Top 5 Lakes in Charente-Maritime
Best lakes in Charente-Maritime are found in a department on the southwest coast of France, characterized by its diverse natural landscapes. This region features a mix of coastal areas, islands, and inland territories. The geography includes marshlands, forests, and a network of waterways, providing varied environments for outdoor activities. Charente-Maritime is known for its historical towns and its connection to the Atlantic Ocean.
Best lakes in Charente-Maritime
- The most popular lakes is Goisil Basin, a lake that offers a cycle path between Saint-Martin and Loix en Re. It is also a family-friendly spot with scenic views.
- Another must-see spot is Fish pass, a lake area featuring historical fish locks. These structures, some dating back to the 14th century, demonstrate traditional fishing methods.
- Visitors also love Prise des Fenasses Marshes, a natural area with trails. This location is a haven for biodiversity and offers peaceful walks through marshlands.
- Charente-Maritime is known for its diverse natural water bodies, including lakes, marshes, and basins. The region offers a variety of aquatic environments to see and explore.
- The lakes in Charente-Maritime are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 120 upvotes and 60 photos shared across the highlights.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
Goisil Basin
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Fish pass
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Most of these locks are located on or near Chassiron Point in the commune of Saint-Denis d'Oléron (Madame Naud, Le Grand Sabia, etc.).
The locks named Les Jeunes Pointes and Les Vieilles Longes are located at the tip of the point and are next to the lighthouse. Their shape is clearly visible from its platform.
Guided tours allow visitors to discover the fish locks, the rocky foreshore, and the edible seaweed that grows there. These tours are organized from the Chassiron lighthouse.
These fixed fish traps consist of a wall 500 to 700 meters long. They have the shape of a horseshoe, more or less symmetrical depending on the configuration of the foreshore on which they are built. On the Oléron coast, wherever the coast was rocky and there were stones, there were locks.
They are built with coastal stones stacked in such a way that they can withstand the assaults of the sea. These enormous masses of stone are made without any connection and become fragile as soon as one of their stones is moved. Their main role is, of course, to catch fish, but they also serve as breakwaters by mitigating marine erosion on cliffs and beaches.
Their system is simple: the fish enter the lock at high tide and find themselves trapped there at low tide, surprised by the rapid flow of water through the lock trap. All that remains is for the fisherman to retrieve the trapped fish. Various species of fish can be caught here: sea bass, sea bream, garfish, mullet, mackerel, and conger eel. The first locks date back at least to the Middle Ages, with texts proving that they existed as early as the 14th century.
There were once two rows of locks, the upper locks closer to the shore, the lower locks further away. At low tide, the lower locks located in the second row received water from the upper locks located in the first row. There were as many as 237 locks in the mid-19th century, including 45 in Saint Denis. Today, only 17 locks remain on the entire island of Oléron.
The locks are fragile; it is strictly forbidden to move the stones from the walls and to fish within fifty meters.
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Prise des Fenasses Marshes
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Étangs des Prés Valet
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Marais du Douhet
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Tips from the Community
North of the island of Oléron, the Douhet marsh is a coastal wetland covering over 400 hectares. Discover remarkable biodiversity, as evidenced by the presence of 23 animal and plant species of significant heritage interest.
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The fish lock erected here is a model to illustrate its operation. Today, 17 locks are still in operation along the coasts of the islands of Oléron.
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Model of a fish lock. 17 such structures are still in operation along the island's coast and are used for fishing.
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Magical panorama of the sea and the Chassiron lighthouse
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small electric boat for children at a reasonable price and a nice little tavern to rehydrate or have a bite to eat
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Very beautiful, quiet pond. It is possible to cycle around it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which lakes in Charente-Maritime are suitable for swimming?
For supervised swimming during the summer months, consider Lac Baron Desqueyroux in Montendre, which also offers various water sports. Lac de Trizay (also known as Lac du Bois Fleuri) also permits and supervises swimming during summer. Additionally, swimming is permitted at Plan d'eau d'Heurtebise in Jonzac. Please note that swimming is prohibited at Lac de Frace and Lac d'Enlias.
