The Plan d'Eau de la Mousse, also known as Lac de la Mousse, is a small urban lake 3 kilometres from the centre of Blois in Loir-et-Cher, Centre-Val de Loire. The beach occupies a crescent of fine sandy shore on the lake's southern bank, shaded in places by mature willows and poplars that frame the water's edge. The lake covers a modest area and its water is typically clear and warm by July, when summer sunshine heats the relatively shallow basin. A supervised swimming zone marked by buoys operates from July through August, and lifeguards maintain watch over the designated area. The beach is compact but well-organised, with picnic areas distributed around the grassy margins and a seasonal café providing drinks and snacks in high summer. A car park adjacent to the site makes arrival by car straightforward, and the TUB urban bus network connects the lake to Blois city centre for those arriving without a vehicle. The atmosphere is firmly local and neighbourhood-oriented — this is Blois's own municipal bathing spot rather than a tourist attraction — with families, dog walkers, and cyclists from the surrounding residential areas making up the majority of visitors. The setting is pleasant without being dramatic: the lake sits within a green belt at the Blois suburban fringe, and the surrounding parkland allows ball games and relaxed picnicking in the shade. The southward-facing sandy shore gets direct afternoon sun, making mid-afternoon the warmest period for bathing. The combination of free access, easy parking, supervised summer swimming, and a short distance from the historic centre makes Plan d'Eau de la Mousse one of the most practical warm-weather bathing spots in the Loir-et-Cher département.
Amenities
- Sandy lake beach
- Supervised swimming zone (Jul–Aug)
- Picnic areas
- Café (seasonal)
- Parking
Good to know
- Best for
- families, swimmers, sunbathers, couples
Location
Route de la Mousse, 41000 Blois, France
47.5736, 1.3178 View on map
Highlights
- Sandy lake beach with supervised buoyed swimming zone from July through August
- Shaded picnic areas under willows and poplars around the lake margin
- Seasonal café on site for drinks and snacks during high summer
- Accessible by TUB urban bus as well as car, just 3 km from Blois city centre
Tips for visiting
- Arrive before 11:00 on hot summer weekends to secure a shaded picnic spot near the water.
- The TUB urban bus is the easiest option on busy days when the car park fills quickly.
- The café may not open until late June; carry refreshments when visiting early in the season.
- The supervised swimming zone is clearly buoyed — remain within it to benefit from lifeguard cover.
- The southern shore gets the best afternoon sun; the shaded northern margin is cooler for picnics.
When to visit
July and August provide the warmest water and supervised swimming. Weekday afternoons in mid-July are typically the busiest; early mornings or weekday visits in June or early September offer more space and quieter conditions.
Accessibility
The car park and beach are connected by a short, flat path. The sandy surface near the water's edge may slow wheelchair progress. No adapted beach chair or dedicated access ramp is recorded; visitors with mobility requirements are advised to contact the Blois municipal leisure service for current provisions.
Frequently asked questions
Is swimming free at Plan d'Eau de la Mousse?
Yes. Access to the beach and the supervised swimming area is free of charge. Parking on site is also free.
When are lifeguards present at the lake?
The swimming zone is supervised during July and August. Outside these months no lifeguards are on duty and bathing is at visitors' own risk.
How do I reach the lake by public transport?
The TUB urban bus network connects Blois city centre with the area around the Plan d'Eau. Check current routes and timetables at the Blois bus station or on the TUB website.
Are dogs allowed at the beach?
Dogs are typically prohibited from the supervised swimming zone in July and August but may be permitted on other lakeside areas outside the bathing season. Check current signage on arrival.
Is there water sports equipment hire?
No permanent hire is recorded at this site. The lake is used primarily for supervised swimming and lakeside picnicking; organised watersports take place at other venues in the Loir-et-Cher area.