Étang de Saint-Bonnet

Swimming at the Étang de Saint-Bonnet: yes, a supervised beach in summer

Swimming is allowed at the Étang de Saint-Bonnet, in the heart of the Forêt de Tronçais: a beach with open access, supervised in July and August (depending on the school holiday dates), from 15:00 to 19:00, depending on the weather. In 2026, the swimming season ended on 30 August. The water is monitored by the ARS (the regional health agency) in season, but the 2025 annual classification was “insufficient”, the lowest rating on the scale. Read the notice posted at the beach before laying down your towel.

Outside supervision hours, you swim at your own risk. Animals are not allowed on the beach or in the swimming area.

Pirot, Tronçais: don't mix up the ponds

The Forêt de Tronçais has five ponds, and the names get mixed up quickly. Only Saint-Bonnet (45 hectares) has a supervised beach. At Pirot, on the Isle-et-Bardais side, swimming is not allowed: people go there to fish and walk. The Étang de Tronçais, for its part, carries the name of the forest: born with the forges, it is dedicated exclusively to angling.

The banks and the leisure centre

At the water's edge, the Grillon path for people with reduced mobility (PMR) fits out one kilometre of banks: boardwalk, picnic tables and a fishing area adapted for people with disabilities. All around, the forest that Colbert had developed in 1670 to supply timber to the royal navy; yet it was cooperage that made its reputation.

In summer, the leisure centre offers pedalos, canoes, paddleboards and water slides, with a 15-hole mini-golf, tennis and a snack bar on the beach. Fishing is possible with a day permit; the Champ-Fossé campsite is at the water's edge, with direct access to the beach.

Our take

A swim in the middle of the forest, with a whole leisure centre around it. One thing to know: supervision only covers the afternoon. Our combo: the forest paths in the morning, swimming in the afternoon, for example after the remarkable oaks circuit, an 8.3 km loop from the village.