Défi de la Salamandre 2026 (Coupe France Eau Libre) — Villiers-sur-Loir
- Jul 4, 2026
- Last edition date
- Distances from 200m to 25km
About the race
The Défi de la Salamandre is an annual open water swimming event hosted by the Union Sportive Vendôme at the Plan d'eau de Villiers-sur-Loir. Held in early July, the event offers a wide range of distances, spanning from a 200m sprint to a marathon 25km swim, making it a versatile fixture on the Coupe de France calendar. The competition takes place within a 16-hectare man-made lake, which was created following the regional infrastructure developments of the TGV line in 1990. The site has maintained the 'Pavillon Bleu d'Europe' certification since 2010, an award recognizing the consistent quality of its water.
The setting and local history
While navigating the course, swimmers pass through waters steeped in local lore and history. The surrounding landscape, particularly the Saint-André hillside, features historical caves carved into the rock face. These served as dwellings and cellars for centuries and maintain a stable internal temperature of 15°C. The region’s identity is also tied to the republican resistance of 1851; the village of Villiers-sur-Loir notably stood against the coup d'état of Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte, with local figures such as the doctor Silly and the teacher Jean-Baptiste Michel Launay leading the opposition. From the water, participants can view the 12th-century Saint-Hilaire church, which houses 16th-century murals including the 'Dit des trois morts et des trois vifs'.
Navigating the course
The swimming area is defined by the Loir river, which forms a 2.8 km natural border between the communes of Villiers-sur-Loir and Thoré-la-Rochette. Swimmers will pass beneath the concrete Chantereine bridge, a structure that replaced older wooden and metal spans in 1984. Local folklore adds a mythical layer to the river, referencing the 'Legend of the Serpent Hole'. According to the tale, a prisoner named Brayanus secured his freedom during the reign of Merovingian king Childebert I by destroying a dragon that haunted the Loir; he reportedly used a chariot fitted with steel blades to sever the creature into three segments while it drank from the riverbank. This historical and legendary backdrop accompanies the physical challenge of the event, with the Loir river acting as a constant reference point for athletes across all distances.
Sources: Villiers-sur-Loir
Course
How to get there
Shuttle service between the TGV station and the Plan d'eau available upon request: contact@usv-natation.fr
Where to stay
Accommodations in the Loir Valley range from traditional stone-built cottages and renovated fishermen's houses to small boutique hotels located near the river ports. For those preferring direct access to nature, several campsites operate along the river banks. Expect to find double rooms ranging from €70 to €150 per night, depending on the proximity to the water and the level of service. Booking in advance is recommended during the race weekend to secure proximity to the competition site.
Things to do nearby
The weekend offers a mix of local heritage and active recreation. Visitors can explore the troglodyte caves of the Saint-André hillside or visit the 12th-century murals at Saint-Hilaire. For active pursuits, the Loir river is popular for kayak and stand-up paddleboarding excursions. The region is also well-known for its viticulture; numerous local cellars offer tastings of the distinct wines produced along the valley slopes, providing a quiet way to recover after the race.
Swimmers
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