You don’t need to be by the coast to spend a day at the beach—it is a French tradition to create artificial beaches by rivers and lakes, both natural and man-made. Usually called outdoor recreation areas or étangs, they are life-guard patrolled during the summer months and are usually accompanied by a café plus a playground for young children. Some will also have a water sports centre.
One of the largest is found in an area known as the Lake District of the Charente, Les Lacs de Haute Charente. Here two neighbouring lakes creates a water sports paradise but also plenty of space for relaxing by the water.
Other étangs are found at: Aubeterre-sur-Dronne, Bonneuil-Matours, Brossac, La Bussière, Château-Garnier, Condac, near Ruffec, Etagnac, Martin L’Ars, La Puye, Roumazieres, Saint-Cyr, Saint-Macoux Saint-Yriex, Saint-Sauveur, Valdivienne, Vars and Villefagnan.