France is home to some beautiful sea beaches along it’s coastland and some wonderful lake beaches inland too, worth considering when looking for your next family holiday in France. The lovely Cox family took a trip to the beautiful natural lake, Lake Jemaye, in the Charente and share why it is perfect to consider for a family day out.
The lake has white sandy beaches, canoes, paddle boards, volleyball courts and 2 playgrounds in the surrounding forestry, children of all ages have plenty of entertainment.
The lake is sectioned off into safe swimming areas with lifeguards for extra support during the summer seasons.
There are plenty of facilities at the lake including a restaurant, snack bar and clean toilets which are managed throughout the day.
Our day,
We (2 grandparents, parents and our 8month son, Rupert) visited in June outside of the school holidays so the Lake was fairly quiet. There was plenty of car parking spaces and the car park was only a short walk to the lake. We had our pram so the area was accessible for all. We arrived around half 10 and the beach had shaded areas till around lunch time. We packed our own beach toys and blankets / towels and had fun playing in the sand, building sandcastles and paddling our feet in the water! Although we had brought our own items there was a shop where you could by beach toys / shields / floats for the lake.
We chose to eat at the onsite restaurant which overlooks the lake. They were very accommodating and child friendly providing a high chair, engaging with our son and even brought out some toys for him to play with. We had the plat de jour, a carafe of wine and all had an ice cream Sunday, the meal came to 25euros pp which we felt was very reasonable. The restaurant was very clean and food was lovely – very French! There was a snack bar on the beach if you fancied something lighter like a sandwich or burger.
The lake had plenty of walks and water activities. By the afternoon the beach shade had been replaced with lots of sun, perfect for sun worshippers, not so perfect for Rupert so we headed to the shade in the picnic areas in the surrounding woodland.
We loved our day at Lake Jemaye also popular with French locals if visiting during the summer holidays it may be busier however it was spacious and with so much to do we would definitely recommend people to visit.
Rupert, Mum & Dad love coming to visit Rupert’s great grandparents who live in the Charente and have some fab recommendation of family days out, if you are ever in the area to not be missed…
Charente locations to visit
Aubeterre
One of the prettiest little villages in the whole of France. Aubeterre is quickly becoming a must see destination with its monolithic church and beautiful restaurant views we thoroughly recommend a visit. There are many independent quirky shops to visit and lots of lovely restaurants. It is however very hilly so a carrier may be better suited than a pram for this visit.
Angouleme
Mid September Angouleme streets are closed for a weekend of racing. Angouleme Circuit Des Ramparts is an experience for anyone not just car enthusiasts. Classic cars race around this hilly twisting town in an exhilarating race. This is a very busy weekend for the city so be prepared for it to be backed – a carrier as opposed to a pram would be advised although very busy its such an exciting weekend its well worth it. If visiting outside of September there is still plenty to visit in this french city! The cathedral, shopping, museum, bars and restaurants a great day out.
Chalais
Monday morning Chalais is packed with its local market overflowing the cobbled streets. A fun morning at this French market the children will enjoy. There are a couple of restaurants in the town a pizza place or tapas. If grandparents are around to babysit one evening food lovers should visit the Chateaux a fine dining restaurant in the towns castle!
