Water sports and recreational lakes in Poitou-Charentes, just a stone’s throw from your holiday home in Les Forges

Water sports in the Poitou-Charentes near Les Forges means swimming in official recreational lakes, canoeing on the Thouet and enjoying a day on the Atlantic coast. And almost all of this is less than 75 kilometres from your holiday home. From your holiday home in Les Forges, you can reach several recreational lakes and the Thouet within 25–45 minutes. And within an hour and a half you’ll be on the beautiful Atlantic coast.

On this page you can read all about recreational lakes within 75 km of Les Forges, canoeing on the Thouet, swimming in official swimming areas, water quality, the Atlantic coast and the best locations for different groups.

• 7 recreational lakes within 75 km
• Canoeing 25 minutes away
• Atlantic coast 1 hour 30 minutes away
• Water temperature 20–25°C in summer
• Official lifeguarded swimming areas
• Suitable for families, teenagers and those seeking peace and quiet

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If you’re looking for swimming spots in the Poitou-Charentes, official swimming areas at Les Forges or an active water sports holiday in France, this region offers a combination of inland waterways, recreational lakes and the coast, all within driving distance. Be inspired and discover a region with a lot of natural beauty, picturesque villages, places of interest and entertainment opportunities, and plenty of spots for water sports.

The FranceComfort holiday parks in Les Forges are situated right in the heart of this peaceful countryside. They are L'Aveneau – Vieille Vigne, Domaine les Forges and Bourg Est – Vigelière.
Curious to see what our parks and holiday homes look like? Click on one of the following buttons

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Why does water sports in Poitou-Charentes feel different?

The Poitou-Charentes is located in Nouvelle-Aquitaine and includes the departments of Vienne, Deux-Sèvres, Charente and Charente-Maritime. Unlike popular coastal regions such as Provence or Vendée, in Deux-Sèvres – where Les Forges is situated – it’s not all about the sea. Instead, the focus is on inland waterways: rivers, reservoirs and recreational lakes.

What makes this region suitable for water sports is the combination of:

Calm rivers without strong currents
Several official swimming areas, often supervised in high season
Good parking
The Atlantic coast within driving distance

For families staying in a holiday park in the Poitou-Charentes, this means that they can enjoy the are close to their holiday home.
The water quality is good. Official data from baignades.sante.gouv.fr rate most swimming spots in this region as "bonne qualité". The temperature in summer is about 22 to 25°C.

What types of water sports can you do?

As well as canoeing and swimming, there are plenty of other water sports for you to partake in. Supping is gaining more and more popularity, especially on Lac de Saint-Cyr and Lac du Lambon. You can rent a sailboat from local clubs. Sailing lessons for children are regularly offered.

When the wind is right, you can windsurf on larger lakes. There are also special locations where you can water ski or wakeboard. Sport fishing, also known as angling, is popular here and many carp anglers sometimes stay at the edge of the lake for days at a time. Remember that you need a permit for this.

Recreational lakes within 75 km of Les Forges

If you fancy a swim during your holiday in one of the FranceComfort holiday homes, there are plenty of options. In Poitou-Charentes, this isn’t limited to your own private pool or the park’s swimming pool. Within a 75 km radius, you can choose from a variety of recreational lakes for a day trip. Below you’ll find not only an overview of the options, but also a comparison, advice per type of travel group and other information.

Lac de Saint-Cyr (± 45 km)

Close to Poitiers lies the largest and most versatile recreational lake in the Les Forges region. The lake covers an area of 85 hectares:

A wide sandy beach with a designated swimming area
There is a beach, grassy areas, catering facilities and water sports rental.
Lifeguards are on duty in July and August.
Average water temperature in July: 23–24°C
Swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, sailing, windsurfing, pedal boating and angling
Suitable for: families with children, active teenagers, stand-up paddleboarders and sailors, families looking for facilities.
Water quality is published annually.
Ample parking, partly in the shade

Tip: park on the south side of the lake for more shade in the morning.