Are there family-friendly activities available at the lakes?
Yes, several lakes offer great options for families. Goisil Basin is known as a family-friendly spot with scenic views and a cycle path. At Lac Baron Desqueyroux, you'll find playgrounds, a municipal swimming pool, and during summer, an inflatable game park and a new adventure park called 'La Double Aventure' (opened May 2026). Lac de Frace features a miniature port with electric boat rentals and a 'Trop Cool' inflatable game park in summer. Étangs des Prés Valet offers small electric boats for children and a tavern. Prise des Fenasses Marshes and Marais du Douhet are also family-friendly for peaceful walks and nature observation.
Where can I go fishing in Charente-Maritime's lakes?
Charente-Maritime offers several excellent fishing spots. Lac de Frace is renowned as a 'paradise for fishermen' with abundant species like eels, carp, pike, and perch. Fishing is also permitted at Lac de Trizay (with a valid permit), Lac d'Enlias, and Plan d'eau d'Heurtebise.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near the lakes?
Beyond water activities, the region around the lakes offers diverse outdoor pursuits. You can find numerous hiking and cycling opportunities. For hiking, explore trails around Lac Baron Desqueyroux, Lac de Trizay, or the peaceful walks through Prise des Fenasses Marshes. Cycling is popular along the path at Goisil Basin and around Étangs des Prés Valet. For more extensive routes, consider the many hiking trails or cycling routes throughout Charente-Maritime.
Are there any historical or cultural sites near the lakes?
Yes, the region blends natural beauty with history. Near the lakes, you can visit the historical fish locks at Fish pass, some dating back to the 14th century, demonstrating traditional fishing methods. Lac de Trizay is also known for its landscaped 'gardens of Compostela,' adding a cultural dimension to your visit.
Which lakes are best for nature observation and birdwatching?
For nature enthusiasts, Lac de Trizay is recognized for its ecological importance, serving as a refuge for various bird and fish species, making it an excellent spot for birdwatching. The Prise des Fenasses Marshes and Marais du Douhet are also havens of biodiversity, offering peaceful walks and opportunities to observe coastal wetland ecosystems.
What water sports are available at the lakes?
Lac Baron Desqueyroux is a lively leisure base offering wakeboarding, towed buoy rides, and paddleboarding, especially during July and August. At Lac de Trizay, visitors can enjoy canoeing and kayaking. Lac de Frace provides electric boat rentals from its miniature port. Plan d'eau d'Heurtebise also features a nautical base, suggesting various water-based recreational activities.
Can I find amenities like cafes or restaurants near the lakes?
While specific cafes are not detailed for all lakes, Étangs des Prés Valet has a 'nice little tavern' where you can rehydrate or grab a bite. Many leisure bases, like Lac Baron Desqueyroux, typically have facilities or are close to towns with dining options.
Are there any lakes with unique natural features or viewpoints?
Yes, Charente-Maritime's lakes offer diverse natural beauty. Goisil Basin provides scenic views, particularly along its cycle path with beautiful swamps. The Prise des Fenasses Marshes are a natural area with trails through marshlands, offering unique landscapes. While not in Charente-Maritime, the nearby Blue Lakes of Touvérac (in the Charente department) are known for their striking turquoise waters and breathtaking scenery for hikers, though swimming is prohibited due to their geological characteristics.
What is the best time to visit the lakes in Charente-Maritime?
The summer months (July and August) are ideal for enjoying supervised swimming and a wider range of water sports and family activities at lakes like Lac Baron Desqueyroux and Lac de Trizay. However, for peaceful walks, nature observation, and cycling, the spring and autumn months offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds, making them excellent times to explore the trails around lakes and marshes such as Lac de Frace, Prise des Fenasses Marshes, and Marais du Douhet.
Are there opportunities for cycling around the lakes?
Absolutely. Goisil Basin features a pleasant cycle path between Saint-Martin and Loix en Re. You can also cycle around Étangs des Prés Valet. For more extensive cycling adventures, Charente-Maritime offers numerous cycling guides with routes that often pass by or near various water bodies.
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