The sound of the ocean waves and the lively atmosphere of the pine forest at Flower Camping Au Bois des Biches invite you to unwind. But what if you fancied a different kind of adventure, a peaceful outing in the heart of nature? Just 23 km from our campsite, you can enjoy Lac du Jaunay, which stretches over 114 hectares and almost 8 km in length. Spend a day exploring and enjoying outdoor activities on the shores and around Lac du Jaunay! Book your stay now!
Lac du Jaunay, a beautiful blend of nature and history
Did you know that Lac du Jaunay is only 40 years old? It is actually a drinking water reservoir, created in the 1970s thanks to a dam built in the commune of Landevieille. It is fed by the River Jaunay, which rises in Venansault, 17 km away.
It is a protected natural area that spreads across the communes of La Chapelle-Hermier, Saint-Julien-des-Landes and Landevieille. Historically, it was designed as a water reserve for the region, while also helping to control flooding and irrigate the surrounding farmland.
Please note: some water activities are regulated here. To protect the water quality, swimming and boats with combustion engines are not allowed.
Lake trails: a walk for everyone
For walkers and cyclists, Lac du Jaunay is an exceptional place to explore, with more than 230 km of trails. Be sure to pick up the tourist map, available free of charge from the Pays des Achards tourist office, to help you choose your route.
Walking routes
Lac du Jaunay offers a wide choice of routes starting from La Chapelle-Hermier, 25 km from our campsite.
- The full lake circuit: a perfect walk if you fancy a good dose of fresh air. The route follows the shoreline and crosses the bocage countryside.
- Distance: 12.16 km
- Average time: 3h 40
- Elevation gain: +54 m
- Difficulty: easy
- The Sentier du Pré: for a shorter outing or a family stroll, this trail is a great choice. This waymarked route is ideal for enjoying nature without any major difficulties.
- Distance: 4 km
- Average time: 1h
- Difficulty: easy
Cycling routes
Cycling around Lac du Jaunay is a great way to discover different landscapes.
- Mountain bike route no. 1 (blue): this trail is a discovery loop along easy-riding tracks and quiet country lanes. It’s a relaxed way for families and beginners to enjoy the fresh air and the countryside.
- Distance: 12 km
- Average time: 1h 10
- Elevation gain: +83 m
- Difficulty: easy
- Mountain bike route no. 4 (red): for more experienced cyclists, this route is a real challenge. This long ride takes you into the heart of the Vendée landscape, through forests and bocage countryside.
- Distance: 58 km
- Average time: 4h 30
- Elevation gain: +256 m
- Difficulty: moderate
Our tip: the paths are generally well maintained, but they can get muddy after rain, so bring suitable footwear!
Running: between lake and hills
Do you enjoy running, whether on your own or with a group? Lac du Jaunay is an ideal spot for your training. It is one of the must-visit places in the Pays des Achards for trail and nature running in the Vendée.
A full circuit of the lake awaits you, with a 12 km route for a sporting challenge, with an elevation gain of 250 metres. If you prefer a shorter distance, smaller loops are available, such as the east loop (5 km) or the west loop (8 km).
Runners’ feedback: some runners find that the most challenging part of the route is the stretch between the Savarière dam and the Pré, but the view from the Belvédère more than makes up for the effort!
Fishing: a peaceful spot by the water
Lac du Jaunay is particularly popular with anglers for its peace and quiet and its abundance of fish. It is home to a wide variety of predatory fish, such as pike and zander, as well as other species including carp, tench, bream and perch.
Our tip: a fishing permit is compulsory for fishing at the lake. You can get one from the Pays des Achards tourist office. There are fishing spots on both the right and left banks of the lake.
The waters of the Jaunay: a playground for water activities
Although swimming and motorboats are not allowed, the waters of the Jaunay are a pleasant place for non-motorised water sports and leisure. You can go canoeing, kayaking or pedalo boating.
If you would like to hire equipment, you can contact several providers, such as Les Canoës du Jaunay (Base de la Baudrière, 85150 Saint-Julien-des-Landes) or Canoë Vendée (La Servantière, left bank of Lac du Jaunay, 85220 Landevieille).
End your adventure on a high by the lake
After a hike, a kayak trip or a spot of fishing, there’s nothing like a rest and a chance to recharge at one of the picnic areas around the lake. The Ouches du Jaunay (Allée des Ouches, 85150 Martinet) and Le Pré (Lieu-dit Le Pré,85220 La Chapelle-Hermier) areas are shaded and equipped with tables, making them ideal for a lunch or an afternoon snack.
Access and parking: the picnic areas are free to use, and there is usually parking nearby.
Ready to leave the beaches of Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie behind for a day and try something different? Lac du Jaunay invites you to escape and reconnect with nature. Why wait? Start planning your day out.
