La Forge

France Lake 1 - Excellent

The Etang de la Forge is a 72-hectare freshwater pond in Martigné-Ferchaud, Ille-et-Vilaine, France, stretching 4.7 km along the Semnon river. The pond has experienced recurring cyanobacteria blooms with heterogeneous spatial distribution, causing water quality degradation and potential health risks at the bathing beach. The pond serves recreational purposes including swimming, fishing, wildlife observation, and hiking. A municipal campground is located adjacent to the beach.

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Water

Freshwater pond 4.7 km long with 72 hectares surface area. Shallow in the first third, deepening to 5 metres at the mill weir in the town centre. Fed by the Semnon river and streams including the Masse, Toulon, and Huberdière. The upstream Semnon catchment covers 88 km² immediately before the pond, and the total Semnon basin extends 495 km².

Location

Martigné-Ferchaud, Ille-et-Vilaine, France, south of Rennes in the Brittany region. The beach is situated on the left bank of the Semnon north of the town centre, near the municipal campground "le Bois Feuillet".

Facilities

Municipal campground with barque and pedalo rentals. Marked hiking trails (80 km) for pedestrians, cyclists, and horse riders. A bird reserve is protected between Pont de Taillepied and Pont d'Yvay and is closed to public access.

Water Quality

Water quality degradation from recurring cyanobacteria proliferation with heterogeneous spatial distribution. Bacteriological contamination risk exists via inter-human transmission through the pond water. The profile identifies avéré (confirmed) pollution risks and potential contamination sources.

Risks

Recurring cyanobacteria blooms. Bacteriological contamination risk from inter-human transmission. Runoff traces observed on the western part of the beach with sand erosion exposing centimetre-sized gravel.