Top 20 Lakes in Vendée
Best lakes in Vendée offer diverse natural settings and recreational opportunities. The region features numerous lakes, many of which are artificial reservoirs created by dams, serving as sources for drinking water. These bodies of water are integrated into the landscape, providing habitats for various flora and fauna. Visitors can explore a range of environments, from preserved natural sites to areas equipped for water sports and outdoor activities.
Best lakes in Vendée
- The most popular lakes is Lac de la Bultière, a lake that is an artificial water reservoir. This lake is known for its exceptional fish diversity, making it a prime spot for fishing enthusiasts.
- Another must-see spot is Lake Jaunay, a lake known for its preserved nature and outdoor activities. It offers opportunities for hiking, pedal boating, and mountain biking around its shores.
- Visitors also love Lake Rochereau, a lake that is a significant drinking water reserve. It offers good fishing conditions due to its rich diversity of fish.
- Vendée is known for artificial reservoirs, natural lakes, and marshland areas. These provide a variety of landscapes and activities, from tranquil fishing spots to areas suitable for water sports.
- The lakes in Vendée are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 400 upvotes and more than 20 photos shared across various highlights.
Last updated: May 11, 2026
Jard-sur-Mer Marshes
Highlight • Natural
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Lake Jaunay
Highlight • Lake
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Marais d'Olonne
Highlight • Viewpoint
A variety of nature observations are possible. Please avoid unnecessary noise and do not drive on closed paths! Please do not leave the track!
Respect the nature!
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Lac de la Bultière
Highlight • Lake
This lake of exceptional fish wealth awaits you with almost all kinds of fish (perch, pike, zander, catfish, carp, roach, bream, tench, etc.). You can practice predator fishing from the shore or with a boat to catch zander or pike, catfish.
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Moulin Papon Dam
Highlight • Lake
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Marillet Lake
Highlight • Lake
The hillsides, made up of meadows and heaths, are very dry. The particularly poor subsoil explains the presence of flora with almost Mediterranean aspects.
The songs of the European oriole and the common nightingale give this site a particularly melodious atmosphere in spring, while the kingfisher traces a shimmering blue arc above the body of water. The wings of the numerous dragonflies are so many sparkling points on the lake like those of the imposing brown orthetrum or the nimble dryad.
Walkers and fishermen find their favorite terrain here. Classified as a green route, departmental 60 offers beautiful views of the southernmost part of the lake between Château-Guibert and Mareuil-sur-Lay.
Swimming is prohibited there.
(Info South Vendée Coast Tourism)
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Jacobsen Pier
Highlight (Segment) • Lake
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Fishing on the banks of the Etier de La Taillée
Highlight • Lake
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Lac de Finfarine
Highlight • Lake
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La Parée Cove
Highlight • Beach
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Tips from the Community
Rather than going around the marshes, why not take a walk right in the middle.
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There is absolutely nothing at this location...
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corner with a water source and a small stone bench. Perfect for drinking water with a filter bottle.
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Bultière Lake is an artificial reservoir. The Bultière Dam was built in 1994. It is located in the commune of Chavagne en paillers. It supplies the drinking water network. Its surface area is 72 hectares and contains 5.2 million cubic meters of water. It is possible to walk around the lake via a 15-km trail. This lake, with its exceptionally rich fish population, awaits you with almost every type of fish (perch, pike, zander, catfish, carp, roach, bream, tench, etc.). You can go predator fishing from the shore or from a boat to catch zander, pike, and catfish. It is, of course, possible to still fish for roach, bleak, or bream. Carp are also present in this lake. A night carp fishing route located on the right bank in the Maurosière sector will delight those who love a good catch.
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perfect for a stopover. picnic tables
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A particularly pleasant walk from the campsite along a section of the lake. There are a few challenging climbs, so good footwear and drinks are recommended. There's a restaurant along the way, with limited opening hours. Can be slippery in wet weather.
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At the end of your beautiful walk around the lake, treat yourself: go to Poiroux and visit La Folie de Finfarine which is a walk in the world of bees. Giant hive, honey collection, films about bees, ... lots of wonders that delight young and old and an excellent Vendée honey in the shop.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which lakes in Vendée are best for hiking and walking?
