Between Mûr-de-Bretagne and Bon Repos abbey, Guerlédan lake unfolds its woody shores in inland Brittany. This magnificent lake, formed by the construction of a hydro-electric dam, is nestled in the vast Quénécan forest. A paradise for fans of green tourism!
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Discover Guerlédan Lake and the Nantes-Brest canal
Formed by the Blavet, this immense artificial lake has a surface area of 4 km2, contains 52 million m3 of water and is 12 km long. Created to feed the Guerlédan dam, it has covered a former slate valley since 1930. Its construction involved the disappearance of the locks along the Nantes-Brest canal. Since then, the waterway has been split into two sections. With its tree-lined coves, its walking paths and views, it is one of the most beautiful sites in inland Brittany.
The shores, beaches and water sports centres offer excellent departure points for kayaking, sailing, pedalo or water skiing on the lake. Lucky anglers might bring back pike or pike-perch. A trail goes all the way around the lake. It takes a good two days of walking to complete it. A lovely walk, sporty in parts, leads to the shale ridges and the covered alleyways of Landes de Liscuis Another path goes to Gorges de Daoulas, a narrow and wild valley whose slopes are lined with rocky cliffs. In the forest, there are many marked bridleways and mountain bike trails.
Did you know
Bon-Repos: and then there was light
Since 1184, the Cistercian abbey of Bon-Repos has lost nothing of its majesty: volunteer craftspeople are restoring the splendour of its impressive remains. In August, a grandiose Sound and Light show spotlights its history and architecture in a magical two-hour show.
The secrets of great energy and the treasure of the steel industry
Built from 1923 to 1930, the lake dam took an enormous amount of work! With a height of 45 metres and a length of 206 metres, this monument standing on the Blavet produces 20 GWh of electricity per year. A roundabout with a viewpoint overlooks the dam, providing a wonderful view of the water. Still close to the lake, tucked in a valley, nestles the hamlet of Forges-des-Salles with its 40 buildings, one of the oldest steel industry sites in Brittany. Since activity stopped in 1880, the school, the pay office, the canteen and the joinery shop have been converted to show their original functions. It’s an amazing visit.
