Lake of Saint-Mandé

Among the four lakes of the Bois de Vincennes, Lake Saint-Mandé is the only one located on the site of a former natural body of water.
The original Saint-Mandé pond, formed by a stream flowing down from the heights of Montreuil, served during the Middle Ages first as a fish pond and later as a mud pit. Having become unhealthy and foul-smelling, it was filled in during the 18th century.

The current lake was created in 1860 as part of Napoleon III’s transformation of the Bois de Vincennes into a public park. It covers an area of 1.5 hectares (about 3.7 acres).

On its shore stands the Chalet du Lac, once Napoleon III’s hunting lodge, later converted into a guinguette (open-air dance hall) in 1904, famous for its lively dance floors and festive atmosphere.

Just a short walk away, the puppet theatre, carousels, and pétanque grounds make the area a much-loved family destination for leisurely strolls and outdoor fun.