Lac d'Ilay, Glacial lake in Jura, France.
Lac d'Ilay is a glacial lake in the Jura region, sitting at 774 meters (2,539 feet) above sea level with turquoise waters and an island called Île de la Motte. A designated beach area provides access for swimming, while other zones remain off-limits to protect the natural environment.
The lake formed during the Ice Age through glacial movement, creating a landscape that has attracted people for thousands of years. Archaeological finds on the island show human settlement from the Neolithic period, and a monastery stood there around the year 1000.
The lake is part of the Four Lakes region in the Haut-Jura and serves as a place where visitors experience the natural world of the Jura directly. The shoreline and water reflect how locals and visitors connect with this mountain landscape throughout the year.
The lake is accessible via a walking path that offers several viewpoints and access points to the water. Visitors should note that certain shoreline areas are protected and off-limits to preserve the ecosystem.
The island in the lake was once connected to the mainland by a submerged pathway that is now visible by the rushes growing along its route. This sunken path reveals how water levels have shifted over time.
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