In this article:
- The must-visit swimming spots in Anjou
- Other leisure centres and bodies of water for swimming in Maine-et-Loire
- Less well-known swimming spots in Anjou
- Campsites in Maine-et-Loire near swimming spots
- Useful tips
Must-visit swimming spots in Anjou
From developed beaches to natural areas, these spots are among the must-visit places for swimming in Maine-et-Loire.
Lake Maine – Angers
Just five minutes from Angers city centre, lake Maine is one of the main leisure areas in the Angers conurbation. This vast 220-hectare natural site features two pools for a refreshing dip, as well as a 130-metre swimming lane. Lifeguards are on duty in June, July and August, with supervision times varying depending on the period.
Open all year round free of charge, Lac de Maine also offers a range of water sports and activities, such as sailing, windsurfing, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking, provided you bring your own equipment.
The Île Millocheau lake – Saumur
Situated on the Saumur island, on the banks of the Loire and opposite the town, the Millocheau water sports and leisure centre offers a pleasant setting for swimming in summer. This semi-natural site features a beach, shaded areas, sun loungers and parasols. Swimming is supervised here in July and August from 1.30 pm to 8 pm. Water sports such as sailing, stand-up paddleboarding and canoeing and kayaking round off the range of leisure activities on offer.
Parc des Sablières – Écouflant
Just a stone’s throw from Angers, the Sablières park is a popular spot for families to cool off in summer. Its lake, fine sandy beach and natural surroundings provide a pleasant setting for enjoying the water. Lifeguards are on duty from late June to late August, with different timings on weekdays and at weekends. Outside these times, swimming is at users’ own risk.
Parc de Loisirs de l’Étang – Brissac Loire Aubance
Located between Angers and Saumur, the Parc de loisirs de l’Étang offers a space for relaxation and fun in a leafy setting covering over 4 hectares. With its wide range of activities and games for all ages, it is an ideal destination for a day out with family or friends. Swimming is a key part of the leisure activities on offer, with a supervised area available in the afternoons from June onwards. You can also enjoy the water slide and the paddling pool for little ones. There is an admission charge for the leisure park.
Coulvée Leisure Centre – Chemillé-en-Anjou
Situated on the banks of the lake, the Coulvée leisure centre features a beach area where visitors can cool off in summer. Lifeguards are on duty in July and August (except on Mondays). The site also offers visitors the chance to explore the lake by hiring stand-up paddleboards or pedalos. Find out more.
Parc Saint-Blaise – Noyant-la-Gravoyère (Segré-en-Anjou Bleu)
Just a stone’s throw from the Mine Bleue, Saint-Blaise Park offers a unique natural setting for enjoying the water in Anjou. Set in a former iron ore quarry, its developed beach borders a pond nestled in the valley, renowned for the clarity of its water. Lifeguards are on duty in July and August. The site also offers leisure activities such as stand-up paddleboarding and mini-golf
Other leisure centres and lakes for swimming in Maine-et-Loire
As well as the best-known spots, Anjou boasts numerous leisure centres and developed lakes where you can enjoy swimming in pleasant surroundings.
Malagué Lake Leisure Centre – Jarzé Villages
Set amidst lush greenery, the Malagué Lake Leisure Centre welcomes visitors near Angers. Open throughout the summer, swimming is supervised in the afternoons only during certain periods in 2026: from 15 to 24 July and from 11 to 30 August. Outside these times, swimming is permitted at users’ own risk. Find out more.
Les Prés Naiteaux Lake – Montilliers
In the Choletais region, the Prés Naiteaux area in Montilliers offers a pleasant spot to enjoy a refreshing break in summer, in a peaceful, shaded natural setting. Swimming is permitted there with lifeguard supervision during certain periods in July 2026. Outside these times, swimming remains available at the swimmers’ own risk.
Fontaine de Boisdon lake – Saint-Paul-du-Bois
Also situated in the Choletais region, the Fontaine de Boisdon lake offers natural swimming in a preserved environment. Lifeguards are on duty from early July to mid-August, except on Tuesdays. Outside this period and the scheduled times, swimming is still permitted at the users’ own risk.
Combrée Lake – Ombrée d’Anjou
The Combrée leisure area features a sandy beach and supervised swimming every afternoon in July and August. An ideal spot for the whole family to cool off in the heart of the Anjou Bleu.
