Top 20 Lakes in Côtes-d'Armor

Visitors frequently enjoy the View of Sainte-Anne Bay, known for its pink rocks and blue seas, especially at sunset. Another favorite is the View of the Plurien lagoon, a tidal marsh with a unique ecosystem. The Great Blue Lake, formed from a disused quarry with striking pink sandstone cliffs, is also highly rated.

Yes, several lakes offer family-friendly options. The Etang de Bétineuc features a leisure center with supervised swimming, picnic tables, and an accessible 3 km trail suitable for walking or cycling. The Rohou Panorama also offers a family-friendly beach and viewpoint.

The region's lakes are excellent for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and cycling. For example, Lac de Guerlédan has a 40 km trail, and Lac de l'Arguenon offers a 19 km marked trail. Fishing, kayaking, and even water skiing are popular at Lac de Guerlédan. You can find many routes for cycling, gravel biking, and MTB in the region, including those near the lakes. Explore more options on the Cycling in Côtes-d'Armor, Gravel biking in Côtes-d'Armor, and MTB Trails in Côtes-d'Armor guides.

Lac de Guerlédan is ideal for hiking with a 40 km trail around its perimeter. Lac de l'Arguenon offers a scenic 19 km marked trail, particularly beautiful in autumn. Lac de Saint-Barthélémy also has paths along its wooded edges suitable for hiking and trail running. For an accessible walk, the Etang de Bétineuc has a 3 km trail with wooden footbridges.

Yes, the region combines natural beauty with historical interest. Near Lac de Guerlédan, you can visit the Bon Repos Abbey. Lac de l'Arguenon is close to the medieval Château de la Hunaudaye. The town of Jugon-les-Lacs, near the Étang de Jugon, boasts significant architectural heritage with granite palaces, reflecting its past as a stronghold.

Swimming is permitted in some lakes, such as Lac de Guerlédan and the supervised area at Etang de Bétineuc. However, swimming is prohibited in Lac de Saint-Barthélémy, which serves as a drinking water reservoir. Always check local regulations before entering the water.

Lac de l'Arguenon is known for its significant fish population, including pike-perch, large perch, white fish, and carp. Lac de Saint-Barthélémy is also a prime spot for fishing enthusiasts, with white fish, perch, eels, numerous pike-perch, and large pike and carp.

The lakes offer diverse natural features. Lac de Guerlédan, an artificial lake, reveals a submerged village and 17 locks every 30 years when emptied. Lac de l'Arguenon is rich in flora like wood anemones and fauna such as cormorants and grey herons. The Great Blue Lake is notable for its pink sandstone cliffs from a disused quarry. The Plurien lagoon is a unique tidal marsh ecosystem.

Yes, the Etang de Bétineuc offers a very accessible 3 km trail with wooden footbridges, making it suitable for most abilities. The paths around Étang de Jugon are also generally easy for walking.

The lakes are beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn offer particularly pleasant conditions for outdoor activities. Autumn is especially vibrant around Lac de l'Arguenon due to the changing foliage. Summer is ideal for swimming and water sports, while the unique emptying of Lac de Guerlédan (every 30 years) offers a rare historical glimpse.

Many trails around the lakes are suitable for walks with dogs, provided they are kept on a leash. The View of the Plurien lagoon is listed as dog-friendly, and general hiking trails around lakes like Guerlédan and l'Arguenon are popular for dog walks.

The View of Sainte-Anne Bay offers stunning vistas of pink rocks and blue seas. The View of the Plurien lagoon provides a unique perspective of the tidal marsh. The Rohou Panorama is another excellent viewpoint. Many trails, such as the Trail along the Bois-Joli Reservoir, also offer scenic views of the water and surrounding forests.