Lac du Cébron (± 35 km)

Lac du Cébron is a pleasant spot, as it is quieter and more focused on nature than many other recreational lakes.
The small beach with swimming area is wonderfully quiet, which makes it perfect for families with young children. Many anglers also come here, because according to the local fishing associations, this lake is known for its carp and pike.
More information about this location can be found on Lac du Cébron.
Tip: bring your own food as catering is limited.

Plan d’Eau de Verruyes (± 30 km)

Verruyes is a small recreational lake, which makes it particularly easy to navigate. It features a lovely sandy beach and a shallow area that is perfect for young children to play safely.
There is fun playground equipment along the shore, and you can relax on the picnic benches. During the summer months, there is always a lifeguard on duty, making this spot particularly attractive for families with young children.

Plan d’Eau de Moncontour (± 30 km)

This lake is located near Les Forges and is a favorite place for families with teenagers. In the summer, inflatable water attractions float around in the water.

There are catering facilities and ample parking.
Water depth varies; the swimming area is marked out and slopes gently.
Swimming, water skiing via cable installation, canoeing, stand-up paddle-boarding.
Who is it suitable for? Teenagers, active families and groups.
Supervision provided in high season.

Tip: book a time slot for cable water skiing in advance in high season.

Lac de la Touche Poupard (± 65 km)

This reservoir is situated in a hilly area and mainly attracts anglers and walkers. There are only a few official swimming areas, as the lake forms part of the regional water system. The lake also offers opportunities for canoeing and peaceful recreational activities.

Lac du Lambon (± 55 km)

Lac du Lambon is a beautiful recreational lake, surrounded by forests and rolling countryside. Compared to other lakes, it is a little quieter and less touristy here. You can swim, but also enjoy activities such as sailing, stand-up paddle boarding and pedal boating. Around the lake there are hiking trails, and a full circular walk is about 5 km.
The picnic areas offer a beautiful view over the water.

Plan d'Eau de la Loge (± 50 km)

A smaller and less well-known recreational lake. This is a spot mainly frequented by local residents. There is a simple swimming area, but there are few commercial facilities to be found.

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Recreational lake	Distance from Les Forges (km)	Suitable for	Crowds in high season	Water sports	Catering
Lac de Saint-Cyr	± 45 km	Families with children, active teenagers, suppers ,sailors, families who want facilities	Busier on weekends and between 13.00–15.00 hours. Quieter before 11:00 a.m. and after 5:00 p.m.	Swimming (area), paddleboarding, sailing, windsurfing, pedal boatsangling	Yes, several catering establishments
Plan d’Eau de Moncontour	± 30 km	Teenagers, active families, groups	Busy at water attractions between 13.00–16.00 hours. Less suitable for absolute peace seekers	Swimming, water skiing (cable installation), canoe, stand up paddle	Yes
Lac du Cébron	± 35 km	Peace-seekers, families with young children (if supervised), sports fishing	Rarely full, the most reliable place to rest	Swimming (zone), angling (carp,pike), quiet recreation	Limited
Plan d’Eau de Verruyes	± 30 km	Families with toddlers and preschoolers	Local families, especially afternoons; well manageable	Swimming (shallow zone), playing on the beach	Limited / simple facilities
Lac du Lambon	± 55 km	Couples, active 60+, families avoiding crowds	Most calm lake, rarely peak crowds	Swimming (zones), sailing, paddleboarding, pedal boating, hiking (5 km around lake)	Limited
Lac de la Touche Poupard	± 65 km	Fishermen, hikers, nature lovers	Quiet, not very touristy	Canoeing, angling, quiet recreation (swimming areas limited)	No/ very limited
Plan d’Eau de la Loge	± 50 km	Local visitors, peace seekers	Predominantly local, low tourist profile	Swimming (easy zone), recreational use	No / very limited

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Which recreational lake is best for each type of travel group?

Some locations are ideal for active teenagers, whilst others are perfect for those seeking peace and quiet or for young children.

