Lac de Chambly

Lac de Chambly is a small glacial lake in the commune of Doucier, tucked into the Hérisson valley at the heart of the Jura lakes region. Because the lake is privately owned and ringed by marshland, it has kept a wilder, quieter character than its more heavily visited neighbor, Lac de Chalain.

Where is Lac de Chambly located?

The lake lies in the Jura department, in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region, within the commune of Doucier. It sits in the Hérisson valley, between Lac de Chalain and the well-known Cascades du Hérisson waterfalls — the same short stretch of countryside that holds most of the region's best-known natural sights. The Hérisson river flows through the lake, feeding it and carrying water on toward the other lakes further down the valley.

How big is the lake, and how was it formed?

Lac de Chambly covers roughly 35 hectares, stretching about 1.1 km in length and 350 meters in width, with an average depth of around 10 meters. It is a glacial lake: its basin was carved out by a retreating glacier and later filled with water. Around its shores lies close to 60 hectares of wetland, thick with reeds and marsh vegetation. That fringe of marsh is what gives the lake its wild, somewhat secretive feel, and why it is often described as a hidden, less accessible corner of the valley.

What can visitors do at Lac de Chambly?

Lac de Chambly is privately owned, so swimming is not allowed and direct access to the shoreline is limited. On the estate bordering the lake, the Domaine de Chambly runs a Gîtes de France wooden chalet set within a 100-hectare property, offering accommodation and outdoor activities to its own guests. For most visitors passing through, though, the lake works best as a viewpoint and a walking destination — valued for its stillness and its close-up feel of untouched nature rather than for lakeside recreation.

How do you get there, and what are the hiking options?

Walking is the usual way to experience the area. A waymarked trail, the "Tour du Lac de Chambly" (route 18R, marked in red), circles the lake for about 12 km, giving views of the water through the trees and along the rocky edges of the valley. Hikers looking for a longer day out can follow a loop that links Lac de Chambly with Lac de Chalain and the Hérisson waterfalls — a route of several hours through rural valleys, past viewpoints, and alongside the cascades. Doucier is the most convenient starting point for either walk, and it also serves as the usual access village for the Cascades du Hérisson.

Frequently asked questions

Can you swim in Lac de Chambly? No. The lake is privately owned and swimming is not permitted.

How is Lac de Chambly different from Lac de Chalain? Lac de Chalain is larger, publicly accessible, and equipped with beaches and tourist facilities, while Lac de Chambly is smaller, privately owned, and wilder, bordered by marshland and reeds.

How long is the trail around the lake? The waymarked "Tour du Lac de Chambly" loop (route 18R) covers about 12 km.

Is there anywhere to stay near the lake? Yes. The Domaine de Chambly, an estate bordering the lake, offers accommodation in a wooden chalet as part of the Gîtes de France network.

What else is worth combining with a visit to the lake? Most visitors pair a walk around Lac de Chambly with a stop at Lac de Chalain and a walk along the Hérisson waterfalls, turning it into a full day out in the valley.