Top 6 Lakes around La Bernerie-En-Retz
Best lakes around La Bernerie-En-Retz include a unique saltwater basin and several freshwater ponds. La Bernerie-En-Retz, a coastal town, features the Plan d'eau Maurice Giros, a man-made seawater pool that offers a lake-like experience by the sea. This area provides a reliable spot for water activities regardless of tides. Further inland, traditional freshwater ponds like the Étangs de Bourgneuf-en-Retz offer additional natural settings for recreation.
Best lakes around La Bernerie-En-Retz
- The most popular lakes is Val Saint-Martin Pond, a…
Last updated: July 4, 2026
Val Saint-Martin Pond
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Maurice Giros Pond Beach
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Gatineaux and Gros Caillou Ponds
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Chéméré Pond
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Les Grandes Perrières
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The paths and trails are well maintained, mainly for mountain biking and gravel.
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Popular around La Bernerie-En-Retz
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Tips from the Community
Excellent mountain bike trails along the banks of these two magnificent lakes. Caution ⚠️ Sometimes flooded in winter!
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Not a very difficult circuit with beautiful passages on the Gatineaux and Gros Caillou ponds. The starting point can be from the charming port of St Michel chef chef
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Trails of your choice rolling or in cross mode
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Former limestone quarry now transformed into a protected natural area with a pond in the northern part and a wetland in the southern part. Important birdlife. The paths and trails are well maintained, mainly for mountain biking and gravel.
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It is indeed very nice to do with the family. This is Pornic Aventure. It's opposite.
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Quiet and cycle park, crossed by the La Blanche river, which forms a pond here. Picnic tables, toilets. Perfect for a short break
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I was able to follow the east bank on a gravel bike without a problem. The zipline that flies over the pond looks particularly nice.
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Body of water very practical when the beach is at low tide
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of lakes can I find around La Bernerie-En-Retz?
La Bernerie-En-Retz offers a mix of water bodies. The most prominent is the unique Maurice Giros Pond Beach, a man-made saltwater basin perfect for all-tide swimming. Further inland, you'll find traditional freshwater ponds like the Étangs de Bourgneuf-en-Retz and Val Saint-Martin Pond, offering different natural settings.
Which lakes are best for families and children?
The Maurice Giros Pond Beach is highly recommended for families. Its calm, shallow, and supervised waters are ideal for children and beginners. It's also a non-smoking beach with accessible facilities. Chéméré Pond also offers a quiet, family-friendly environment with picnic tables and toilets.
Can I swim in the lakes around La Bernerie-En-Retz?
Yes, swimming is a popular activity. The Maurice Giros Pond Beach is excellent for swimming at any tide, with supervision during summer months and consistently high water quality (Blue Flag certified). The Plan d'eau - Base de Loisirs near Saint Viaud is also noted for very good water quality for swimming.
Are there opportunities for cycling or mountain biking near these lakes?
Absolutely. The Val Saint-Martin Pond has gravel paths suitable for gravel biking. For mountain biking, the Gatineaux and Gros Caillou Ponds offer excellent trails along their banks. You can find more routes in the MTB Trails around La Bernerie-En-Retz guide and the Gravel biking around La Bernerie-En-Retz guide.
What water sports can I do at the Plan d'eau Maurice Giros?
The Plan d'eau Maurice Giros is a hub for various nautical activities. You can take courses or try catamaran sailing, windsurfing, Optimist dinghies, and stand-up paddleboarding in its protected waters.
Are there hiking trails around the lakes?
Yes, you can enjoy walks around several ponds. The Étangs de Bourgneuf-en-Retz offer natural settings for walks, and the area around Maurice Giros Pond Beach features a pleasant pedestrian promenade. For more extensive hiking, explore routes in the Hiking around La Bernerie-En-Retz guide.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes in this region?
Visitors particularly appreciate the versatility of the water bodies. The Maurice Giros Pond Beach is loved for its reliability for swimming regardless of tides and its family-friendly, safe environment. Other ponds like Val Saint-Martin Pond and Gatineaux and Gros Caillou Ponds are popular for their scenic trails and outdoor activity opportunities.
When is the best time to visit the Plan d'eau Maurice Giros?
The Plan d'eau Maurice Giros is enjoyable year-round due to its all-tide swimming. However, for supervised swimming and a full range of water sports activities, the summer months are ideal. The area is regularly maintained, with sand raked daily in July and August.
Are there any lakes with facilities for a break or picnic?
Yes, Chéméré Pond is an excellent spot for a short break, offering picnic tables and toilets. The area around Maurice Giros Pond Beach also provides public benches and accessible facilities.
Can I find any unique natural features or activities at these lakes?
The region offers several unique features. The Maurice Giros Pond Beach itself is a unique saltwater basin allowing swimming independent of ocean tides. At Val Saint-Martin Pond, you can find a zipline that flies over the water, adding an adventurous element to your visit.
What are the environmental standards of the Plan d'eau Maurice Giros?
The Plan d'eau Maurice Giros has consistently flown the European Blue Flag for over 20 years. This certification indicates high environmental and quality standards, ensuring a clean and well-maintained environment for visitors.
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