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Lake Saint-Jean-Pla-de-Corts: a quick guide to a fun lake at the foot of Canigouu Canigou

The Catalan Eden, the new Provence of the Pyrénées-Orientales.

The Catalan Eden, the new Provence of the Pyrénées-Orientales.

At a glance

    • Where? In Saint-Jean-Pla-de-Corts, Vallespir (Pyrénées-Orientales), 4 km from Céret and ~30 km from Perpignan.
    • What? Two landscaped lakes forming a natural leisure park: supervised swimming in summer, board sports, fitness trail.
    • Bonus view: Canigou as a backdrop.

A bit of history (short version)

    • The village is ancient (medieval mention, castle and chapel from the 12th–14th centuries). The lake area was developed by the municipality as a leisure and nature space — today one of the flagship family spots in Vallespir.

The lakes & their highlights

    • Two basins: one for swimming (beach, lifeguards in summer), one focused on board sports & activities.
    • Green setting: lawns, trees, paths, fitness trail and picnic area.
    • Facilities: car parks, rentals (pedalos, water games) depending on the season.

Top activities (spring–summer)

    • Supervised swimming (landscaped beach, marked swimming area).
    • TSJ Wakepark: cable park with wakeboard / kneeboard / wakeskate, features and waterjump.
    • Aquajump & inflatable water park (depending on the period).
    • Pedalos & stand-up paddle (depending on current offer).
    • High ropes / zip lines at the “Les Aventuriers” park right next door.
    • Easy walks: loop around the lake, Canigou views, fitness circuit.
    • Fishing: at specific times and in designated areas (specific regulations apply).

Year-round activities (weather permitting)

    • Running, walking, leisure cycling around the lakeside paths.
    • Events and local activities organized by the town hall.

Restaurants & foodie stops

    • La Guinguette du Lac (on the lake shore): simple, local cuisine, big tables, themed evenings in summer.
    • La Paillote (TSJ Wakepark): terrace over the water, direct view of the riders and features.
    • Plan B: picnic under the pines (dedicated areas).

Practical tips

    • Swimming season: opening dates/times change each summer — check town hall or tourist office information before you come.
    • Families: mornings are best (less wind and fewer people).
    • Safety: respect swimming/board-sport zones; water shoes are useful for little ones.
    • Around the lake: combine with a visit to Céret (Museum of Modern Art, old streets) or the thermal spa in Le Boulou (practical info via the local tourist offices).

Easy half-day idea (zero hassle)

    • 10:00 walk & adventure park fun →
    • 12:30 lunch at La Guinguette →
    • 14:30 nap on the beach & supervised swim →
    • 16:00 wakepark or Aquajump session to end the day happy and soaked.

Stay in the heart of the Catalan Country and the Roussillon

Two unique retreats between sea and mountains: design, comfort and Mediterranean light. Choose your home — we’ll handle the rest.

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