Swimming, walking, picnicking: the lakes and waterways of the Loire Valley are ideal for spending time with the family. Here are some of the best places to relax when the sun comes out. 

LAKES, WATERWAYS AND LEISURE PARKS IN THE LOIRE VALLEY 

Lakes and waterways are an integral part of the natural landscape in the Loire Valley. They are also ideal for walkers and swimmers, who can enjoy the peaceful, quiet surroundings. These specially equipped areas are often supervised in summer, and sometimes even offer activities. 

C. Mouton – ADRT 45
Enfants jouant au ballon dans l'eau et sur un paddle à l'étang de la Vallée à Combreux

This is the case in our wooded areas, where you can swim, go for a walk, go fishing or take part in water sports, like at the Etang de la Vallée, in Combreux, in the heart of the Orléans forest. And for a swim in the river, head to Ile-Bouchard. 

In summer, there is supervised swimming in the Vienne river. The area is ideal for enjoying the water. 

In Chalette-sur-Loing, a lake has been developed on what was once a quarry. It has now become the Chalette-sur-Loing leisure park. Near Tours, in Château-la-Vallière, you will find the Lac Joyeux leisure park, where you can enjoy a pedal-boat ride or a fitness trail. 

Ville de Chalette-sur-Loing
Famille à la plage en bord d'un étang

A NATURAL SWIMMING POOL 

Familles en train de se baigner à la baignade naturelle du Grand Chambord
Baignade naturelle du Grand Chambord

Situated a fifteen-minute drive from the famous Château de Chambord, the Grand Chambord natural swimming area is the ideal place to take a dip. 

  

Why natural? Because its crystal-clear water is constantly circulating from the swimming pool to the filtration basin, filled with aquatic plants. 

  

This 2,000 m² water park has been designed for everyone (water depth varies from 20 cm to 1.60 m). Its grassy banks blend in perfectly with the landscape. 

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