Best lakes around Varnéville are located within or near the Parc naturel régional de Lorraine in France. This region is characterized by its natural landscapes, including forests, wetlands, and the significant Rupt de Mad river basin. Varnéville tourism benefits from the area's diverse aquatic environments, offering various opportunities for outdoor activities. The natural setting provides a habitat for rich biodiversity and serves as a key recreational area.
Last updated: June 25, 2026
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Lac de Madine is an artificial lake of almost 10 km², created in the 1970s as a water reservoir for the city of Metz. It is located in the heart of the Lorraine Regional Nature Park and is part of the Natura 2000 network for its ecological value. The lake has two islands, 250 hectares of forest and 42 km of shoreline. In addition to its role in the drinking water supply, it is an important recreational area with two main sites: Nonsard-Lamarche and Heudicourt-sous-les-Côtes. Visitors will find marinas, beaches, cycle and walking routes, restaurants and nature reserves.
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Lake Madine is the largest wintering site in Lorraine. This bird observatory offers an opportunity to observe numerous bird species through its two openings. It offers a beautiful view of the lake, the reed bed, and the Île Verte and Île du Bois Gérard. Inside, identification scrolls and friezes help you recognize the different species present in the nature reserve. This observation facility offers a breathtaking view of the lake, Île Verte, and Île du Bois Gérard. Two small openings on the side allow you to observe the bird activity in the reed bed. Identification scrolls and friezes help you learn to recognize the different species that live on the lake.
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The port of Nonsard accommodates 280 boats afloat. Located on Lake Madine, sailors enjoy the lake's 900 hectares to practice their sport in a splendid environment.
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The Neuf-étang des Mandres is a natural pond surrounded by forests and wetlands, sheltering a rich plant and animal biodiversity. You may be able to observe rare species of birds, amphibians, reptiles or insects, as this space is part of a protected area of ecological interest.
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The Neuf-étang des Mandres is a natural pond surrounded by forests and wetlands, sheltering a rich plant and animal biodiversity. You may be able to spot rare species of birds, amphibians, reptiles or insects, as this space is part of a protected area of ecological interest.
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A beautiful lake that you can cycle around, a fun tour.
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Here you can take really nice pictures 👍
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Madine Lake is an ideal leisure area for a family walk. You can practice many activities there.
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The lakes around Varnéville are primarily located within or near the Parc naturel régional de Lorraine. This region is characterized by diverse natural landscapes, including forests, wetlands, and the significant Rupt de Mad river basin. You'll find both large recreational lakes and smaller, biodiverse natural ponds like Neuf-étang des Mandres, which is surrounded by forests and wetlands, sheltering rich plant and animal biodiversity.
Yes, Lake Madine is an ideal leisure area for family walks and offers various activities. It features beaches, cycle and walking routes, and facilities like the Port of Nonsard. The Pointe aux Chênes Bird Observatory also provides an engaging experience for families to observe bird species.
The area around Varnéville offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can enjoy running on trails around Lake Madine, with routes like the 'Lac de Madine — loop — running from Montsec'. Road cycling is also popular, with routes such as 'Lac de Madine, Montsec and Saint-'. For gravel biking, you can explore trails like 'Montsec American Memorial – Lake Madine loop'. You can find more details on these activities and routes in the Running Trails around Varnéville, Road Cycling Routes around Varnéville, and Gravel biking around Varnéville guides.
Absolutely. Pointe aux Chênes Bird Observatory on Lake Madine is an excellent spot for birdwatching. Lake Madine is the largest wintering site in Lorraine, and the observatory offers two openings to observe numerous bird species in the reed bed, with identification scrolls to help recognize them. The natural pond of Neuf-étang des Mandres also shelters rich plant and animal biodiversity, including rare species of birds, amphibians, reptiles, or insects.
Yes, there are various walking and cycling routes around Lake Madine. For dedicated hiking, you can explore the trails within the Parc naturel régional de Lorraine. The 'Lac de Madine — loop — running from Montsec' is a longer option, while 'Madine Lake Marina – Lake Madine loop' offers a moderate experience. You can find more hiking and running options in the Running Trails around Varnéville guide.
Lake Madine is well-equipped for visitors. It has two main sites, Nonsard-Lamarche and Heudicourt-sous-les-Côtes, which offer marinas, beaches, cycle and walking routes, and restaurants. The Port of Nonsard specifically accommodates 280 boats, allowing sailors to enjoy the lake's 900 hectares.
Yes, Lake Madine is known for its cycling opportunities. There are dedicated cycle routes around the lake, making it a popular spot for a scenic ride. The lake has 42 km of shoreline, offering ample space for cycling.
Neuf-étang des Mandres is a natural pond surrounded by forests and wetlands. It's unique because it shelters a rich plant and animal biodiversity and is part of a protected area of ecological interest. Visitors may be able to spot rare species of birds, amphibians, reptiles, or insects in this tranquil setting.
Yes, the Pointe aux Chênes Bird Observatory offers a beautiful view of Lake Madine, the reed bed, and Île Verte and Île du Bois Gérard. It's an excellent spot to take in the scenery while observing the local birdlife.
While specific seasonal recommendations for Varnéville are not detailed, the Parc naturel régional de Lorraine, where many of these lakes are located, generally offers pleasant conditions for outdoor activities from spring through autumn. Summer is ideal for water-based activities at Lake Madine, while spring and autumn provide beautiful scenery for walking and cycling.
Yes, Lake Madine is part of the Natura 2000 network due to its ecological value, and it includes nature reserves. Additionally, Neuf-étang des Mandres is also part of a protected area of ecological interest, safeguarding its rich biodiversity.


Still not found your perfect lake around Varnéville? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.