Saint-Aubin Pond – Pouancé (Ombrée d’Anjou)
On the edge of Brittany, near the medieval castle of Pouancé, Saint-Aubin Pond is the largest of the ponds around the village. Situated within the Anjou Sport Nature leisure centre, its well-maintained beach welcomes bathers in summer, with supervised swimming in July and August. The site also offers water sports and recreational activities such as pedalos, canoeing and kayaking, as well as a water park with inflatable structures on the lake.
Petit Anjou Lake, Le Louroux Plage – Val d’Erdre-Auxence
On the shores of the Petit Anjou lake in Le Louroux-Béconnais, the Petit Anjou leisure centre welcomes visitors in summer with Le Louroux Plage, a designated beach offering supervised swimming every afternoon in July and August.
Grézillé Lake – Gennes-Val-de-Loire
With its sandy beach and shaded areas, the Grézillé lake is a popular spot for families. Swimming is permitted and supervised in July and August, every day except Mondays.
La Barbotine Lake – Montrevault-sur-Èvre
In the pottery village of Le Fuilet, between Angers, Nantes and Cholet, the Barbotine lake is nestled in wooded surroundings. Its sandy beach and lawns invite you to enjoy a refreshing break in the heart of the Mauges. Swimming is permitted but unsupervised.
Less well-known swimming spots in Anjou
Away from the major bathing spots and the busiest leisure centres, Anjou also offers a few more secluded spots where you can enjoy the water in a natural and peaceful setting.
Le Port – Villevêque (Rives-du-Loir-en-Anjou)
On the banks of the Loir, near the Villevêque mill, the natural beach at Le Port is a popular spot for a peaceful swim in the river. Renowned for its tranquillity and the quality of the Loir’s water, the site is lifeguard-supervised in July and August, except on Mondays.
The Louet – Rochefort-sur-Loire
The Louet, one of the tributaries of the Loire that flows through Anjou, offers a natural setting for a swim in the river. In Rochefort-sur-Loire, its beach offers calm waters that are particularly popular in summer, though there is no lifeguard on duty. Nearby, the ‘Les Plages de Loire’ outdoor activity centre offers canoe hire, amongst other activities.
Marigné Lake – Les Hauts-d’Anjou
In the Anjou Bleu region, in the heart of the village of Marigné, the lake boasts a small, secluded beach set in a natural, wooded setting. This intimate spot is ideal for enjoying a refreshing break in peaceful surroundings. Lifeguards are on duty in July and August, except on Mondays. Outside these times, swimming is not permitted.
Campsites in Maine-et-Loire near swimming spots
With over 60 campsites in Maine-et-Loire, it’s easy to find accommodation to enjoy the department’s lakes, lakes and developed beaches. Some campsites offer quick access to swimming spots, such as Lac de Maine in Angers or the leisure areas around Brissac Loire Aubance and Saumur.
The Angers – Lac de Maine**** campsite is situated 850 metres from Lac de Maine. This means you can easily reach the beach and enjoy the lake’s water sports.
Near Brissac Loire Aubance, two campsites also offer easy access to the Parc de l’Étang leisure park. The L’Étang**** campsite, situated 200 metres from the leisure park, provides particularly convenient access to the beach and swimming. The Parc de Montsabert****, situated around 10 km away, is another option for staying in the area and easily reaching this leisure centre.
Near Saumur, the Huttopia Saumur**** campsite and the Domaine de la Brèche***** allow you to explore the Île Millocheau lake, situated about ten kilometres away. A great option for combining a camping holiday with exploring Saumur’s heritage and swimming on the banks of the Loire.
Useful tips for swimming in Maine-et-Loire
Before heading to a swimming spot in Maine-et-Loire, remember to check access conditions, lifeguard duty times and water quality, which may vary depending on the time of year and weather conditions. At supervised beaches and lakes, follow the lifeguards’ instructions to enjoy the water safely. At unsupervised sites, take extra care, particularly with children.
Finally, to preserve these natural areas, please respect the environment, take your rubbish away with you and follow any restrictions that may be in place.
During the summer months, the most popular sites can get very busy, particularly at weekends and during heatwaves. To enjoy a quieter experience, head out in the morning or choose lesser-known spots.