Retenue du Jaunay

The Retenue du Jaunay is an artificial water body spanning 14.77 kilometers in length with a storage capacity of 3.7 million cubic meters, serving as a primary drinking water source for multiple communities in the Vendée department.

Constructed in 1978 through dam engineering along the Jaunay River basin, this reservoir was established to address regional water security challenges and provide sustainable water supply during drought periods for growing rural populations.

Local communities regard the reservoir as an essential infrastructure that connects neighboring towns through shared water management, while also supporting recreational activities like birdwatching, hiking, and educational tours that promote environmental awareness.

Managed by the Syndicat Intercommunal d'Alimentation en Eau Potable du Pays de Brem, the site requires visitors to respect strict environmental protection zones and adhere to regulations that prohibit camping, fires, and motorized water activities.

The reservoir transforms the natural flow of the Jaunay River into a managed water system, featuring multiple protection zones including immediate, proximity, sensitive, and complementary areas covering several hundred hectares to prevent contamination.

Location: Landevieille

Operator: Syndicat Intercommunal d'Alimentation en Eau Potable du Pays de Brem

Address: Lac du Jaunay, France

GPS coordinates: 46.66337,-1.75727

Latest update: August 15, 2025 14:58