Many lakes in Vendée offer excellent hiking opportunities. For example, you can walk a 15 km path around Lac de la Bultière, known for its rich fish population. Lake Jaunay also has trails for hiking and mountain biking. The shores of Lac de l'Angle Guignard are appreciated for their scenic, rugged landscape, making them popular for walkers and joggers. You can find more detailed routes, including a loop around Moulin Papon Dam, in the Hiking in Vendée guide.
Are there family-friendly lakes in Vendée with activities for children?
Yes, several lakes are ideal for families. Lac de la Chausselière features a small, equipped beach and a playground for children. Lac de la Tricherie offers a beach and a treetop adventure course, along with various water sports and inflatable structures. Lac de Chassenon, awarded the Blue Flag label, provides games for children, water slides, and a paddling pool. Lac de Touchegray is also popular with families, offering a range of water sports and an outdoor activities center.
Which lakes are best for fishing in Vendée?
Lac de la Bultière is highly regarded for its exceptional fish diversity, including perch, pike, zander, catfish, and carp, with options for predator fishing. Lake Rochereau also offers good fishing conditions due to its rich diversity of fish. Marillet Lake is another favorite for fishermen, and the leisure facilities of Lac de Mervent are a popular fishing spot.
What water sports can I do at the lakes in Vendée?
The lakes in Vendée offer a wide range of water sports. Lac d'Apremont is excellent for canoeing, paddleboarding, swimming (with a supervised beach), electric boat rentals, and even has a water ski lift. Lac du Jaunay allows pedal boating and mountain biking around its shores. Lac de la Bultière offers rowing, canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. Lac de la Vouraie and the Mervent Complex are also known for various water sports activities.
Where can I observe wildlife and nature around Vendée's lakes?
Lac du Jaunay is a significant natural site known for its preserved nature and diverse flora and fauna, including grey herons, kingfishers, otters, and green tree frogs. The shores of Lac de l'Angle Guignard are classified as Sensitive Natural Areas (ENS) due to their rich biodiversity, protecting species like European genets and various dragonflies. Marillet Lake is known for its melodious atmosphere in spring with birds like the European oriole and common nightingale, and numerous dragonflies. The Marais d'Olonne and Jard-sur-Mer Marshes also offer unique ecosystems teeming with birdlife.
Are there easy walking routes around the lakes in Vendée?
Yes, many lakes offer easy walking paths. The 15 km path around Lac de la Bultière is suitable for walks, and Lac de la Chausselière has a hiking trail of over 9 km. The Moulin Papon Dam area is also popular with hikers. For more options, check the Easy hikes in Vendée guide.
What is the history behind some of Vendée's lakes?
Many of Vendée's lakes are artificial reservoirs created by dams, primarily to serve as sources for drinking water. For instance, Lac du Jaunay was created in the 1970s, with a submerged village leaving behind vestiges like the Grange de la Baudrière. Lac d'Apremont was formed by a dam on the river Vie in 1966, and Lac de la Bultière, created in 1994, is a strategic drinking water source. Lac de l'Angle Guignard, inaugurated in 1951, supplies 62 communes with drinking water. Lac de la Bultière is also home to archaeological findings of a Neolithic population, including menhirs and engraved rocks.
Can I cycle around the lakes in Vendée?
Yes, cycling is a popular activity around several lakes. Lake Jaunay offers mountain biking opportunities around its shores. The area around Lac de la Bultière is also ideal for a bike ride along its banks. You can find more cycling routes in the Cycling in Vendée guide.
Are there any lakes in Vendée with beaches for swimming?
Yes, Lac d'Apremont features a supervised sandy beach during the summer season. Lac de la Chausselière also has a small, equipped beach for swimming and relaxation. Lac de la Tricherie and Lac de Chassenon both offer beaches, with Lac de Chassenon being particularly noted for its swimming activities and environmental quality.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes in Vendée?
Visitors appreciate the diverse natural settings and recreational opportunities. Many enjoy the tranquility of fishing spots, the scenic beauty of walks around lakes like Moulin Papon Dam, and the variety of water sports available. The preserved nature and rich biodiversity, especially for bird watching, are also highly valued. The family-friendly amenities at several lakes make them popular destinations for all ages.
Which lakes are less crowded for a more peaceful experience?
While popular lakes can get busy, exploring areas like Marillet Lake, known for its melodious atmosphere and natural beauty, can offer a more peaceful experience. The extensive network of trails around many of the larger lakes, such as the 15 km path around Lac de la Bultière, allows for finding quieter spots away from main activity hubs.
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