Do you need to know how to paddle to take part?

No, the activity is accessible to beginners. A few basic tips are all you need to get to grips with your boat.

Do you need to know how to swim?

Yes, you need to be able to swim to go canoeing, kayaking or paddling.

Can you fall overboard?

Yes… and it can happen! Especially on a paddle or giant paddle. You’ll need to wear a lifejacket to enjoy the experience in complete safety, and a waterproof canister is provided for canoes and kayaks.

How old do you have to be to take part?

In general, the activity is accessible from the age of 8. For individual boats (kayaks and paddles), a minimum age of 10 is recommended, as this requires sufficient stamina to move forward and return to the leisure centre independently. Minors are the responsibility of their parents during hire.

Wear waterproof clothing, shoes that can get wet, sun cream, a cap and plenty of water.

Where can I hire a pedalo?

You can hire a pedalo at Lac de Mervent from the restaurant Le Chill Out (not at the Base de Loisirs). You can also hire one at the Espace de loisirs du lac de Chassenon .

Can you bring your own boat?

Yes, you can bring your own boat (canoe, kayak, rowing boat, etc.). A public slipway is available at the Vallée bridge in Mervent.

Canoeing, kayaking and paddle at Lac de Mervent | Pays de Fontenay-Vendée Tourist Office

Canoe, kayak or paddle on Lake Mervent!

You grab your paddle. Silence falls. Before you, 130 hectares of water stretch out, bordered by a dense and mysterious forest. By canoe, kayak, paddle or giant paddle, you set off to conquer Lac de Mervent.

No engines, no noise: just you, the water and the adventure. At your own pace, explore every nook and cranny of this life-size playground and let yourself be carried away by a rare sensation: that of being free.

About your adventure…

Rendez-vous at La Base de Loisirs de Mervent

On the shores of Lac de Mervent (150 tourist route)

Open from May to September

May, June and September: Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 2pm to 6pm (booking required during the week).
July and August: daily from 10am to 6.30pm

Suitable for children aged 8 and over

You need to be able to swim to hire a canoe, kayak or paddle.
In general, the activity is accessible from the age of 8. For individual boats (kayaks and paddles), a minimum age of 10 is required, as this requires sufficient stamina to move forward and return to the leisure centre independently.

Booking recommended

Reservations are especially recommended for paddles and giant paddle hire (limited stock): 02 51 00 22 13

Free public car park in front of the Leisure Centre

3 heroic reasons to take the plunge!

Take up a real nautical challenge

130 hectares to explore, circumnavigate and conquer. Here, you set your own course and push your limits.

Share a moment of fun and friendship

With family or friends, paddle, fall (sometimes), and above all… have fun together.

Explore the Mervent-Vouvant forest

From the lake, plunge into the heart of the forest and its relief. A total immersion experience to reconnect with nature.

Your adventure in detail

The start of your mission: getting on board

It all starts on the shores of the lake at the Base de Loisirs de Mervent. In front of you, 130 hectares of water ready to be conquered, in the heart of a landscape sculpted by nature. Here, you’ll be navigating at the junction of the Vendée and Mère rivers, two waterways that create a unique playground.

Before setting off, you need to make a choice. Your boat will be your ally: a 2 or 3-seater canoe for group play, a solo kayak to chart your course, a paddle to test your balance… or a giant paddle for a fun group mission.

Paddle, explore, feel

Lac de Mervent is more than just a body of water. It’s a real playground. Every stroke of the paddle sends you forward, forking and accelerating.

In a canoe, you have to tune in and find the right tempo. In a kayak, you’re on your own, free and concentrated. On a paddle, balance becomes a game. And on a giant paddle… it’s a different story.
With 8 of you on the same board, coordination is essential. One wrong move and the whole team is on the wobble. The result: impromptu challenges, shouts, bursts of laughter… and the occasional memorable fall.

An accessible adventure… but never boring

You don’t have to be an expert to take part. But here, you can’t just sit back and watch.
Very quickly, the desire to test, compare and challenge yourself takes over. Who can stand up the longest? Who goes the fastest? Who falls first?
You get caught up in the game. You encourage each other. We start again. And before you know it, you’re having an intense, active… and downright fun time.

How about a change of pace?

Want to enjoy the lake in a different, effortless way? The Base de Loisirs de Mervent also offers electric boat hire.
It’s a different way of exploring, a quieter way… but still at the heart of the adventure.

Your mission starts here

Meet at the Base de Loisirs de Mervent, 15 minutes from Fontenay-le-Comte. Free public car park in front of the Base de Loisirs (150 route Touristique 85200 Mervent)

Calculate my route

Good advice from the Tourist Office!

Choose the right boat for your mission

Looking for a challenge? Take to the water in a paddle or kayak. In team mode? The canoe or giant paddle promise coordination… and good times guaranteed.

Protect yourself from the sun

The lake is an open space, very exposed to the sun. Make sure you’re well equipped: cap, sun cream, sunglasses… and something to keep you hydrated.

Think about the aftermath

After your effort on Lake Mervent, extend your mission: take on the trails of the Mervent-Vouvant forest, explore the Natur’Zoo or immerse yourself in the medieval atmosphere of Vouvant.

Prepare your mission!

Do you need to know how to paddle to take part?
No, the activity is accessible to beginners. A few basic tips are all you need to get to grips with your boat.
Do you need to know how to swim?
Yes, you need to be able to swim to go canoeing, kayaking or paddling.
Can you fall overboard?
Yes… and it can happen! Especially on a paddle or giant paddle. You’ll need to wear a lifejacket to enjoy the experience in complete safety, and a waterproof canister is provided for canoes and kayaks.
How old do you have to be to take part?
In general, the activity is accessible from the age of 8.
For individual boats (kayaks and paddles), a minimum age of 10 is recommended, as this requires sufficient stamina to move forward and return to the leisure centre independently.
Minors are the responsibility of their parents during hire.
What should I wear?
Wear waterproof clothing, shoes that can get wet, sun cream, a cap and plenty of water.
Where can I hire a pedalo?
You can hire a pedalo at Lac de Mervent from the restaurant Le Chill Out (not at the Base de Loisirs). You can also hire one at theEspace de loisirs du lac de Chassenon.
Can you bring your own boat?
Yes, you can bring your own boat (canoe, kayak, rowing boat, etc.). A public slipway is available at the Vallée bridge in Mervent.