the trail was extremely muddy, with slippery stones, branches and puddles... which made the route particularly difficult.

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User 27303149

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 30, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Magnificent view of the lakes. Several viewpoints. The return journey along the lakes can sometimes be monotonous. I recommend this hike in good weather for the view of the lakes. That said, it is a very beautiful hike.

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User 19435818

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 08, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Beautiful views of the lakes and Mont Blanc, clear under the evening sun

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User 27193577
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 18, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

Beautiful hike, beautiful view
Allow a good two hours for the round trip

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User 20857564

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 04, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

A beautiful hike, but you need good shoes as it is quite steep and rocky.

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User 8594521

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 04, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A beautiful hike that is quite steep but well worth the effort, with magnificent views.

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Phil.Cormier
Phil.Cormier

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 02, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Lovely hike, beware of markets and roots, circuit a little muddy. Beautiful views from the belvedere, the gradations of colour on the lakes are superb.

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Jerome54
Jerome54
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 16, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

Magnificent views from the top of the Pic de l'Aigle, although the climb is steep and sporty. On the other hand, to get to the belvederes (views of the lakes), the route includes some fairly rough sections of path, which is why I wouldn't classify this hike as easy. I wouldn't recommend it for those who have difficulty walking.

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poetpouet
poetpouet

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 27, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

Nice circuit, but the climb up the stairs before the lookout is steep. The rest of the route is easy and in the shade. Very pleasant, great views of the lakes

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Walking Les cascades du Hérisson / The Hérisson (Hedgehog) Waterfalls

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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.

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