Top 10 swimming spots in Mayenne for your dog
Just a 2.5-hour TGV ride from Paris, Mayenne awaits you for a cool and peaceful weekend with your dog. This department in northwestern France is ideal: wide open spaces, forests, lakes, and rivers. There's plenty to do with your canine companion. Here's a selection of places where they can enjoy a swim.
If you are looking for a nature destination that is dog-friendly and away from the city (but not too far): heading to Mayenne !
In this department of the Pays-de-la-Loire, you can find small hidden rivers, ponds and many calm bodies of water where your dog can swim or simply splash around in peace.
I grew up in Mayenne, so believe me, I know this region well! I go back every year with Musher and she loves it. especially water sources when it's a bit warm. We also love walks in the forest under the tall trees.
Shaded towpaths, tranquil rivers, ponds surrounded by forest… In short, everything you need to let your four-legged friend splash around in the water.
🫡 So follow the guide, I'll share it with you 10 swimming spots in Mayenne where your dog can enjoy the water.
Table of contents
Practical Memo
Where can I stay in Mayenne with my dog? Here is the best QUALIDOG-certified accommodation for your holiday with your dog!
- The guest house and cottages of Domaine Le Bas Chitray, in Ménil, on the banks of the Mayenne river
Haven't found what you're looking for in our selection? Here are some sites where you can find dog-friendly accommodations (not QUALIDOG certified).
- 🚗 Rent a car
- 🚐 Rent a campervan
- (I.e. Find a train ticket Arrival at Laval TGV station, then TER train
- Consider taking a leave alone/longe and Team bags to pick up dog waste during your walks with your dog
- Consider taking a towel or a bathrobe for your dog, as it may not be as clean after its swim 😅
- Cyanobacteria have already been reported in Mayenne. Before going near any body of water, check with the relevant public authorities. For more information, you can consult the article on cyanobacteria and the risks to your dog.
The Lake of the Saddle
The Lac du Gué de Selle, at MézangersThis lake is probably one of the most beautiful spots in Mayenne. It's therefore a must-see swimming spot, perfect for a visit with your dog. Surrounded by shady woods and grassy areas, it's an ideal place to cool off in the summer!
The site is classified as a Natura 2000 protected area: your dog must be kept on a leash throughout the site. Although dogs are accepted in the area, they are not allowed on the beach at the lake's leisure center.
I therefore advise you to favour areas a little further away so that you can enjoy the calm and coolness of the lake with your dog.
You can walk around the lake following a botanical trail of about 3km. It's a lovely walk that I often do when I go back to visit my father. And if you have a paddleboard or a canoe, the place is perfect for a little trip on the water. It's where I learned to be optimistic on a school trip :p
The Mayenne towpath
Between Laval et Château-GontierThe developed towpath comprises 85km of safe greenway. Plenty of space for lovely walks or bike rides with your dog.
Several natural access points to the water are located near the historic towpath that runs alongside the Mayenne river.
I like going there with Musher because the water is usually calm and the banks are easily accessible. And if you have a paddleboard or a canoe, now's the time to get your gear out and enjoy a lovely outing on the water.
The Mayenne river near Saint-Jean-sur-Mayenne
North of Laval, at Saint-Jean-sur-MayenneI discovered a place I love: the banks of the Mayenne.
The waters are calm, the banks are covered with fresh grass (ideal as soon as it gets a little warm 😎) and there aren't many people who go there.
It's perfect for enjoying the fresh air of Mayenne and the tranquility of the area with your dog.
Coupeau Pond
Coupeau Pond is a lovely place for your four-legged friend to take a dip! Located at Saint-berthevinNear Laval, this pond, classified as a Sensitive Natural Area, is the largest in the department. Your dog must therefore be kept on a leash at all times.
Picnic tables are located near the water: you can therefore keep a quiet eye on your dog in the shade of the trees while he cools off.
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The Saint-Céneré leisure center
The Saint-Cénéré leisure park is located at SaulgesLocated southeast of Laval, this site offers various family-friendly activities (fishing, picnic area, volleyball court, etc.). It's not ideal for dogs, especially during peak season, but it can be a useful option if you're passing through the Mayenne region.
Your dog must be kept on a leash on the premises and is not allowed in the swimming area. However, it can swim in the water from the banks if you stay away from the beach.
The Argentré lake
Located in ArgentréJust ten minutes from Laval, the Val de Jouanne lake is a perfect spot for a refreshing break. A 1,2 km path circles the lake, offering an ideal walk before settling down by the water.
For more peace and quiet, it is advisable to move away from the main area to enjoy the calm of the riverbanks.
The Rincery Pond
In the South of Mayenne, straddling the municipalities of Bales and The Selle-CraonnaiseThe Rincerie Pond is located there. It is a large natural area where several activities are possible (kayaking, fishing, birdwatching, walking, etc.).
As with Lac du Gué de Selle, there's a leisure center on the edge of the pond. I also advise you to stay a little further away because in the summer it can get very crowded and this could overstimulate your dog, especially if it's not used to crowds. Dogs aren't allowed on the beach, but you can do various activities with them (paddleboarding, pedal boats, wake park, etc.).
The Colmont Valley
North of Mayenne, your dog can enjoy the coolness of a secluded little river: the Colmont. Through the forest, enjoy the gentle rustling of leaves while your companion takes advantage of the refreshing shallow water.
If your dog is a little hesitant about swimming, he can at least splash around in the water to cool off.
Musher and I love to walk along the river and rest on a small pebble or alluvial area. These are often the best spots for a swim with your dog; there's really no one around. 🌊
To access it, go to the town of Gorron where the Colmont Trail and the walk through the historic center which run alongside the river. The river is also accessible near the Colmont leisure parkDogs allowed.
The Ernée Valley
The Ernée river flows through several magnificent landscapes of the Mayenne, such as the municipality of the same nameSmall pebble beaches and the Cardamines lake line this river, and the water is shallow. It's a very wild and therefore very peaceful area.
You might encounter fishermen during your refreshing excursion; keep your distance so everyone has their own space. 🎣
The small streams of the Coëvrons
There are a multitude of small forest streams in the Pays des Coëvrons, east of Mayenne. These are often quiet, little-frequented streams in the forest.
They are often accessible via hiking or trail running paths. You can, for example, take the "Sur les Traces de Sylvain" trail (5,5 km) with your dog, which starts from... Saint-Pierre-sur-ErveThis route follows a good portion of the Erve river and thus offers many natural swimming spots where your companion can cool off in peace and quiet.
The village of Sainte-Suzanne
A must-see in Mayenne, the medieval city of Sainte-SuzanneListed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, Erve offers a unique blend of heritage and nature. At the foot of the ramparts, the Erve River meanders through a verdant setting. Descending towards its banks, several paths provide easy access to the water's edge, offering ideal spots for a refreshing break in the heart of the valley. Take the opportunity to walk around the ramparts. They are very pretty. And to discover the town, choose the walk that will take you opposite, to the Terte Ganne. The view is well worth the short climb!
👉 If you are going to Mayenne in winter or in cold temperatures, consult Our article to find out if your dog can swim in winter !
You're now ready to discover Mayenne and its surroundings with your dog! For a successful stay, don't forget the QUALIDOG accommodations that I told you about at the top of the article. These are perfect establishments for your holiday with your dog; they are eagerly awaiting your arrival.
👉 If you know of other spots in Mayenne where your dog can swim, feel free to share them with us!