Top 5 Lakes around Avrillé
Best lakes around Avrillé, France, are characterized by diverse water bodies and green spaces, offering various outdoor experiences. The commune is situated near Angers, providing access to larger recreational lakes alongside local ponds. The area features both natural and artificial water features, integrated into parks and natural environments. These lakes serve as focal points for recreation, nature observation, and relaxation.
Best lakes around Avrillé
- The most popular lakes is Lake Maine, a lake that serves as a leisure park in Angers, offering numerous walking trails. It is a major recreational hub with extensive opportunities for activities like swimming, sailing, and cycling.
- Another must-see spot is Lac de Maine Leisure Park, a trail and lake covering 220 hectares. This park provides a variety of activities for all ages, including swimming, fishing, and bird watching, and is home to over 200 species of plants and animals.
- Visitors also love Étang Saint-Nicolas, a lake and forest area. This pond is part of a large park system covering over 112 hectares, offering varied natural landscapes and a 5 to 7.7 kilometer trail for walks and hikes.
- Avrillé is known for recreational lakes, artificial ponds, and former quarry lakes. The variety of lakes provides opportunities for activities such as swimming, hiking, birdwatching, and picnicking.
- The lakes around Avrillé are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 250 upvotes and 15 photos shared across the highlights.
Last updated: June 22, 2026
Lake Maine
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Lac de Maine Leisure Park
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Parc St Nicolas
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Étang Saint-Nicolas
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Ardoisières Lake
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Tips from the Community
The Ardoisières park is the result of the redevelopment of a former slate quarry. Today, the vegetation has regained its place.
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Lac de Maine is a leisure park in the city of Angers. it has many walking trails.
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The Lac de Maine leisure park covers 220 hectares and was created in the 1970s on the site of former floodplains. It offers a variety of activities for all ages and tastes. You can also discover the rich biodiversity of the park, which is home to more than 200 species of plants and animals. The perfect place to run.
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Saint-Nicolas Park is a green setting that extends over more than 112 hectares and offers a variety of landscapes and ecosystems to discover. You can run along the panoramic lake, admire the diversity of fauna and flora, or discover the historical and cultural heritage of the site. The Saint-Nicolas parks are the ideal place to reconnect with nature and get some fresh air.
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The Lac de Maine Leisure Park covers 220 hectares and was created in the 1970s on the site of former floodplains. It offers a variety of activities for all ages and tastes, such as swimming, sailing, fishing, bird watching, hiking and picnicking. You can also explore the park's rich biodiversity, which is home to over 200 species of plants and animals. The park is easily accessible from the city center, on foot or by bus. Whether you want to relax, have fun or learn more about nature, the Lac de Maine Leisure Park is an ideal destination for a hike.
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Saint-Nicolas Park is a green oasis that covers more than 112 hectares and offers a variety of landscapes and ecosystems to explore. You can walk along the panoramic lake, admire the diversity of flora and fauna, or discover the historical and cultural heritage of the site. The Saint-Nicolas Parks are the ideal place to reconnect with nature and get some fresh air.
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You can discover the Saint-Nicolas Pond by following the wooded path which runs along both banks of the artificial lake. With a length of 5 to 7.7 kilometers, this trail offers varied natural landscapes: forests, meadows and dry moors. You can also enjoy views of Charlemont Fortress, a 16th century stronghold built by Emperor Charles V. The Etang Saint-Nicolas is a historic site that dates back to the 10th century, when it was created by Count Foulques Nerra to supply water to the nearby Abbey of Saint-Nicolas. You can access the Étang Saint-Nicolas on foot from the town of Angers, or by car from the nearby car park. You can also take a boat cruise on the Maine to see the pond from another perspective.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What outdoor activities can I enjoy at the lakes around Avrillé?
The lakes near Avrillé offer a variety of outdoor activities. At Lake Maine, you can enjoy supervised swimming, sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding, along with extensive trails for hiking and cycling. Étang Saint-Nicolas is excellent for walks and hikes, with a 7.8 km loop, and is popular for fishing and birdwatching. The Parc des Poumons Verts features an outdoor fitness trail and a pleasant pond for children. For more structured outdoor adventures, you can explore various hiking, mountain biking, and running trails in the wider Avrillé area.
Are there family-friendly lakes near Avrillé?
Yes, several lakes are well-suited for families. The Lac de Maine Leisure Park offers playgrounds, picnic areas, and a beach, alongside activities like swimming and birdwatching. Étang Saint-Nicolas, part of a large park system, includes the Parc de la Haye with a playground and animal enclosures featuring deer and goats, making it ideal for family outings. The pond in Parc des Poumons Verts in Avrillé also provides a pleasant, shaded spot with picnic tables and ducks, popular with children.
Where can I go for a walk or hike around the lakes?
For walks and hikes, Étang Saint-Nicolas offers a scenic 7.8 km loop through varied natural landscapes including forests, meadows, and heathlands. Lake Maine also features numerous trails for walking and cycling within its 220-hectare park. You can find more detailed routes and options in the Hiking around Avrillé guide, which includes trails like the Parc St Nicolas loop.
Can I swim in the lakes near Avrillé?
Supervised swimming is available at Lake Maine, which has a dedicated beach area. However, it's crucial to note that Lac Bleu, a former slate quarry lake in Avrillé, is not suitable for recreational activities or swimming due to the presence of submerged munitions from past wars. Safety perimeters are often enforced there.
What kind of wildlife can I observe at the lakes?
The lakes are rich in biodiversity. Étang Saint-Nicolas is known for its diverse bird species, including aquatic birds, passerines, and woodpeckers. The Lac de Maine Leisure Park is home to over 200 species of plants and animals, making it an excellent spot for birdwatching, with organized outings often available to explore its natural environment.
Are there any historical sites or points of interest near the lakes?
Yes, Étang Saint-Nicolas has historical significance, dating back to the 10th century when it was created by Count Foulques Nerra. While walking its trails, you can also enjoy views of Charlemont Fortress, a 16th-century stronghold. The Ardoisières Lake is also a former slate quarry, now redeveloped into a park, showcasing the region's industrial past.
How can I access the lakes using public transport?
The Lac de Maine Leisure Park is easily accessible from the Angers city center by bus. Étang Saint-Nicolas can be reached on foot from Angers or by car to nearby car parks. For specific routes and schedules, it's best to check local public transport information for Angers and Avrillé.
Are the lakes dog-friendly?
While specific rules for each lake can vary, many natural areas around Avrillé, including parts of the parks surrounding the lakes, generally welcome dogs, often requiring them to be on a leash. It's always advisable to check local signage at each specific park or lake for the most current regulations regarding pets.
What is the 'Sentier Aprilis' and where can I find it?
The 'Sentier Aprilis' is a green loop trail within Avrillé that allows you to explore the town's neighborhoods and parks. The pond in Parc des Poumons Verts is part of this trail, offering a pleasant, shaded stop. You can find more information about the Sentier Aprilis on the Anjou Tourisme website: anjou-tourisme.com.
Are there facilities like cafes or picnic areas near the lakes?
Yes, the Lac de Maine Leisure Park is well-equipped with picnic areas and a beach. The Parc des Poumons Verts in Avrillé also provides picnic tables. While specific cafes might not be directly on the lake shores, the proximity to Angers and Avrillé means you'll find various dining options a short distance away.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes around Avrillé?
The lakes are enjoyable year-round, but spring and summer are particularly popular for water activities, picnics, and enjoying the lush greenery. Autumn offers beautiful foliage for walks, and even winter can be pleasant for quiet strolls, especially around Étang Saint-Nicolas, which is part of a large park system.
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