The Grand Étang de la Jemaye for a day in nature in the Périgord Blanc

Near Saint-Astier, discover a relaxing spot designed for everyone's enjoyment! The Grand Etang de la Jameye is a natural haven for swimming, water sports, family outings on nature trails, or simply relaxing and admiring its blue waters. This protected site, a sensitive natural area managed by the department, has been renovated to enhance and preserve its beauty. Close to the Forêt de la Double, it guarantees a great family day out! Shall we go?

A pond for fun and contemplation

The Grand Etang de la Jemaye is a leisure park centered around a beautiful lake. Nestled in a wooded setting, it covers approximately 33 hectares and is the largest body of water in this part of the Double region. A designated swimming area with fine sand is available. The spaces are clearly marked to ensure everyone has their own space! The beach is supervised by lifeguards during the season, and the site has been awarded the Blue Flag, recognizing the quality of its water.

It should be noted that accessibility for people with reduced mobility has been improved so that everyone can enjoy all the spaces. A beach wheelchair is available, as well as wooden walkways.

On-site, you'll find several activities, free access, and free parking. The restaurant and bar offer a variety of food options, from full meals to snacks, available at any time. Drinks and ice cream are also available, making it a favorite spot for children's afternoon snacks! There are several playgrounds for children and athletes, picnic tables, restrooms and showers, and birdwatching hides.

The origins of the Jemaye ponds (as there are several smaller bodies of water) date back to around the 15^th century, when the surrounding monastic communities needed to stabilize their food supply by practicing fish farming. The Double Forest is a beautiful forest, partly natural and partly planted with pine trees (as in the Landes forest) to reduce stagnant water in this damp and sometimes marshy area. Thus reclaimed, it has become a haven for valuable flora and fauna.

A haven of peace for wildlife and flora

The pond is surrounded by 210 hectares of forest, a sensitive natural area that has been enhanced by a preservation program for this unique environment. It is a Natura 2000 site, the Rizonne Valley, important for the conservation of endemic and protected species. To learn more, you can follow an educational trail with interpretive panels that will lead you from station to station, allowing you to become familiar with this environment.

We wish you a wonderful day at the Grand Etang de la Jemaye!

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