Toddlers and preschoolers: Verruyes
Teenagers: Moncontour
Active families: Saint-Cyr
Peace seekers: Cébron or Lambon
Fishermen: Cébron

Water sports and children

For families who want to plan a holiday in France with children , safety is a crucial consideration. Recreational lakes such as Saint-Cyr and Moncontour have clearly marked swimming areas. In Verruyes, you will find a shallow stretch of beach, perfect for the little ones. Canoeing on the Thouet is also easy to navigate and safe for the whole family.

A mother from Antwerp shared her doubts before going on holiday. She wondered whether her children would actually enjoy the region . But after two weeks, she said that the mix of water, nature and the swimming pool was just right. “There wasn’t a single moment when they were bored,” she said with a smile.

Swimming along rivers within 75 km

In addition to the official lakes, the Poitou-Charentes region also boasts beautiful natural swimming spots along the rivers. Although these spots are often less developed, this is precisely what gives them their unique charm.

Rivier de Thouet

Along the banks of the Thouet, you’ll find small, natural beaches in various spots. Although they aren’t always officially signposted, these spots are often popular with local families in the summer.
If you’re planning to go swimming here, it’s important to assess for yourself whether the spot is safe. There are no lifeguards on duty. The beauty of these spots lies in their simplicity.

Rivier de Vienne

In Civaux, you’ll find an excellent spot for swimming in the summer. The water is wider here and the current is usually calm. The riverbed can be a bit rocky, so it’s advisable to wear water shoes.

Small streams and tributaries

In the nature reserves around Les Forges, as described on the page nature reserves in the Poitou-Charentes, you will find small streams where children occasionally play in the water or make dams. These spots are not official swimming areas, but often they are perfect for a short break during a walk.

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Canoeing in the Poitou-Charentes

Canoeing is one of the most popular water activities in this region. On the dedicated Canoeing page, you can read that canoeing is easily accessible, affordable and suitable for all ages.

Canoeing on the Thouet (± 25 km)

Just a 25-minute drive from Les Forges, the River Thouet winds its way through a gently rolling landscape. In summer, the average depth is between 0.8 and 1.5 metres. The current is fairly calm, making it perfect for beginners and families with children aged six and above.

According to the guidelines of the French safety authorities on interieur.gouv.fr, it is mandatory to wear a life jacket. The distances of about 8 to 15 kilometers can be covered in 2.5 and 4 hours. Along the way, there are several places where you can stop for a break.

A family from Breda shared their experience:
“We thought canoeing would be tiring, but because of the gentle current, we really only had to steer. The children loved paddling under the little bridges.”

Marais Poitevin (± 70 km)

The Marais Poitevin is officially designated as a protected nature reserve and has been recognised by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve, as can be found on unesco.org.
Here you can enjoy a trip through a maze of narrow waterways, surrounded by poplars and reeds. The water, which is only 1 to 2 meters deep, is so calm that you can sometimes see your own reflection.

Based on the experiences of guests, FranceComfort has put together some useful tips:

Be sure to bring enough water with you, as there is not much shade.
Waterproof pouches are also handy for your phones.
And if you get the chance, do go in the morning, when it’s still nice and cool.

Day trip to the Atlantic coast from Les Forges

From your holiday home in Les Forges it is about 1 hour and 30 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes drive to the Atlantic coast of the Charente-Maritime. For an overview of the seaside resorts in this region, please visit the page seaside resorts on the Atlantic coast.

It is important to know that the Atlantic Ocean is very different from the inland recreational lakes. Where the lakes usually reach temperatures of 23 to 25 degrees Celsius in July, the water of the ocean usually stays around 18 to 20 degrees Celsius. According to the French Coastal Observatory ifremer.fr, water quality and currents are constantly monitored.

La Rochelle – combination of beach and city

For many visitors, La Rochelle is the most obvious seaside destination. The beach at Les Minimes is wide and well-organized, perfect for a day out. The port city itself has a lovely historic atmosphere, with impressive towers and charming squares to explore.

What can you do in La Rochelle?

