Lake Bagnoles (Lac de Bagnoles)
About Lake Bagnoles (Lac de Bagnoles)
Lac de Bagnoles is a 3.5-hectare artificial lake created in 1611 to supply water to a local iron foundry. The lake sits at the heart of Bagnoles-de-l'Orne, fed by the Vée River before it enters the Andaines Forest gorge. In 1927, American billionaire Frank Jay Gould redesigned the lake's contours and landscaped the banks with French-style rose gardens. Today the lake features aquatic gardens with water lilies and irises, accessible via wooden pontoons. Visitors can walk the landscaped paths along the elegant Belle Époque balustrades, rent pedal boats from May to September, or play mini-golf at the adjacent casino. The lake and its walking paths are freely accessible year-round, though swimming is not permitted. Fishing is allowed on the lake, which contains trout, carp, and pike.
Interesting Facts
The lake is linked to Arthurian legend. According to local lore, King Ban of Bénoïc (Lancelot's father) died in the Andaines region near the lake of the fairy Viviane, the Lady of the Lake. She is said to have carried baby Lancelot to her underwater kingdom while his mother fled to Mortain abbey. The town organizes a seasonal circuit covering about twenty Arthurian sites in the area.
In 1811, a devastating storm caused the lake to overflow, destroying both the dam and the 200-year-old iron foundry it had been supplying since 1611. At its peak, the foundry employed over 120 workers including hammerers, splitters, molders, and blacksmiths. The lake was originally twice its current size at 7 hectares before the disaster.
Planning Your Visit
Opening Hours
Location & Practical Info
Address
Près du Casino du Lac, 61140 Bagnoles-de-l'Orne, France
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