Best lakes around Saint-Père-En-Retz are characterized by a mix of recreational water bodies and significant natural wetlands. The region features the Plan d'eau du Grand Fay, a 6.7-hectare artificial lake offering accessible leisure activities. Beyond this central lake, the area includes extensive wetlands like the Marais de la Giguenais, which are important for ecological value and bird conservation. These diverse water features contribute to the natural landscape of Saint-Père-En-Retz.
Last updated: July 4, 2026
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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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The “Blue Hole” brings together three old granite quarries, at a place called “La Garenne”, on the road to Donges. They were formerly located on the banks of the Loire. They filled naturally with water after their operation ended in 1980. Its name is due to the blue color of the water.
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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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Beautiful pond of 48 hectares, apparently appreciated by fishermen.
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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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Very nice place away from the seaside.
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The Plan d'eau du Grand Fay is an excellent choice for families, offering children's play areas, picnic tables, and a 1.3 km circuit accessible for strollers. It's also labeled a "Parcours Famille" for fishing. Additionally, Gatineaux Pond is considered family-friendly, and Val Saint-Martin Pond is located near Pornic Aventure, providing extra activities for all ages.
Yes, the Plan d'eau du Grand Fay is highly accessible. It features a 1.3 km circuit around the lake that is suitable for people with reduced mobility, as well as families with strollers. The site also provides adapted facilities like accessible toilets and a fishing pontoon.
While the Plan d'eau du Grand Fay is great for recreation, for swimming, the closest lake with a dedicated beach and very good water quality is located in Saint-Viaud, approximately 6.8 km away.
You can enjoy various activities such as fishing at Gatineaux Pond, The Blue Hole, or the Plan d'eau du Grand Fay. Walking and cycling are popular, with trails around lakes like Val Saint-Martin Pond suitable for gravel bikes. For more extensive routes, explore the hiking, gravel biking, and road cycling guides for the region.
Yes, fishing is a popular activity. Gatineaux Pond is appreciated by fishermen, and The Blue Hole, a former granite quarry, is also popular for its fishing opportunities. The Plan d'eau du Grand Fay is designated a "Parcours Famille" by the fishing federation, offering comfortable conditions for family fishing.
The region features a mix of artificial lakes and significant natural wetlands. The Blue Hole is notable for its striking blue water, a result of it being a former granite quarry that naturally filled. The area also includes extensive wetlands like the Marais de la Giguenais and La Prée de Corsept, which are important for their ecological value and bird conservation.
Visitors frequently appreciate the tranquility and natural beauty. For instance, Gatineaux Pond is described as a "very quiet place." The accessible paths and amenities at the Plan d'eau du Grand Fay also receive positive feedback for making outdoor recreation enjoyable for everyone.
Yes, Val Saint-Martin Pond has trails suitable for gravel bikes, particularly along its east bank. Additionally, there's a gravel path that bypasses the Étang du Gros Caillou. You can find more gravel biking routes in the Gravel biking around Saint-Père-En-Retz guide.
The lakes are enjoyable year-round, but summer offers the best conditions for activities like swimming at Saint-Viaud and general leisure. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures for walking and cycling. Some trails, particularly around Gatineaux and Gros Caillou Ponds, can be flooded in winter, so check conditions if visiting during colder months.
The Plan d'eau du Grand Fay is well-equipped with numerous benches, picnic tables, and children's play areas, including a rope pyramid and spring games. For older children and adults, there's also a ping-pong table and a pétanque court, making it ideal for a full day out.
Yes, there are several hiking opportunities. While some lakes like Gatineaux Pond offer quiet walks, for more structured hiking trails, you can refer to the Hiking around Saint-Père-En-Retz guide, which includes routes like the "La maison du lavoir loop" from Saint-Père-en-Retz.
Yes, beyond the recreational lakes, Saint-Père-En-Retz is home to significant natural wetlands such as the Marais de la Giguenais and La Prée de Corsept. These areas are crucial for their ecological value and serve as bird conservation areas under Natura 2000, making them excellent for birdwatching.


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