Go swimming at Les Minimes beach
Go for a stroll along the Vieux Port
Relax on a terrace by the harbour
Visit the Aquarium de La Rochelle

In the morning, many guests head to the beach. They enjoy lunch by the harbor, stroll through the old town, and return to Les Forges by late afternoon.
According to the French Observatory for Coastal Quality georisques.gouv.fr, the bathing water at La Rochelle is usually classified as "bonne qualité". Information on tides can be found at maree.info. In July, the temperature of the Atlantic Ocean is between 18 and 20°C.

Some tips from FranceComfort:

Pay attention to flags at swimming areas
Be aware of tides
Preferably park just outside the town centre

Île de Ré – wind, cycling and long beaches

Île de Ré is connected to the mainland by a bridge. It is known for its extensive beaches and beautiful cycle paths. The wind plays a greater role here than inland, making it ideal for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
According to the French website premar-atlantique.gouv.fr, it is important to swim only in the designated safety zones.

Île d'Oléron – rougher and more surf-oriented

Oléron is more spacious and less refined than Île de Ré. The waves are ideal for surfers, particularly on the west side. Here you can go surfing, kitesurfing, sea kayaking and beach fishing.

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Practical experience: a week’s holiday in Les Forges

A family that returns year after year often follows this schedule:

Two days at a recreational lake
One day of canoeing
One day at sea
One day market or village visit
Other days rest by the private pool

This combination ensures there is plenty of variety without the week feeling too packed. This creates a relaxed rhythm in which active outings and moments of rest balance each other out.

Many visitors choose to divide their time in Les Forges between water sports and relaxing moments at their holiday home. The first day often starts quietly: arriving, doing the shopping and taking a dip in the private swimming pool. This is followed by a lovely mix of activities, such as recreational lakes, canoeing and various excursions. It is this variety that makes Poitou-Charentes so appealing: you have the freedom to decide for yourself when to seek out the hustle and bustle or, on the other hand, plan a quiet day.

On the holiday homes with private pool page, you will discover a range of options that make this flexibility possible.
The combination of recreational lakes, the sea, canoeing and a stay in luxury accommodation with a swimming pool in Poitou-Charentes makes for a well-rounded holiday. You’ll enjoy plenty of variety and comfort – exactly what you need for a lovely break away.

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Angling in the region

Fishing is very popular in this region. You will find fishing zones at Lac du Cébron as well as Lac de Saint-Cyr and Lac du Lambon. The lakes around Les Forges are best known for their carp, pike, perch and catfish.
If you want to fish, you will need a French fishing license. You can buy these at local stores or online. Please note that the rules may differ per department.
You can read more about the fishing opportunities and licenses on federationpeche.fr, the website of the Fédération Nationale de la Pêche.
An angler from Zwolle said that he deliberately chose a holiday home Les Forges because of the combination of family holidays and fishing opportunities.

Surfing and kitesurfing in the Poitou-Charentes

Within 75 kilometres of Les Forges, you won’t find any surf spots on the sea, but there are opportunities for windsurfing on larger lakes. For proper waves, however, you’ll need to head towards the Atlantic coast.
The weather data from meteofrance.com shows that the westerly wind is often present in the summer. This means there is more swell, you cool down faster after swimming, and it is ideal for both windsurfers and kitesurfers.
Kitesurfing is particularly popular on Île de Ré and Charente-Maritime.

Water parks as an alternative or addition

Sometimes the weather is unpredictable, or families are looking for an alternative way to enjoy the water for a day. In that case, water parks are a good option.

Aquascope Poitiers - Located at Futuroscope, Aquascope combines technology with water attractions. The park has slides, wave pools, and interactive zones.

O'Gliss Water Park - In the Vendée, this large outdoor water park has themed areas and spectacular slides.

Diving and underwater activities

Diving is limited in the immediate vicinity of Les Forges, but diving clubs are active on the Atlantic coast. According to information from the French Diving Federation (ffessm.fr), wrecks and rock formations are visited along the coast.

Why is a villa with a swimming pool ideal for water sports?

