Top 6 Lakes around Tours
Lakes around Tours France offer diverse natural landscapes and recreational opportunities. The region, situated in the Loire Valley, features several bodies of water that serve as focal points for outdoor activities. These lakes are integrated into the local environment, providing settings for both active pursuits and quiet contemplation. The area's geography supports a variety of lake types, from urban parks to larger reservoirs, contributing to its natural appeal.
Best lakes around Tours
- The most popular lakes is La Bergeonnerie Lake, a lake that features a 2.5-kilometer circuit for running or cycling. Fitness equipment and play areas are available in the surrounding park, and boat rides can be taken on the lake.
- Another must-see spot is Bretonnières Lake, a lake with many trails and wooded areas. Visitors can expect various water activities, benches, picnic tables, and play areas, making it suitable for families.
- Visitors also love Étangs de Narbonne, a lake area extending over 30 hectares. It is special for its woodland, two ponds connected by Ru de la Piole, and limestone lawns, which shelter notable fauna and flora.
- Tours is known for urban lakes, large reservoirs, and smaller ponds. The region offers a variety of lakes to see and explore, catering to different outdoor interests.
- The lakes around Tours are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 300 upvotes and over 30 photos shared across 7 highlights.
Last updated: June 29, 2026
La Bergeonnerie Lake
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Bretonnières Lake
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Bench by the Pond
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La Varenne-sous-Chandon Pond
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Étangs de Narbonne
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Passage in the middle of the lake
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Brosse Pond
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Tips from the Community
The Bretonnières park contains a huge water point around which many water activities are organized. Walking enthusiasts can enjoy the many trails that spread throughout the park and its wooded areas. Benches, picnic tables and play areas are available all around the park.
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In Tours, Lake Bergeonnerie is the meeting place for athletes. Throughout a route where you can come across jogging and street workout enthusiasts, find a bench or a patch of grass to observe the sailing school practicing on the placid waters of the lake.
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don't go in the water!!! it is contaminated. you get a rash. it occurs in different strengths. no permanent damage assigned so far.
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Nice place to stop over overlooking the Loire.
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Perfect place to take a break and enjoy
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Magnificent place where you can go tree climbing, water skiing and more simply hiking or cycling.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of outdoor activities can I do at the lakes around Tours?
The lakes around Tours offer a variety of outdoor activities. You can enjoy running or cycling around La Bergeonnerie Lake, or engage in water activities at Bretonnières Lake. Lac de Rillé provides opportunities for mini-golf, a tree-top adventure park, and wakeboarding. Other lakes like Lac du Val Joyeux and Hommes Lake are popular for angling, volleyball, tennis, mountain biking, and pétanque. For more structured outdoor pursuits, you can explore various MTB trails, road cycling routes, and easy hikes in the region.
Are there family-friendly lakes near Tours?
Yes, several lakes are well-suited for families. La Bergeonnerie Lake has play areas and fitness equipment. Bretonnières Lake is equipped with benches, picnic tables, and play areas. Lac de Rillé features a tree-top adventure park and a steam train, while Lac du Val Joyeux and Hommes Lake both offer games for children and sandy beaches.
Which lakes are best for running or cycling?
La Bergeonnerie Lake is ideal, featuring a 2.5-kilometer circuit perfect for running or cycling. The trails around Bretonnières Lake are also popular with runners and cyclists, with some sections lit at night for winter sessions.
Can I find places for water sports near Tours?
Yes, Bretonnières Lake is a hub for various water activities and has a sailing center. Lac de Rillé offers a wake park, and boat rides are sometimes available at La Bergeonnerie Lake depending on the weather.
Are there any lakes with significant wildlife or natural features?
Lac de Rillé is the largest reservoir in Touraine and a significant bird habitat, home to numerous species including rare ospreys and black storks. The Étangs de Narbonne extend over 30 hectares, featuring woodland, two ponds, and limestone lawns that shelter remarkable fauna and flora.
What are the options for hiking around the lakes?
Many lakes offer pleasant hiking opportunities. Bretonnières Lake has extensive trails through its wooded areas. Lac de Rillé features a pleasant 6 km hiking trail that circles the lake. You can find more detailed hiking routes in the Easy hikes around Tours guide, which includes trails like the Val Joyeux Lake Trail.
Are the lakes around Tours accessible by public transport or car?
Access varies by lake. Bretonnières Lake is served by bus, and car access is easy with multiple peripheral exits and five car parks. La Bergeonnerie Lake is located within Tours, making it easily reachable.
Are there dining or accommodation options near the lakes?
Hommes Lake is known for its distinctively French 'guinguette,' a waterside summer restaurant. Lac de Rillé offers camping facilities, including chalets and lodge tents at Village Huttopia, which also provides options for relaxation by the pool and a forest spa.
What is unique about Lac de Rillé?
Lac de Rillé is the largest reservoir in Touraine and stands out for its significant bird habitat, including rare species. Beyond its natural beauty, it offers a variety of activities such as mini-golf, a tree-top adventure park, a wake park, and even a steam train. Camping facilities are also available.
Which lakes offer facilities like picnic areas or playgrounds?
Bretonnières Lake provides benches, picnic tables, and play areas. La Bergeonnerie Lake also has play areas. Lac du Val Joyeux and Hommes Lake both feature games for children and sandy beaches, making them excellent choices for a day out.
When is the best time to visit the lakes around Tours?
The lakes are enjoyable year-round. Summer is particularly popular for water activities, with lifeguards on duty at Lac du Val Joyeux and Hommes Lake. For running, Bretonnières Lake is lit at night, making it suitable for winter evening sessions. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and enjoying the natural scenery.
Are there any lakes suitable for quiet relaxation or bird watching?
Yes, Lac de Rillé is a significant bird habitat, making it ideal for bird watching. The Étangs de Narbonne, with their woodland and diverse flora and fauna, also offer a tranquil setting for quiet contemplation and nature observation. Brosse Pond is described as a calm and relaxing place, perfect for a break and a bird watcher's paradise.
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