Plan d’Eau

Soon after we first moved to Lorraine, we discovered Plan d’Eau at Marville.  Then it was a very popular facility for the community with a large lake and a small part of it divided by a pontoon bridge, the whole surrounded by grassy banks, roads, paths and trees.

The smaller part was shallow and ideal for toddlers to paddle in, sometimes for parents to teach their little ones to swim. The larger part had wires stretched above it to pull boards across the width on which older youngsters, who could swim, would kneel.  Between the areas a spiral slide into the water gave many a lot of fun. Half way down the large lake small boats were for hire.

There was a shop and café with outside seating under a veranda next to an area for the tinies to play on a swing, slide and rocker.  Families would eat there or bring their own picnics.

A few years later, apparently there were problems.  The lake had to be drained for repairs to take place and then the money ran out so it stayed in that dry state for a couple of years before the water could be returned.  Plan sans d’Eau!

It was good to eventually see the return of the water but swimming was forbidden - it may be everything had to settle, I don’t know the reason.  The water birds gradually returned but now few humans visit.

The water slide remains shut off, the wires for board water skiing have been taken down.  The shop and café remain closed and the outside tables and benches removed; also the toddlers’ play equipment.

The gym and swimming pool complex (top photo) remain open and buses bring and take children from local schools.  The equestrian centre has remained open throughout. There is an area for camper vans to stay and another space to house what we assume are privately-owned wooden chalets.

It is still a beautiful spot, more so with the return of the water, and a few walkers and cars still arrive to circle the lake. 
 

The friendly dog who lives at the equestrian centre comes to see us - I bet it's noticed the difference too!

But it is rare to see families and picnics.

And sad to think the community are still without a fully-functionable, valuable and much-appreciated facility.