Top 10 Lakes in Yonne
Best lakes in Yonne offer diverse natural landscapes and recreational opportunities within the region. The Yonne department, located in northern Burgundy, is characterized by its rivers and canals, which feed several lakes and ponds. These bodies of water serve various purposes, from flood regulation to electricity production and recreational use. The area provides settings for activities such as walking, fishing, and swimming.
Best lakes in Yonne
- The most popular lakes highlight is Junction of the Canal du Nivernais and the…
Last updated: May 3, 2026
Crescent Dam
Highlight • Monument
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Lac du Bourdon Beach
Highlight • Beach
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Junction of the Canal du Nivernais and the Yonne
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Moutiers Pond
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Lac de Beine
Highlight (Segment) • Lake
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Around the Ponds
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Salcys pond
Highlight • Lake
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La Ballastière
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Lac de Toucy and Camping des Quatre Merlettes
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Popular around Yonne
The Grande traversée du Massif Central by gravel bike
GR 13 from Gâtinais to Morvan — By Fontainebleau and Burgundy
Tour du Morvan — The little mountain of Burgundy
From north to south - On the slopes of the GTMC
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The Great Crossing of France's Massif Central by mountain bike
MTB fun in the Massif Central — La Grande Traversée du Morvan
Greenways, vineyards and canals – Le Tour de Bourgogne à vélo
Between summits and big lakes — gravel riding in France’s Morvan park
France’s water-rich region — Burgundy's four canals
Other adventures in Yonne
Tips from the Community
Here the canal joins the meanders of the Yonne on several small segments. This is an opportunity to discover the river up close at the Parc woods.
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The Salcys pond is a natural wetland of European interest located near the village of Gron. You can enjoy beautiful views of the pond, the Yonne river and the surrounding countryside. Along the route you will see a variety of habitats, such as woods, reeds and meadows with orchids. The pond is also a great place for bird watching, especially in winter. Don't forget to bring your binoculars and camera!
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The Crescent Dam was built between 1929 and 1932. A gravity dam, it is 330 meters long and 37 meters high. Its width at the base is 24 meters and at the crest 3.5 meters. It was built on the initiative of SA Compagnie HydroElectrique de la Cure and was owned by the City of Paris until 1946. The dam was built to regulate the waters of the Yonne and Seine rivers and thus prevent flooding in Paris, while also producing electricity. More than 165 hectares of cultivated land, hamlets, mills, and paths were flooded to allow the creation of the reservoir (maximum depth of 40 meters). It occupies four municipalities and two departments, and is fed by the Cure and Chalaux rivers. The structure was partly financed by war reparations owed by Germany to France after the First World War. This is why much of the dam's mechanisms are German-made. The road across it is narrow and only allows passage for one vehicle. Fortunately, there is very little traffic.
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Behind the road is the large Camping Municipal. There is a hotel with a bistro on the beach in front of the street. The other stands for crepes, fries, etc. were still closed in June. Even further west is a large picnic area in the forest. The beach is also monitored during the summer holiday season. You can rent treet boats. The water is not too cold. A beautiful, quiet, large lake for swimming.
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Nestled in the town of Saint-Clément, you will run in this wooded and preserved park, and enjoy the rewilding and nature.
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A beautiful sandy beach on the shores of Lac du Bourdon. You can use this beach for a mid-run break or enjoy the runners' euphoria by relaxing here at the end of your run - it's up to you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best lakes in Yonne for family-friendly activities?
Several lakes in Yonne offer great options for families. Lac du Bourdon Beach is a popular choice with its sandy beach, picnic area, and monitored swimming during summer. You can also rent pedal boats there. The Junction of the Canal du Nivernais and the Yonne is another family-friendly spot, offering opportunities to observe the river in the Parc woods. Other lakes like Lac de Beine, Around the Ponds, and La Ballastière are also noted as family-friendly.
Where can I find good swimming spots in the Yonne region?
For swimming, Lac du Bourdon Beach is highly recommended. It features a beautiful sandy beach, and the water is generally not too cold. During the summer holiday season, the beach is monitored, and you can enjoy a quiet, large lake for swimming.
Are there good fishing spots around the lakes in Yonne?
Yes, the Yonne region is known for its fishing ponds and lakes. Lac de Beine is a nice fishing pond. Moutiers Pond, nestled in the woods, is reserved for fishing and is known for beautiful carp. The paths around Moutiers Pond are well-laid out for fishing access.
What kind of walking or hiking trails are available near the lakes?
Many lakes offer pleasant walking opportunities. For instance, Moutiers Pond has well-laid paths around its banks, perfect for a nice walk. La Ballastière also features trails. For more extensive hiking, you can explore routes like the easy 'Racine Bridge – La Cure loop from Gouloux' or the moderate 'The 3 Bridges Loop Trail' which are part of the broader hiking guides in Yonne.
Are there any significant man-made structures or historical sites near the lakes?
The Crescent Dam is a notable man-made monument. Built between 1929 and 1932, this gravity dam is 330 meters long and 37 meters high. It was constructed to regulate the Yonne and Seine rivers and produce electricity, with its mechanisms partly financed by war reparations. The dam occupies four municipalities and two departments.
What are some good viewpoints over the lakes in Yonne?
The Lac du Bourdon Beach offers a great view over Lac du Bourdon. The Junction of the Canal du Nivernais and the Yonne also provides scenic viewpoints where you can observe the river up close. Additionally, Around the Ponds is listed as a viewpoint.
What kind of facilities can I expect at the lakes?
At Lac du Bourdon Beach, you'll find a gastronomic offer during the main season, a large picnic area, and the possibility to rent pedal boats. There's also a large municipal campsite nearby. Lac de Toucy and Camping des Quatre Merlettes also offers facilities, including a campsite.
Are there cycling routes near the lakes in Yonne?
Yes, the region offers cycling opportunities. The Junction of the Canal du Nivernais and the Yonne is part of a cycle way. For gravel biking, you can explore routes like the 'Canal de Bourgogne at Tanlay – Château de Tanlay loop' or the 'Paul Bert Bridge – Island of Pleasures, Auxerre loop' which are detailed in the Gravel biking in Yonne guide.
What is the best time to visit the lakes in Yonne?
The summer months are ideal for visiting the lakes, especially for activities like swimming at Lac du Bourdon Beach, where the water is not too cold and the beach is monitored. The main season also brings gastronomic offers and other facilities to some lake areas. Spring and autumn offer pleasant conditions for walking and exploring the natural landscapes.
Are there any lakes with parking access in Yonne?
Yes, some lakes provide parking access. La Ballastière is noted as having parking available, making it convenient for visitors.
What natural features can I expect to see around the lakes?
The lakes in Yonne are set amidst diverse natural landscapes. You can find sandy beaches like at Lac du Bourdon Beach, and forested areas surrounding lakes such as Moutiers Pond and La Ballastière. The region is also characterized by its rivers and canals, notably at the Junction of the Canal du Nivernais and the Yonne, offering opportunities to observe river ecosystems.
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Still not found your perfect lake in Yonne? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.
