Top 8 Lakes in Sarthe

Sarthe's lakes offer a wide range of recreational activities. At Lac de la Gémerie, you can find supervised swimming, non-motorized water sports, a multi-sports area, skate park, children's playground, archery, and pétanque. Lacs de la Monnerie is popular for swimming, sailing, and paddleboarding. Étang de Brûlon provides opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, pedal boating, mountain biking, tennis, disc golf, and has a skate park and city stadium.

Yes, several lakes are ideal for families. The Grand Pond of Sillé, Arche de la Nature, Lake of the Birds, and Lac de la Gémerie are all noted as family-friendly. Lac de la Gémerie and Lacs de la Monnerie offer supervised swimming during summer, playgrounds, and various sports facilities suitable for all ages.

The warmer months are generally best for swimming and water sports, with supervised swimming often available in July and August. Lac de la Gémerie maintains a pleasant temperature well into autumn, extending the swimming season. For fishing, Étang de Brûlon permits angling from February to November. Many lakes are freely accessible year-round for walking and enjoying the natural surroundings.

Absolutely. Many lakes feature pleasant walking paths. Lac de la Gémerie has a mile-long walking path, and Lacs de la Monnerie offers hiking and cycling routes around its 50-hectare expanse. The Loudon Ponds are a starting point for many hikes, and Arche de la Nature, which includes lakes, has extensive trails. You can find more hiking routes in the region on our Hiking in Sarthe guide.

Sarthe is known for several excellent fishing lakes, particularly for carp. Notable spots include Livardière and Prince Lake near Le Mans, part of the Domaine de Saint Frimbault, with Prince Lake being well-stocked with carp. Rushes Lake, also close to Le Mans, is a picturesque 10-acre lake popular for carp fishing in a peaceful environment. Étang de Brûlon also permits fishing from February to November with a valid permit.

Yes, many lakes offer facilities. At The Grand Pond of Sillé, you'll find campsites, dining options, and the Maison du Lac et de la Forêt. Lac de la Gémerie has well-maintained paths and available parking. Lacs de la Monnerie features a beach club during summer, and Rushes Lake offers amenities like luxury food packages and accommodation for anglers.

The lakes in Sarthe are set in diverse natural environments. The Grand Pond of Sillé is nestled within a green forest. The Loudon Ponds are surrounded by peat bogs, wet and dry heaths, lawns, and vast forests, making them a site of ecological interest. Arche de la Nature is a 450-hectare natural park with trails, rivers, lakes, and forests.

Yes, cycling is a popular activity. Lacs de la Monnerie offers routes for cycling around its perimeter. Arche de la Nature also features trails suitable for cycling. For more cycling options, explore our Cycling in Sarthe guide.

Yes, several lakes offer sandy beaches. Lac de la Gémerie is known for its sandy beach and supervised swimming. Lacs de la Monnerie is often called the 'beach of south Sarthe' due to its popularity for swimming and sunbathing. The Tuffé Val de la Chéronne Leisure Centre also has a beach for relaxation.

Visitors appreciate the diverse natural landscapes and the wide array of outdoor activities available. The opportunity for pleasant walks, supervised swimming, and various water sports are frequently highlighted. The peaceful environments, like that of Rushes Lake, and the family-friendly facilities at places like Lac de la Gémerie, also contribute to their appeal.

Yes, Étang de Brûlon offers mountain biking facilities. Additionally, you can find more mountain biking routes in the region by checking our Gravel biking in Sarthe guide, which includes trails suitable for off-road cycling.