Swimming, walking, picnicking: the lakes and waterways of the Loire Valley are ideal for spending time with the family. Here are some of the best places to relax when the sun comes out.
LAKES, WATERWAYS AND LEISURE PARKS IN THE LOIRE VALLEY
Lakes and waterways are an integral part of the natural landscape in the Loire Valley. They are also ideal for walkers and swimmers, who can enjoy the peaceful, quiet surroundings. These specially equipped areas are often supervised in summer, and sometimes even offer activities.
Swimming spots around Orléans
Base de loisirs de l’étang du Puits
The base de loisirs de l’étang du Puits is located on the largest pond in Sologne, in the heart of a wooded area, perfect for enjoying a day of nature. You’ll find all kinds of water sports such as sailing, water skiing and pedal boating. You can also choose to relax on the beach or enjoy a swim with your family.
Base de loisirs de ChÂlette-sur-Loing
Make the most of summer at the base de loisirs in Chalette-sur-Loing, where the banks of the lake are ready to welcome visitors. Parents need not worry about their children, with the presence of two designated swimming areas, supervised by lifeguards in July and August. For lunch, there are picnic tables and a refreshment area where you can grab a bite to eat.
Base de loisirs de l’étang des Bois à Vieilles-Maisons-sur-Joudry
Take a dip at the étang des Bois in Vieilles-Maisons-sur-Joudry. In the middle of the Orléans forest, you’ll find a preserved natural area where you can enjoy swimming, paddleboarding or pedal boating. The pond’s beach is ideal for a quick nap after a swim. If it tickles your fancy, you can also take a stroll along the shaded trails near the pond.
Base de loisirs de l’étang de la Vallée
In the heart of the Orléans forest, discover the base de loisirs de l’Étang de la Vallée. Canoeing, paddleboarding, swimming – everything you need to enjoy the water and cool off. And if you prefer land activities instead, there’s beach volleyball, a pétanque court and a tree-top adventure course to keep you entertained!
Swimming spots around Tours
Parc de loisirs Capitaine
In Bourgueil, the Parc de loisirs Capitaine is the ideal place for an outdoor adventure. With supervised swimming, pedal boats, mini golf, children’s games, a snack bar and a picnic area… You’ve got everything you need to relax, have fun and enjoy the sunshine right here. Whether you come with family or friends, you’re sure to have a good time!
Base de loisirs de Descartes
Get ready for a day filled with activities at the base de loisirs de Descartes. Here, water reigns supreme, promising fun and laughter! The water park, with its slides and pools, is suitable for all ages. For even more fun, try your hand at canoeing before challenging your friends and family to a game of mini golf, football or beach volleyball.
Lac d’Hommes
The Lac d’Hommes is the ideal place to swim with family or friends. The clear water and lifeguards in summer mean you can cool off safely. Children will love the inflatable structures in the aquatic park. After a busy day, settle down at the open-air café to enjoy a balmy summer evening.
Bléré plage
The banks of the Cher River are perfect for swimming and relaxing. Spend a sunny day on Bléré Plage and enjoy some time by the water. Then cool off in the shallow waters of the river, where swimming is supervised during the summer. And on certain evenings, the park comes alive with entertainment that you won’t want to miss!
Swimming spots around Blois
Baignade naturelle du Grand Chambord
Check out the baignade naturelle du Grand Chambord. This innovative 2,000 m² pool uses natural water filtration methods to create a swimming area in total harmony with the surrounding environment. Designed to welcome everybody, this aquatic area with crystal-clear water and grassy beaches blends perfectly into the natural landscape.
Parc de loisirs des bords du Cher
The beach at the Parc de Loisirs des Bords du Cher in Montrichard offers breathtaking views of the castle. Enjoy the beach and supervised swimming in summer, as well as the site’s wooded and shaded areas. Canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding sessions promise refreshing moments. A complimentary barge service transports visitors from the beach to the town centre and back.
Île-plage de Saint-Aignan
Spend a sunny afternoon on the banks of the Cher River at the Île-Plage in Saint-Aignan. You’ll discover a fun spot with a seasonal restaurant and games for children. Children and adults alike can swim safely under the watchful eye of a lifeguard. Don’t miss the concerts every Thursday evening during the summer.
Base de loisirs du plan d’eau de Villiers
Relaxation is guaranteed at the base de loisirs du plan d’eau de Villiers. It is an ideal swimming spot for families, where you can also enjoy a range of water sports, including windsurfing, catamarans, pedal boats, and canoes, not to mention, volleyball courts, pétanque and table tennis.
Swimming spots around Bourges
Base de loisirs de l’étang du Puits
Head to l’Étang du Puits, a vast pond surrounded by nature. With supervised swimming, a water park, sailing, paddleboarding and pedal boats, the water will be your playground. Between splashes and laughter, it’s the perfect place to cool off and have fun with the family. Enjoy water sports on a grand scale!
Base de loisirs de l’étang de Goule
At the étang de Goule, you can go kayaking, paddle boarding or enjoy a ride on a pedal boat. If you’re adventurous, you can try your hand at sailing or piloting a catamaran. With family or friends, it’s the perfect setting to have fun, relax and get some fresh air. The leisure village also offers accommodations and a variety of activities, both on water and land.
Base nautique de Sidiailles
Want to cool off? Head to the lac de Sidiailles. You’ll find paddleboarding, canoeing and supervised swimming, so you can enjoy summer to the fullest. The water park also has plenty of thrills in store, with giant inflatable structures and a floating climbing wall. You’ll be sure to make lasting memories between bouts of laughter as you slip and slide!
Swimming spots around Châteauroux
Base nautique de Belle-Isle
Come take a dip just a stone’s throw from the centre of Châteauroux at the base de loisirs de Belle-Isle. Here, you can enjoy sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, pedal boats, mini golf, bike carts, and much more. There is a whole host of activities to do, including supervised swimming and summer entertainment. At the end of the day, you can also settle in at the open-air café for a moment of relaxation.
Lac d’Éguzon
Measuring 312 hectares and 17 km in length, the lac d’Éguzon offers a life-sized playground. Sailing, paddleboarding, tubing, water skiing, pedal boats… almost anything is possible. At Chambon beach, you can go swimming (lifeguards are on duty in July and August) and have fun on the inflatable structures at the aquatic park. The lake’s surroundings are a must-see for hiking and climbing enthusiasts.
Swimming spot around Chartres
Base de loisirs d’Arrou
When the sun is shining, enjoy the base de loisirs d’Arrou. There is a sandy beach for sunbathing and a swimming area to cool off. A picnic area in the shade from the nearby trees, a mini golf course, a playground for children… everything you need to enjoy a day in the great outdoors.