A recreational lake is certainly appealing, but it remains a public place. A private swimming pool, on the other hand, offers much more privacy. In addition, you enjoy extra flexibility. You can swim whenever you want, without having to drive anywhere first. This is also much safer, as you can keep a better eye on your young children.
On hot days, it’s lovely to take a refreshing dip in the evening. Many guests choose to combine recreational lakes with a holiday home that has a private swimming pool. Feel free to take a look at our range of holiday homes with private swimming pools in France!

Month-by-month water sports guide and seasonal influences

According to Météo France, the Poitou-Charentes region has a temperate maritime climate with approx. 2,200 hours of sunshine per year. This makes water sports possible from June to September.
In June, the water temperature is around 20 to 21°C. This is an excellent time for canoeing on the Thouet or paddleboarding on Lac de Saint-Cyr. Couples and active families particularly enjoy this month.
July brings higher temperatures and open facilities. The lakes reach an average of 23 to 25°C and the official swimming areas are supervised. This is the most complete month in terms of facilities.
August is usually the warmest month, with daytime temperatures regularly exceeding 30°C. The recreational lakes remain comfortable with 23–25°C.
September surprises many visitors. The water is still warm from summer with about 20–22°C. This is an ideal month for couples and peace seekers who want to swim or paddle without summer crowds.
It is precisely because of this variation in visitor numbers that many guests choose to stay in Les Forges as a permanent base for water sports in the Poitou-Charentes region.

Public holidays in France

During public holidays, such as Quatorze Juillet, recreational lakes can be slightly busier. You can find an overview of French public holidays under public holidays in France.

In summary, the season is easy to plan for:

June and September: quieter, pleasant swimming water
July: full range of facilities and warm water
August: warmest month, livelier but manageable

Month	Water temperature of recreational lakes	Crowds	Characteristics	Suitable for
June	± 20–21 °C	Quiet	Calm waters, pleasant temperatures (23–26°C), plenty of space at swimming areas	Couples, active families, canoeists, paddlers
July	± 23–25 °C	More lively	Fully open facilities, supervised presence	Families, water sports enthusiasts, broad target group
August	± 23–25 °C	Warm and more lively	Warmest month, sometimes >30°C, pleasant evenings	Families, swimmers, holidaymakers in high season
September	± 20–22 °C	Peace returns	The water is still warm,fewer visitors, pleasant conditions	Couples, peace seekers, active holidaymakers

Especially in July and August, many families consciously choose a villa with a swimming pool and air conditioning in Les Forges to easily alternate hustle and bustle with comfort.

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Safety and water quality

In France, the health authorities closely monitor the water quality at official bathing sites. Although blue-green algae is rarely found here, it can sometimes occur during periods of extreme heat and drought. In such cases, warnings are issued on site.

Thanks to the stable climate, regular monitoring of bathing water and the wide variety of recreational lakes, water sports in Poitou-Charentes remain safe and perfectly possible throughout the summer season.

But how reliable are these bathing water measurements? In France, bathing water is tested several times a season for E. coli and intestinal enterococci. If a location is awarded the "bonne qualité" label, the bacterial values remain below the European standard and within safe limits. The results are publicly available and are constantly updated.

How can I combine water sports with other activities?

During their holiday in Les Forges, many guests alternate a morning’s swimming or canoeing with a visit to the market, a walk or a bike ride. It is precisely this variety that makes a stay in this region so appealing. FranceComfort has a few tips for you.

If you want to visit markets, you will find an overview via markets in the Poitou-Charentes. A tour of local products and village squares gives a completely different atmosphere than a day at the lake.

Water activities are often combined with hiking. Information and routes can be found via hiking in the Poitou-Charentes or hiking in France. There are paths around many lakes where you can take a quiet walk at the end of the day.

Cycling also fits in well into the weekly schedule. Routes and tips can be found via cycling in the Poitou-Charentes or cycling in France. The roads around Les Forges are quiet and lead past vineyards and small villages.

For culture and atmosphere, you can go to the surrounding places, described on the page tourist villages in the Poitou-Charentes.

Many guests plan their week to be varied: one day visit a recreational lake, the next day explore a market or go on a walk. This creates a holiday where water, nature and village atmosphere naturally alternate.

