If you come to Vendée and like outdoor activities, the artificial lake which extends from the town of Apremont to the town of Maché should appeal to you. Between hiking, kayaking, paddle, pedal boat, electric boat and inflatable games, there is no shortage of activities between June and September to enjoy on the lake of Apremont.
A short hike along the water
It must be understood that lake of Apremont was born from a dam. The edge of the lake is relatively flat and accessible on the Maché side but steeper on the Apremont side (at least for a walk along the water).
So if you want to hike along the water, stop near the Maché bridge at the end of the lake. You can take a walk of more than 2 kilometers on a path literally at the water’s edge.
Then, continue past the boat launch and take a smaller path which heads towards the forest. You will then enjoy a steeper environment which climbs from land slopes to rocks to end up overlooking the lake. This portion is narrower, still well secured but a little more demanding to walk the 1.5 kilometers.
At several points you have the option of staying at the top of the hill on flatter fields. It can be interesting for your return if your legs are tired. Because yes, it’s a round trip and not a loop that you are going to do (I mean if you want to stay near the lake).
Several useful information:
- During wetter seasons, it can be slippery ;
- In spring, if the municipality has not yet trimmed the hedges and weeds, certain passages may be more complicated;
- In summer, protect yourself from ticks.
Hop aboard a pedal boat or electric boat
Michel (from the company Michel locations) has been offering every summer for decades to rent electric boats and pedal boats to discover the lake near Apremont. Go to the beach below the restaurant. You can rent him a boat for 1 hour, 2 hours or an afternoon.
Pay at the cabin then follow Michel or another member of his team to the pontoons. After a brief explanation of how the chosen boat works, you can take the helm and set off opposite the dam to discover the peaks of the lake in complete tranquility. Please note that children must wear a life vest.
Important information : You can rent a boat on weekends outside the summer time. Call to find out when they’re opened and closed (click on the tourist office link then on the telephone icon).
Go on a kayak or a paddle board to navigate the lake
Many tourists and locals come to enjoy the lake and bring their own kayak, paddle and even oar! You have a small launching slipway at the beach and at certain rest areas in several places around the lake (use a map to locate them).
Note that Michel location also offers some kayaks and paddles (from €12) to explore the lake. However, everyone must wear a life vest (adult and child).
Very important clarification: when you go east, you have the wind at your back BUT when you come back towards the dam, you have the wind in your face. To be clear, if you leave for 2 hours: go away for 40 minutes then paddle for 1 hour 20 minutes to come back! This remark also applies to the pedal boat or the electric boat but in these less marked proportions.
Try your hand at the wakepark
A wakepark has been set up after the restaurant and boat rental. Put on the board, put on a helmet and a life vest then get started. Hold the handle firmly at the end of a towed cable. A circuit with obstacles (or without obstacles if you prefer) is at your disposal to have fun.
Enjoy the supervised beach and inflatable structures
If you have young children and they don’t want to (or can’t) sail on the lake, the town of Apremont monitors a small portion of the lake for swimming. The area is demarcated by buoys. You can swim beyond this limit but the supervisors may no longer see you if there is a problem.
In this regard, you will have understood, the lake is surrounded in places by small cliffs. It is strictly forbidden to jump from even the smallest cliffs because there are submerged rocks. To be clear, there are always a few people who disregard this ban and end up getting stitched up in the ambulance….
Right next to the beach there are inflatable games. Adults and children (from 8 years old with an adult and from 12 years old independently) can have fun jumping, sliding, bouncing… Where the structure is placed, there is no risk of impact against a rock. Spend 30 minutes (7€) or 1 hour (10€) having fun like crazy.
What else to do near lake of Apremont?
Enjoy the sandy beach, the surrounding lawns, the shaded tables and benches, but also the restaurant. Outdoor games are also available in the shade of trees about fifty meters from the beach (on the parking lot side). Even further, a city park and a football field welcome children freely.
The more daring will head towards the castle which overlooks the town. It is located less than 500 meters from the beach. Go back in time and enjoy the view from its ramparts. Also take advantage of a guided tour to understand the history of the place which belonged to Philippe Chabot de Brion, childhood friend of François Ist. Not to be missed: the exhibition on Renaissance fashion, the bridleway which passes under the castle as well as the summer activities.
Photo Vendée Tourisme + For more information, contact the tourist office.