Top 10 Lakes around Saint-Martin-Du-Tertre

The lakes around Saint-Martin-du-Tertre are nestled within the serene Forest of Carnelle, offering a rich natural environment. You'll find ancient oaks, beeches, and chestnut trees, especially around The Blue Lake of Carnelle. The lakes themselves are former marl and gypsum quarries, contributing to their unique deep blue hues on sunny days. The region's elevated position, known as the "Balcony of Île-de-France," also provides expansive views over distant landscapes.

The Blue Lake of Carnelle is renowned for its striking deep blue color, which comes from the gypsum and marl rock at its bottom. This natural monument, located in the heart of the Carnelle Forest, is a former quarry and offers a picturesque setting with surrounding oaks, beeches, and chestnut trees, making it a feast for the eyes.

Le Petit Étang de Carnelle is an artificial pond, also a former marl quarry, situated peacefully within the Carnelle Forest. It's a popular spot for gentle recreation, ideal for running loops around its 1.3-hectare surface or observing local fishermen. Its depth, ranging from 20 to 30 meters, adds to its tranquil atmosphere.

No, swimming is prohibited in both The Blue Lake of Carnelle and Le Petit Étang de Carnelle due to their significant depth (20 to 30 meters) and their origin as former quarries. These lakes are primarily for fishing, peaceful strolls, and enjoying the natural scenery.

The lakes and the surrounding Forest of Carnelle are perfect for various outdoor activities. Visitors enjoy peaceful strolls, jogging, horse riding, and fishing. Picnic facilities are also available for a relaxing meal amidst nature. The area is also accessible via the renowned GR1 long-distance hiking trail.

Yes, there are several hiking trails around the lakes. You can find easy to moderate routes, such as the "Le Petit Étang de Carnelle – Carnelle's Blue Lake loop" or "The Blue Lake – Lac Bleu loop." These trails offer excellent opportunities to explore the Forest of Carnelle. For more details and routes, visit our Hiking around Saint-Martin-Du-Tertre guide.

Absolutely. Both The Blue Lake of Carnelle and Le Petit Étang de Carnelle are considered family-friendly spots. They offer peaceful environments for walks, picnics, and gentle recreation. The surrounding forest provides a safe and beautiful setting for children and adults alike to enjoy nature.

The trails around the lakes in the Forest of Carnelle vary in difficulty. Many popular loops, such as those connecting Le Petit Étang de Carnelle and The Blue Lake, are rated as easy to moderate, making them accessible for most visitors. You can find detailed difficulty ratings in our Hiking around Saint-Martin-Du-Tertre guide.

Yes, beyond the natural beauty, you can explore historical sites. The Pond and Château de la Chasse, located in the Montmorency forest, offers a pleasant break with notable architecture and a peaceful setting. Another significant site is Royaumont Abbey, a historical site with beautiful parks and a lake, offering a refreshing sight.

The lakes around Saint-Martin-du-Tertre are beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn offer particularly pleasant conditions for outdoor activities. Spring brings lush greenery and blooming flora, while autumn showcases vibrant foliage. Sunny days are ideal for experiencing the deep blue color of The Blue Lake of Carnelle.

Yes, both The Blue Lake of Carnelle and Le Petit Étang de Carnelle are popular fishing spots. While swimming is prohibited, many visitors enjoy the tranquility of fishing in these deep, former quarry lakes.

The Forest of Carnelle and its lakes are generally welcoming for dogs, making it a great place for walks with your canine companion. However, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash, especially in protected natural areas, and to clean up after them to preserve the natural environment for everyone.

The region around Saint-Martin-du-Tertre offers various cycling opportunities. You can find routes for road cycling and gravel biking that pass through the scenic landscapes near the lakes and the Forest of Carnelle. For detailed routes and difficulty levels, explore our Road Cycling Routes around Saint-Martin-Du-Tertre and Gravel biking around Saint-Martin-Du-Tertre guides.