One might think that Brittany knows only the sea to navigate. Even if the regional coastline is particularly beautiful, the lakes and waterways of this territory are for the most part navigable and welcoming.
This is the case of the Etang de Boulet, located about thirty kilometers from Saint-Malo.
This medium-sized lake (153 hectares) is the largest in the department. Natural, it was enlarged in 1828 to regulate the water supply of the canal of Ille et Rance.
Classified as a Natura 2000 zone, the Boulet pond is a family water body. Only one campsite and one nautical station offer their services to vacationers and boaters.
Preserved nature
Preservation of the environment is a priority on this lake. The 6.2 kilometer hiking trail around the lake is made of dirt, making it impassable during rainy periods.
Two parking areas ( free of charge ) are available for cars. The most important one is located in the immediate vicinity of the campsite, the other one at the level of the slipway.
If some helpdesks ( bread, ice cream ) are available at the sailing club store, most of the services are available in Montreuil-sur-Ille ( 5 kilometers from the lake ).
Multiple activities on the water
Open from March to November, the nautical club of the Etang de Boulet proposes to rent catamarans, dinghies, sailboats, kayaks, pedal boats, paddle boats and fishing boats.
They are Guillaume Bodin ( sailing instructor ) and his colleague Morgane Jehan ( site management assistant ) that present it: " In summer, the bathing is supervised by beach attendants. We take care of the water quality. By the way, because the lake is not dangerous for swimming, the flags here indicate the quality of the water. Green means that the water quality is excellent and red means that swimming is not allowed "Morgane begins.
Morgane continues, " The cafeteria is open all week in summer. It offers small meals and non-alcoholic drinks. The whole is managed by the community of communes, the choice was made not to propose alcoholic drinks. "
The paramunicipal structure is in charge of the management of the lake, the rentals, the camping and the reception of the tourists. It is a way to keep the control of the destiny of the lake.
A place to fall back to in case of bad weather at sea
The sailing instructor speaks up and explains: " The Etang de Boulet is often a place of retreat when, in summer, the sea is not good enough to practice light sailing. Those who have a transportable boat come here because they find the wind of the sea without its harshness. We are only half an hour from the coast, which is an undeniable advantage "explains the boater.
In Boulet, the pontoon ( adjacent to the nautical base ) is reserved for the users of this base. Boaters are not allowed to dock there. Guillaume explains: " We have many recreational users and it would be too complicated to manage both boaters and tourists. "
" Boulet's advantage "adds Guillaume " is its gently sloping bottom. One can easily run aground without taking any risk "he adds.
The Bas Val boat launch, located on the southwest shore of Boulet Pond, has free parking. Its use is free. It does not present any particular difficulty except that it is very much used in summer, so we ask users to be civic-minded, once the boat is launched, to leave the place to the following ones " remind the guides.
Local tips and tricks
The navigation on the pond of Boulet is free and without constraint. " You can sleep on your boat at anchor. The access to the water is free "explains Morgane Jehan.
In Boulet, no engine noise: " The lake is Natura 2000. The only authorized motorizations are electric, including for the boats of fishermen "she adds. In fact, the lack of fuel nearby is not a handicap for this Breton water body.
" Sailing on the lake is more technical than you think "explains Guillaume. " We have many trees, which creates an interesting site effect. And the proximity of the sea creates thermals at the end of the day, which you have to plan to have fun " adds the instructor.
Guillaume continues " We have many windsurfers on the pond. They come to take advantage of the two edges that are there almost permanently. Powered by a west wind, they start from the beach and cross the lake in its greatest length "explains the specialist.
At its deepest point, the lake has a depth of 6 meters. In principle, therefore, all boats can come to the Boulet pond. " Be careful though, the access to the slipway is via a path, so a trailer that is too heavy will have trouble maneuvering "warns Morgane. This doesn't prevent us from coming across 420s, lasers and traditional sailing boats on the water.
Finally, in summer, according to both " the beach is crowded, it's better to come early if you hope to have a calm launch. "
The guide's advice
" I could never do without the view from the terrace of the yacht club " explains Morgane. " It is different every day, depending on the weather, wind or sunshine, we will go from a fiery orange sky to shades of pink and fuchsia overnight. In the summer, sitting on the terrace and watching the sun go down is one of my favorite activities ." So much for the earthly view.
On the water, it is Guillaume who has some advice to give: " Take a boat that is easy to launch, as there is no crane on site. Beware of wind changes once on the pond, as they are fast and surprising "he adds.
The sailing instructor reveals his favorite spot: " On Wednesdays, the kids and I go to the wild beach in front of the sailing club. Covered with grass, it offers a particularly pleasant view of the lake while providing a perfect place to have a picnic or a snack. "
