Top 7 Lakes around Saint-Jacques-De-La-Lande

The region around Saint-Jacques-De-La-Lande offers several popular lakes. Étang d'Apigné is a well-loved spot with a beach and viewpoints, nestled between Rennes and the Vilaine river. Another favorite is Cicé Ponds, known for its wide tracks between woods and ponds, perfect for gravel biking and walks. Further afield, Lac de Trémelin, near the Brocéliande Forest, is highly regarded for its wide range of activities and natural setting.

You can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. The Apigné water sports center offers many possibilities for walks or bike rides. At Étang d'Apigné, you can swim, enjoy water activities, or walk/bike along the Vilaine towpath. Lac de Trémelin provides tree climbing, canoeing, kayaking, pedal boating, fishing, horse riding, and extensive hiking and mountain biking trails. For specific routes, you can explore hiking trails, cycling routes, or MTB trails in the area.

Yes, several lakes are ideal for families. Étang d'Apigné features a supervised beach during summer, playgrounds, and picnic areas. Lac de Trémelin also has a supervised beach, a giant zip-line, and activities like pedal boating and geocaching routes, catering to all ages. Bodrais Pond is another family-friendly spot, offering picnic tables and benches for a relaxing break.

The summer months are particularly popular, especially for lakes like Étang d'Apigné and Lac de Trémelin, which offer supervised swimming and a range of water activities. However, the natural beauty of the lakes makes them enjoyable for walks and outdoor recreation throughout spring and autumn as well, when the weather is milder and the foliage is vibrant.

Absolutely. Around Étang d'Apigné, you'll find a 4 km circuit popular with joggers and strollers, and the towpath along the Vilaine river offers pleasant walks. Lac de Trémelin boasts extensive hiking trails within its 220 hectares of forest and moorland. You can find more detailed hiking options, such as the 'Étang d'Apigné – Banks of Étang d'Apigné loop', on the Hiking around Saint-Jacques-De-La-Lande guide.

Yes, the area is well-suited for cycling and mountain biking. Cicé Ponds offers a very wide track ideal for gravel biking. The towpath along the Vilaine river near Étang d'Apigné is also great for bike rides. Lac de Trémelin provides dedicated mountain biking trails. For more routes, check out the Cycling around Saint-Jacques-De-La-Lande guide and the MTB Trails around Saint-Jacques-De-La-Lande guide.

Yes, you'll find options for dining and accommodation. Near Étang d'Apigné, there are restaurants like Georgette, which is a nice spot to take a break. The Apigné water sports center is also close to two restaurants. For longer stays, Étang de la Forge in Martigné-Ferchaud has a campsite overlooking the pond.

The lakes offer diverse natural features. Étang d'Apigné provides a coastal impression with its expansive water and green surroundings, known for birdwatching (cormorants, grebes, herons, swans). Lac de Trémelin is set within 220 hectares of forest and moorland. Étang de la Forge is characterized by rugged landscapes, rocky outcrops, and diverse aquatic flora, with an eastern part designated as an ornithological reserve, attracting hundreds of migratory birds.

Yes, fishing is possible in some of the lakes. Bodrais Pond is managed by the “Gaule Bruzoise” association, where you can fish for trout, pikeperch, pike, roach, bleak, and carp. The Petite Pérelle Pond is also highlighted as a great fishing destination. The recreational section of Étang de la Forge also allows for fishing.

Many of the prominent lakes, such as Étang d'Apigné, are easily accessible from Saint-Jacques-De-La-Lande, particularly as they are close to Rennes. The towpath of the Vilaine river connects Étang d'Apigné to Rennes city center, making it reachable by bike or on foot. Lac de Trémelin is approximately a 30-minute drive from Rennes, and Étang de la Forge is about 40 km from Rennes, typically requiring a car.

Visitors appreciate the diverse opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Many enjoy the beautiful settings for hikes and bike rides, the family-friendly amenities like supervised beaches and playgrounds, and the chance to observe nature, especially birdwatching. The convenience of having such natural beauty close to urban areas like Rennes is also a significant draw.

Bodrais Pond, an old sand pit, is a tranquil spot managed for fishing and offers a diversified fauna including frogs, toads, newts, and various insects. The Petite Pérelle Pond is another charming, perfectly shaped little lake that is a pleasure to walk around and a great addition to any hike in the area.