The Loire-Atlantique, a land of fresh water and lakes

 

Water is a major feature of the Loire-Atlantique department. In fact, the Loire-Atlantique region is full of many freshwater territories linking towns and cities together. You can find lakes, marshes, rivers, estuaries and canals. These natural spots are ideal for strolling around and recharging your batteries. You're sure to find a nice spot close to your rental. 

What we're particularly interested in are the lakes! There are two major lakes in Loire-Atlantique, thelac de Grand-Lieu and the lac de Vioreau.

 

Lac de Grand-Lieu

 

 

History of the lake and observatory

Located 15 kilometres from Nantes, Lac de Grand-Lieu is one of the largest lowland lakes in Europe, after the Camargue. It is the oldest lake in France. Its surface area varies between 35 and 65km and is thought to be the size of the city of Nantes. Lac de Grand-Lieu is a veritable treasure trove for the département, as it is home to numerous animal species, particularly birdlife. There are more than 250 species of birds, 250 species of plants, 30 species of fish and 220 species of algae.

Jean-Pierre Guerlain, the famous perfumer, was the proud owner of the lake in the 1960s. With the help of Loïc Marion, a young ecological researcher, this hunting and fishing enthusiast tended the lake. Lac de Grand-Lieu was created by Loïc Marion and the Société Nationale de Protection de la Nature in 1977. The site was classified as a natural reserve.

Today, the perfumer's former bâtisse is called "Maison du Lac de Grand-Lieu" and is located à Bouaye. It is divided into three areas. The exhibition centre provides information on the flora and fauna of the lake in a fun, digital way. Afterwards, take a guided tour along a kilometre-long trail. You will learn more about the protected species and the draining of the lake, while observing the birds. Finally, you'll visit the Guerlain house and be amazed by the 180-degree view of the lake!

 

Surroundings

If you like walking, an 8-kilometre long pedestrian trail has been laid out along the lake and takes you on a tour of old chateaux and a mobile observatory, from Bouaye to Saint-Aignan de Grand-Lieu. You can also visit the old fishing village of Passay and its "Maison du Pêcheur". It introduces you to the lake's aquatic life and professional fishing techniques.

The Saint-Philbert-de-Grand-Lieu tourist office organises boat trips on the Boulogne, a tributary of the lake, in July and August. A real treat for the little ones!

Finally, the 19th-century church of Saint-Lumine-de-Coutais and its bell tower give you a breathtaking view of Lac de Grand-Lieu.

 

 

Among our Gîtes de France classified accommodation near Lac de Vioreau, you'll find:

- The gîte Les Roseaux du Lac à Saint-Philbert-de-Grand-Lieu

- Le gîte Pacific à Saint-Philbert-de-Grand-Lieu

- The gîte La Petite Guittière à Saint-Philbert-de-Grand-Lieu

- Le gîte La Maison Neuve à Saint-Philbert-de-Grand-Lieu

- Le Gîte de l'Aujardière à Saint-Philbert-de-Grand-Lieu

 

Don't hesitate to check out our other accommodation here.

 

 

Lac de Vioreau

 

 

The lac de Vioreau is a body of water located in Joué-sur-Erdre built between 1833 and 1836. Its main functions are to pallier à la sécheresse and approvisionner les écluses du canal de Nantes à Brest en eau. It is fed by three natural étangs, La Poitevinière (75 ha), La Provostière (73 ha) and Le Petit Vioreau (29 ha).

 

Lac de Vioreau boasts exceptional flora and fauna. Many anglers love to venture into these waters full of pike and ash. You can also go hiking and cycling around the lake.

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There are plenty of sporting activities on offer, including birdwatching and nature walks. They are led by the Ligue de Protection des Oiseaux.

Afterwards, you can swim in the lake and sunbathe on the beach set aside for the purpose. Finally, there are plenty of sporting activities on offer, including canoeing, kayaking, paddle-boating and paddle-sailing, as well as archery, sailing and orienteering.

 

 

Among our Gîtes de France classified accommodation near Lac de Vioreau, you'll find:

- Le gîte Le Champs des Oiseaux à Joué-sur-Erdre

- Le gîte Le Champs des Oiseaux 2 à Joué-sur-Erdre

- Le gîte Maison du lac à Joué-sur-Erdre

- Le Gîte des Daims à Trans-sur-Erdre

- The Gîte de la Ducheté à Les Touches

 

Don't hesitate to check out our other accommodation here.