Le Lake Ilay is a natural lake of glacial origin with a wild appearance. This lake will surprise you with its surroundings turquoise colors on a clear day with its cliffs in the background.
This one is also called the Motte lake because it has the particularity of having an island or mound.
The island was connected to the land by a causeway, today submerged, but the trace of which can be followed by the rushes which cover it.
Archaeological excavations attest that the motte was already inhabited in the Neolithic period, a monastery was installed there around the year XNUMX, “the Saint-Vincent priory”.
Very elongated in shape with an area of 72 hectares and an average depth of 10 m, it is fed mainly by Grand Maclu Lake to which it is connected by a small natural canal of approximately 200 meters.
Lake Ilay flows into the Hérisson River.
In Lake Ilay, boating is prohibited by municipal decree and swimming is tolerated, under your own responsibility.
To swim in complete peace of mind and enjoy different facilities (beaches, games, etc.) you can go to:
- To chalain lake (30 minutes) : www.lac-chalain.com
- to lakes of Clairvaux-les-lacs (25 minutes) : www.juralacs.com
- To Vouglans lake (40 minutes) : www.lac-de-vouglans.com
Lake Ilay is a preserved and fragile natural space, which is home to many wildlife species.
It is also the source of drinking water for the surrounding villages.
We are counting on you to show discretion and sensitivity to the environment of this lake:
pick up your waste, keep your distance from wild fauna and flora, handle your animals, limit the use of sunscreen, etc.
In order to ensure the protection of this framework, different regulations are put in place around the lake:
- a wildlife quiet zone between the lakes is set up from April 15 to September 15: please do not enter between the lakes!
- bivouac, camping and fires are prohibited in the 4 lakes sector
- do not go to Île de la Motte.
Thank you in advance for your help in protecting this gem!
