Étang de la Bornière

Étang de la Bornière is a roughly thirty-hectare pond sitting right at the heart of Bain-de-Bretagne, a small town in the Ille-et-Vilaine department of Brittany. Locals also call it étang de Bain or Lac de Bain-de-Bretagne. The pond traces its origins back to the local tanning industry, which shaped the town's economy in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and it still stands as a quiet reminder of that industrial past.

What is there to do around the pond?

The area around the water is split into three zones, each with its own purpose: one set aside for anglers, one for water sports, and one left as a refuge for local wildlife. This layout lets visitors enjoy the pond without crowding out the birds and aquatic plants that live along its banks.

In summer the water comes alive with sailing, canoeing and kayaking, and windsurfing, all organized through the Club Nautique Bainais, the local water sports club based on site. Swimming itself is not allowed, but sandy stretches along the shore give visitors a place to sit, spread a blanket, or picnic in the shade.

Can you fish here?

Fishing is one of the main draws of Étang de la Bornière. You can cast a line from the bank or fish from a non-motorized boat, though boat fishing requires clearance from the local angling association, AAPPMA L'Union des Pêcheurs de Bain. Access is non-reciprocal, meaning a standard AAPPMA card is not enough on its own — anglers also need a separate permit specific to this pond. The water holds pike, roach, and carp, and a dedicated stretch is set aside for night carp fishing sessions.

What about walking or cycling?

A green path circles the entire pond, following the former Ploërmel–Châteaubriant railway line, which carried passengers and freight between 1896 and 1986. The full loop runs about 5.3 kilometers and takes roughly an hour and twenty minutes on foot at an easy pace, starting from the parking area near the town's swimming pool. The route is flat and accessible, making it just as suitable for families with children as for cyclists looking for a short, scenic ride.

Who is this spot for?

Étang de la Bornière is a classic example of a rural Breton pond that grew into a genuine local recreation hub. It suits anglers after a quiet spot to fish, families planning an easy loop walk around the water, and — come summer — anyone drawn to sailing or paddling under the guidance of the local club. There is nothing flashy about it, but its industrial backstory and everyday local character give it a sense of place that larger, more famous sites often lack.

Frequently asked questions

How big is Étang de la Bornière? The pond covers approximately 30 hectares.

Is swimming allowed in the pond? No, swimming is prohibited, though sandy areas along the shore are available for relaxing by the water.

Do you need a special permit to fish there? Yes. Besides a standard AAPPMA membership card, anglers need an additional permit specific to this pond, since access is not reciprocal with other fishing waters.

What fish live in the pond? The pond is home to pike, roach, and carp, among other species.

What is the history behind the pond? It is linked to the development of local tanneries in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a chapter of industrial history still tied to Bain-de-Bretagne's identity today.