Best lakes in Indre-et-Loire offer a variety of natural and recreational experiences in west-central France. This region, also known as Touraine, is characterized by its rich heritage and diverse landscapes, including numerous ponds and lakes. These bodies of water provide settings for outdoor activities and nature observation. The area features both artificial lakes and those formed from ancient quarries, contributing to its varied appeal.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Cycleway
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Indre-et-Loire
GR3 from the ocean to its source – The Loire, a wild European river
From one Châteaux to another – a long hike in the Loire Valley
From one castle to another – the Loire to the Cher Valley
Around the World in 80 Days
EuroVelo 3 – A cycling pilgrimage from Norway to France
La Loire à vélo – Between nature and castles
GR 46 — The Truant School
The most beautiful cycling routes in the Loire Valley
The Loire Valley – escape to the great outdoors
Between Tours and its rivers – Loire walks outside the city
Great place to relax, walk around, cycle (although it's forbidden) and practice cyclocross!
0
0
The Bretonnières park contains a huge water point around which many water activities are organized. Walking enthusiasts can enjoy the many trails that spread throughout the park and its wooded areas. Benches, picnic tables and play areas are available all around the park.
0
0
In Tours, Lake Bergeonnerie is the meeting place for athletes. Throughout a route where you can come across jogging and street workout enthusiasts, find a bench or a patch of grass to observe the sailing school practicing on the placid waters of the lake.
0
0
The Louroux pond site is made up of two ponds: the Reed Pond, which resulted from the construction of a dike by the monks in the 11th century, and the Beaulieu Pond. The natural area of the Louroux pond is a wetland which hosts a great diversity of species. Fish raised in the body of water are the subject of large traditional fisheries.
0
0
Pretty lake and leisure center with good access and several parking lots. The leisure center offers sailing activities, kayaking, fishing but also walking, a fitness trail and a treetop adventure park.
0
0
don't go in the water!!! it is contaminated. you get a rash. it occurs in different strengths. no permanent damage assigned so far.
1
0
Nice place to stop over overlooking the Loire.
0
0
For diverse outdoor activities, Lac de Rillé is excellent, offering water sports like wakeboarding and canoeing, an adventure park, and cycling loops. Lac d'Hommes provides a water park, paddleboarding, and diving lessons. Lac des Bretonnières is popular for sailing, canoeing, and an accrobranche course. For running and cycling, La Bergeonnerie Lake features a 2.5 km circuit with fitness equipment and play areas.
Yes, several lakes are ideal for families. Lac de Rillé has an adventure park with tree-climbing and a bird-themed mini-golf. Lac d'Hommes offers a water park with inflatable structures and sandy beaches for supervised swimming. Lac des Bretonnières provides children's play areas and an accrobranche course. La Bergeonnerie Lake also features play areas and boat rides.
Lac de Rillé is a significant ornithological site, part of the Natura 2000 network, with over 200 bird species observed. It features a birdwatching observatory and an 18-meter-high observation tower. Lac des Bretonnières also has an ornithological trail, and Brosse Pond is described as a bird watcher's paradise. The Étangs de Narbonne are known for their remarkable fauna and flora within 30 hectares of woodland and limestone lawns.
Many lakes offer dedicated trails. Lac de Rillé has a 6 km hiking trail and a 17 km cycling loop. Lac des Bretonnières features numerous trails for walking and cycling, including a health trail and an orchid walk. For more options, you can explore various routes, including running trails like the 'Birds of the Étang du Louroux Trail' or easy hikes such as the 'Val Joyeux Lake Trail'. Find more details on easy hikes in Indre-et-Loire or running trails.
Yes, Lac d'Hommes offers supervised swimming during the summer season with sandy beaches. Lac des Bretonnières also has areas for swimming that are supervised in summer. Lac de Chemillé-sur-Indrois provides recreational water activities and swimming opportunities.
Many lakes are well-equipped. Lac des Bretonnières offers benches, picnic tables, and children's play areas, along with fitted parking lots. Lac d'Hommes has picnic areas and volleyball courts. Lac de Chemillé-sur-Indrois provides vast green spaces for picnics, camping facilities, and nearby restaurants. La Bergeonnerie Lake includes fitness equipment and play areas.
Yes, Lac de Rillé has accommodations available at the Huttopia campsite, offering cabins and lodge tents. Near Lac d'Hommes, the 'Les Farmers' guinguette provides dining and live music during the summer. Lac de Chemillé-sur-Indrois also has camping facilities and restaurants nearby.
Absolutely! Near Lac de Rillé, you can take a ride on a historic steam train that borders the lake. Lac d'Hommes offers a treasure hunt app called Baludik to explore local flora. Lac de Chemillé-sur-Indrois features a giant zip line in addition to its treetop adventure park. The Passage in the middle of the lake (Mousseaux) is known for tree climbing and water skiing.
The lakes in Indre-et-Loire are diverse, ranging from large artificial lakes like Lac de Rillé, created in 1977, to those formed from ancient falun quarries, such as Lac d'Hommes, known for its clear waters. Many are classified as 'Sensitive Natural Areas' like Lac de Chemillé-sur-Indrois, boasting rich biodiversity and rare plant species. This variety offers experiences from tranquil nature observation to active water sports.
Yes, Bretonnières Lake is noted for having good trails that are suitable for the disabled, making it a more accessible option for visitors with limited mobility or wheelchairs.
Visitors appreciate the variety of experiences offered, from the quiet strolls and well-maintained paths at La Bergeonnerie Lake, perfect for running or cycling, to the extensive facilities and activities at Bretonnières Lake, including its wooded areas and night lighting for winter sessions. The natural beauty and diverse flora and fauna, especially at sites like the Étangs de Narbonne and Brosse Pond, are also highly valued.
Yes, fishing is a popular activity at several lakes. Lac des Bretonnières allows fishing under certain conditions, particularly for carp. Lac de Chemillé-sur-Indrois also offers fishing opportunities as part of its leisure base activities.


Still not found your perfect lake in Indre-et-Loire? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.