According to the texts, it is in the XIIth century that monks would have dug, for the account of the dukes of Brittany, the lac au Duc. The first use of this artificial body of water seems to be to operate two flour mills.
With its 250 hectares, the Lac au Duc - also called duke's pond in reference to its history - is one of the largest in Brittany. And, above all, sheltered from the coastal winds and the swirls of the Atlantic Ocean, it allows boaters to practice their favorite activities in safety all year round.
Located on the Yvel river, it joins the Nantes-Brest canal a few kilometers south of Ploërmel and constitutes both a drinking water reserve for several cantons and a leisure site open all year round.
Land of tales and wildlife
5.5 kilometers long and 500 to 900 meters wide, the Lac au Duc is home to insects, otters, frogs and deer in its depths and on its banks. Its waters are a paradise for fishermen who consider the Lac au Duc as one of the best fishing sites in France. A carp of 21 kg is part of the record catches on the lake!
But the waters of the lake of Ploërmel conceal many mysteries, such as the vouivre, monster of the marshes that would have in its time tamed by the monk Armel, inspiring many tales. In the evening, at sunset, it is even said that a dragon comes to envy the activities of the many visitors of the lake.
A nautical base open all year round during
Gilles Renault, the base manager of the nautical club of Ploërmel Brocéliande, presents the stretch of water on which, since 1959, his structure proposes, twelve months out of twelve, sailing, water skiing, kayaking, paddle, pedal boat & electric boats, catamaran, dinghy and miniji for the practice of the sport handivoile. It is also one of the rare water skiing slalom spots in France.
Within the structure, the practice can be done either alone (renting a boat), or accompanied, in the form of courses given collectively or individually. With a method " discovery "In the course of one to three days, participants will test different media to discover which one they like best.
Limited tourist offer but of quality in a preserved environment
Gilles explains, " There is a large playground for children where the water sports center is located. The beach is equipped but not supervised. A playground complex is available for free access and offers two tennis courts, two badminton courts, a weight training area, two beach volleyball courts and two beach-badminton courts. Finally, for the younger ones, trampolines and an inflatable playground are available. "An offer of activities that does not suffer from overconstruction or an overly present offer of accommodation.
Two campgrounds, the only hotel-restaurant around the lake and the recent constructions - subdivision - are all hidden behind a wood. " This makes it feel like you are in the middle of nature almost everywhere on the lake "explains the base manager.
" Beautiful walks are possible on the lake shore " explains the director. " The 12-km walk around the lake can be done on foot or by bicycle, but is not accessible to people with reduced mobility. The Hydrangea Trail is a more modest 2 km long trail with over 100 different species of hydrangea. It is fully accessible to people with reduced mobility
In short, the Lac au Duc is a peaceful and natural lake, ideal for rest and sport!
Limited motorboats
Navigation is free on the lake, which has two boat slips and a pontoon reserved for the yacht club during the high season. It is possible and permitted to navigate by night as well as by day, by displaying the regulation lights. And by providing what it is necessary to remain motionless, because there is neither anchorage nor mooring on the Lac au Duc.
Unusually, parking for both cars and trailers is located close to these boat ramps and is free.
Finally, motorboats are limited to 6 CVS on the waters of the Lac au Duc, offering to all the practitioners the possibility of remaining in safety.
Those who need it can refuel at the supermarket located only four kilometers away from the lake, in Ploërmel.
All these practices are marked. And the navigation maps are available free of charge from the sailing club, which does not practice no security watch by VHF .
In the event of an accident, therefore, it is by calling the 112 or 18 from any telephone that it will be necessary to trigger the rescue. At the same time, it is advisable to alert the people present in the yacht club who, as " seafarers "know the importance of time in the event of an accident on the water.
Finally, the lake is considered private property, so there is no arming requirement. " This does not preclude caution and common sense "adds the base manager.
An open and fun water area
" The lake is very open, it is a very good place for sailing and paddle "explains Gilles. " If the maximum depth is 5 meters in the middle, the bottom is gently sloping, so it is unimaginable to put an imposing keelboat on the waters of Lac au Duc "he adds.
Located at only 63 meters above sea level, the lake is, as Gilles explains " ideal in case of a fight at sea ".
However, the wind patterns are steady and predictable. " In autumn, southwest wind. In spring, north wind. "adds the manager. Still not as strong as on the coasts, the Atlantic winds are first slowed down by the Arrée Mountains, located about a hundred kilometers west of the lake. " This can sometimes cause instabilities, these are surprising winds that can sometimes appear and disappear depending on the pressure. The barometer is the essential accessory on the Lac au Duc "concludes Gilles.
" Caution should be exercised in the area of stunts "alert the connoisseur" they generate quite strong currents, it is better to keep a good distance ".
" It is important to come to the sailing club before going on the water, if only to identify the different practice areas, the potentially dangerous places and those not to be missed "insists the base manager.
Wildlife and navigation in the calm
For Gilles, the most idyllic spots on the lake are all those bordering the Yvel. " It is a wilder area, only accessible by kayak. It is quiet and provides shelter for many animals." he explains. "In the northern part of the lake, the area on the Oyat side is a superb bird and wilderness preserve. "In other words, we will approach it with caution, without motor and without touching anything that Mother Nature has put in place.
For Gilles, " you are never better on the lake than when you are on your boat in the middle of the water, you feel like you are on the open sea, in the middle of nothing. "
Small but gastronomic restaurant offer
Because you have to eat between two edges, Gilles recommends several establishments. " First, the King Arthur Hotel, which overlooks the lake. It's a great place to eat, but it can be hard to get back on the water by the time you digest." .
In terms of fast food " There is a snack restaurant in the campsite, as well as a creperie on the beach ".
But, of all of them, it is the Father Golven located in the city of Ploërmel, which has the favors of the specialist. Let's trust him!
Finally, for those who would be on their own, many picnic tables are present all around the lake. Be careful though, the barbecues are prohibited .
Peaceful and pleasant, Lac au Duc attracts people. " More than 500 people visit the water sports base during the day, and it is not uncommon to count more than 1000 people on the beach on sunny days "Gilles concludes.
As you can see, the Lac au Duc is a family space, gentle and shared.
