Top 6 Lakes around Saint-Gilles-Vieux-Marché

The region offers a rich history. At Etang de La Martyre, you can find remnants of a 17th-century ironworks complex. Etang de Poulancre also played a role in the local iron industry. Near Lac de Guerlédan, you can visit the Cistercian Abbey of Bon Repos, megalithic remains, and the impressive Guerlédan Dam.

The lakes offer a variety of activities. Etang de La Martyre and Etang de Poulancre are excellent for fishing. Lac de Guerlédan is a hub for watersports like canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding, as well as swimming, hiking, and mountain biking. You can find many routes for road cycling, touring, and mountain biking around the lakes. For example, explore the MTB Trails around Saint-Gilles-Vieux-Marché or Road Cycling Routes.

Etang de La Martyre is particularly well-suited for pike fishing. Etang de Poulancre is also an ideal spot for anglers, offering a rich variety of fish including roach, rudd, tench, perch, and pike, though carp caught there must be immediately released.

Yes, several spots are great for families. Etang de Poulancre offers a relaxed atmosphere perfect for discovering fishing with family. Lac de Guerlédan is an ideal destination for families seeking outdoor activities, with spots like Landroannec Cove and Landroanec Beach providing leisure bases and swimming opportunities.

The lakes are nestled within beautiful natural settings. Etang de La Martyre is encircled by woodlands, offering peaceful nature walks. Etang de Poulancre boasts an attractive wooded setting. Lac de Guerlédan is set within a vast forest, featuring wooded ridges, peaceful shores, and spectacular panoramas.

Yes, especially around Lac de Guerlédan. You can find a View of Lake Guerlédan offering a beautiful panoramic vista. The Shaded trail along Lake Guerlédan also provides magical viewpoints over the lake.

Absolutely. Etang de Poulancre has walking paths along its dike and left bank. Lac de Guerlédan is surrounded by numerous hiking trails, ranging from accessible to more challenging, including the Shaded trail along Lake Guerlédan. You can explore various routes in the Lakes around Saint-Gilles-Vieux-Marché guide.

Etang de Gourveaux has been drained since 2010 due to a dam in need of repair. While efforts are being made by local associations to prevent its complete destruction, it is currently empty. Historically, it was known for its rich biodiversity and featured the remains of an old flour mill.

Swimming is a popular activity at Lac de Guerlédan, which is the largest inland lake in Brittany and offers designated areas for swimming, such as Landroanec Beach.

The lakes are enjoyable throughout the year, but for watersports and warmer weather activities, the spring and summer months (May to September) are ideal. For hiking and enjoying the natural beauty without the summer crowds, late spring and early autumn offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery.

While specific establishments are not detailed, Etang de Poulancre has a municipal campsite nearby. The wider area around Lac de Guerlédan, being a major recreational hub, offers various accommodations and dining options. For more general information on the region, you can visit Brittany Tourism's page on Guerlédan Lake.

Lac de Guerlédan stands out as the largest inland lake in Brittany, covering 400 hectares. It offers the most diverse range of activities, including extensive watersports, numerous hiking and mountain biking trails, and a wealth of historical and cultural sites like the Cistercian Abbey of Bon Repos and the Guerlédan Dam. Its vast forest setting provides spectacular panoramas and a true natural playground.