Lac au Duc

Lac au Duc is a man-made lake in the commune of Ploërmel, in the heart of Brittany's Morbihan department. Covering roughly 250 hectares, it ranks among the largest bodies of water in the region and has long served as the area's main outdoor playground, drawing visitors for sailing, swimming, and lakeside walks.

Where exactly is the lake?

Lac au Duc sits on the boundary between Ploërmel and the neighbouring commune of Taupont, just a few kilometres from Ploërmel's town centre and within easy reach of the Brocéliande forest, famed for its Arthurian legends. Its coordinates are approximately 47.9515°N, -2.4112°E. A short drive from central Ploërmel gets you to the shore, and cycling and walking paths link the lake to the town.

What is there to do around Lac au Duc?

A water sports centre on the shore rents equipment and runs lessons for beginners and experienced practitioners alike: dinghy sailing, catamarans, windsurfing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding are all on offer. Those after a faster pace can try water skiing or wakeboarding, while pedal boats and electric boats suit a calmer outing.

On land, the site includes archery, disc golf, an orienteering course, and open-air pitches for beach volleyball and air badminton. Cycling and mountain-biking trails run along the shoreline, with bikes available to hire on site. Between the water and land activities, the lake appeals equally to families and to visitors planning a full day of outdoor activity.

Is there a beach for swimming?

Yes. The lake has a sandy beach split into two supervised swimming zones — a deeper section for confident swimmers and a shallower one better suited to children and less experienced swimmers. Picnic spots, play areas, and shaded rest zones surround the beach, making it an easy destination for a day trip without much planning.

Where can visitors stay nearby?

On the Taupont side of the lake, a campsite makes the most of its position on Brittany's largest artificial lake. It offers pitches for tents and caravans set among oaks and pines, along with mobile homes, chalets, and unusual accommodation options such as barrel-shaped cabins and hiker's huts. It works well as a base for exploring both the lake and the nearby Brocéliande forest, or for day trips into Ploërmel itself.

When is the best time to visit?

The lake is busiest from spring through early autumn, when the water sports centre and the supervised beach are both open. In summer, Lac au Duc becomes one of the most popular leisure spots around Ploërmel, so booking equipment or a campsite pitch ahead of time is worth doing. Outside the peak summer months, the lake still appeals to walkers and cyclists looking for a quieter pace.

FAQ

How big is Lac au Duc? The lake covers about 250 hectares, making it one of the largest bodies of water in Brittany.

Can you swim in the lake? Yes, the beach has two supervised zones, one deeper and one shallower, catering to different swimming abilities.

What water sports are available? Sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, pedal boats, water skiing, and wakeboarding, with equipment and lessons for all levels.

Is there accommodation close to the lake? Yes, a campsite sits right on the shore in Taupont, offering tent pitches, mobile homes, and unusual cabin-style lodging.

How do you get to the lake from Ploërmel? It's a few kilometres from central Ploërmel, reachable by a short drive or via cycling paths that follow the shoreline.