What are the differences compared to other water regions in France?

Many holidaymakers compare the Poitou-Charentes with regions such as the Dordogne, Languedoc and Provence. Canoeing is popular in the Dordogne. You will find information on holiday in the Dordogne and water sports in the Dordogne Lot. We have a few favourite routes that we share on Canoeing on the Dordogne and Canoeing on the Lot. From your holiday home in the Dordogne you can go on these canoe trips. The months of July and August can be busy on the water, unlike the Thouet in Poitou-Charentes.

The holidays in Provence page focuses more on the southern French coast. From your luxury holiday home in Provence, you can visit the most beautiful beaches in Provence. The water is pleasantly warm, but the beaches and marinas are often crowded. There are plenty of opportunities for water sports on the Mediterranean Sea.

The French Alps also offer plenty of opportunities. You can read more on the water sports in the Alps page. In the south of France, near the Spanish border, there are other water sports to enjoy on the Mediterranean Sea. You can find information about this on holiday in the Languedoc and on holiday home in the Languedoc.

The Poitou-Charentes region stands out for its recreational lakes, tranquil rivers and ample water sports opportunities, all without mass tourism.

Holidays in France and investing in a holiday home

Those who have experienced the Poitou-Charentes often compare this region with other destinations in France. On the dedicated page holiday villa in France you can see the wide range of options available across the country. An overview of all FranceComfort holiday parks can be found via our holiday parks.

Nevertheless, Les Forges remains a firm favourite for many families. The region combines tranquillity, good accessibility and plenty of water sports without mass tourism. This balance ensures that guests return.

Some of them eventually look into the possibilities of buying a holiday home. You can find information on this via buying a holiday home. What makes this region appealing for a second home:

A long summer season with ideal conditions for swimming and water sports
No extreme heat like in the south of France
No reliance on a winter sports season
Attractive rental returns, no worries about management
Tax benefits

Editorial team for this article

This article has been compiled by the travel specialists of FranceComfort in collaboration with tourist information services in Poitou-Charentes. In addition, practical tips from park managers and experiences of guests have been incorporated to provide the most complete picture possible.

Frequently asked questions about water sports at Les Forges

1. Which recreational lakes are within 75 km of Les Forges?
Lac de Saint-Cyr (±45 km), Plan d'Eau de Moncontour (±30 km), Lac du Cébron (±35 km), Plan d'Eau de Verruyes (±30 km) and Lac du Lambon (±55 km).
2. How hot does the water get in summer?
23–25°C. The Atlantic Ocean remains cooler at around 18–20°C.
3. Are the recreational lakes supervised?
At Lac de Saint-Cyr, Moncontour and Verruyes, supervision is provided in the official swimming areas during July and August. Outside the high season, this varies by location.
4. Why is canoeing suitable for children?
The current is gentle and the routes are straight-forward. Life jackets are compulsory and are usually provided by rental companies.
5. How far is the sea from Les Forges?
Approximately 135–155 km from Les Forges. Allow 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes’ drive, depending on your destination and traffic.
6. Which period is most suitable for water sports?
June to September. June and September are quieter, with water temperatures around 20–22°C. July and August are warmer (23–25°C) with full facilities and supervision.
7. Which location is most suitable for young children?
Plan d'Eau de Verruyes, due to its shallow sandy area.
8. Is a villa with a swimming pool essential?
No, but many guests find it pleasant due to the flexibility and peace and quiet.
9. Why is swimming safe in Lac du Cébron?
There is an official swimming area and the water quality is monitored by French health authorities.
10. Where can you swim in peace?
Lac du Cébron and Lac du Lambon are usually quieter than Saint-Cyr and Moncontour. Especially in the morning or after 4.30 pm.

See which holiday homes are available in Les Forges

Choose your ideal base for water sports in Poitou-Charentes.

Would you like to swim in Lac de Saint-Cyr, go canoeing on the Thouet and relax in your own pool at the end of the day? Take a look at the range of holiday homes in Les Forges and plan your stay in Poitou-Charentes.

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