Top 10 Lakes around Saint-Agnan

The lakes around Saint-Agnan offer a wide range of outdoor activities. You can enjoy walking, cycling, and running on various trails. Water sports like canoeing, paddleboarding, swimming, and fishing are popular, especially at Lac de Saint-Agnan, Lac de Chaumeçon, and Lac des Settons. Lac des Settons also offers sailing, windsurfing, jet skiing, and water-skiing.

Yes, several lakes are great for families. Lac de Saint-Agnan features a wooden boardwalk and a water educational trail, both suitable for families. Chamboux Lake also offers an 8 km walk to observe fauna and flora, which is enjoyable for all ages. Lac des Settons is known for its lively atmosphere and various on-site play areas and rentals.

Absolutely. You can walk a 10 km trail around Lac de Saint-Agnan, and a 17 km trail around Lac de Chaumeçon. Lac des Settons has a popular 13 km circular route. For a shorter option, Chamboux Lake offers an 8 km walk. There are also specific trails like the Étang du Taureau Discovery Trail with a beautiful wooden walkway. You can find various running routes, including an 8.2 km loop around Lac de Saint-Agnan, on the running trails guide.

Lac de Saint-Agnan is often described as having a 'little Irish air' due to its wild and picturesque landscape, featuring forests, meadows, and small creeks. It's a dam lake inaugurated in 1969, contributing to the region's drinking water supply. The Domaine des Grands Prés along its shores is a sensitive natural area with remarkable biodiversity and an accessible trail. Don't miss the wooden boardwalk for unique views across the lake.

Lac de Chaumeçon is notable for the stunning reflections of the surrounding forest on its waters. With minimal light pollution, it's an excellent spot for stargazing and observing the Milky Way. Beyond relaxation, it's a starting point for white water activities like rafting on the nearby Chalaux river, and offers paddleboarding and kayaking rentals.

For a lively atmosphere, head to Lac des Settons. Known as the Morvan's lakeside resort, it's the oldest and most vibrant of the region's six great lakes. It features a main beach with the 'Pavillon Bleu' label for environmental quality, and offers a wide array of activities, restaurants, bars, and shops, especially in good weather.

Yes, the Domaine des Grands Prés, located along Lac de Saint-Agnan, features an accessible trail. This area is known for its wet meadows and remarkable biodiversity, offering a pleasant experience for visitors seeking accessible options.

The lakes and their surrounding areas are rich in biodiversity. At Lac de Saint-Agnan, the Domaine des Grands Prés is known for its remarkable biodiversity in wet meadows. Chamboux Lake's 8 km walk allows for observation of its diverse fauna and flora. You might also spot lizards near the dam of Lake Saint-Agnan and various birds and aquatic life.

Fishing is permitted in several lakes, including Lac de Saint-Agnan and Lac de Chaumeçon. At Lac de Saint-Agnan, common and mirror carp are common, and night fishing is authorized in two specific zones. However, it's important to note that a preventive bathing ban and restrictions on fish consumption were in place in July 2024 due to cyanobacteria. Always check local regulations and conditions before fishing.

The lakes are generally most enjoyable in good weather, particularly during the warmer months when all activities are available and the atmosphere is livelier, especially at Lac des Settons. However, the picturesque landscapes offer beauty year-round, with seasonal changes providing different experiences for walking and enjoying nature.

Yes, cycling is a popular activity. Lac des Settons has a popular 13 km circular cycling route. You can also find various cycling routes, including longer tours like the 'Lake Saint-Agnan – Lac de Saint-Agnan loop' (31 km), in the cycling guide for Saint-Agnan. Gravel biking options are also available, such as the 'Lac des Settons – Lake Saint-Agnan loop' (74 km), detailed in the gravel biking guide.

Chamboux Lake is an artificial lake created in 1984, making it a relatively young reservoir. It's one of the six large lakes in the Morvan Regional Natural Park and supplies drinking water to many municipalities. It's particularly known for its 8 km walk around the lake, which offers diverse landscapes and opportunities to observe local fauna and flora.