Where can you swim around Lyon?

You're staying in the Rhône to visit Lyon and looking for a place to swim? Summer is coming and temperatures are rising in Lyon? Don't panic! The region is full of magnificent natural swimming spots where you can cool off and enjoy an exceptional setting. From the crystal-clear lakes of Haut-Bugey to the developed water bodies of Beaujolais, discover our selection of the 10 best places to swim around Lyon. Between fine sandy beaches, supervised swimming and water sports, there's something for everyone!

2. Lac des Sapins in Cublize

35 minutes from Lyon, the Lac des Sapins (Route du Lac, 69550 Cublize, rated 4.3/5 on Google for 3500 reviews) is our favorite for families. This exceptional site has housed Europe's largest biological swimming area since 2012, a true ecological jewel in the heart of Beaujolais Vert.

Two options are available: swimming in the natural lake or the biological pool with its 8000 m² of pools naturally filtered by plants. Swimming is supervised every day from 10:30am to 7pm (12pm-7pm on Mondays and Thursdays). Entry costs between €3 and €5 depending on the season. The site also offers treetop adventure courses, pedal boat rental and shaded picnic areas.

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Take advantage of your visit to the region to Visit Lyon thanks to our audio-guided route. In 3h30 of walking, discover the 26 must-sees of the capital of Gaul: from Vieux Lyon to the slopes of Croix-Rousse, passing through the Basilica of Fourvière. A complete itinerary that will reveal the fascinating history of this two-thousand-year-old city classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

3. Plan d'eau de Bordelan

At the gates of Beaujolais, the Plan d'eau de Bordelan (Route de Bordelan, 69400 Villefranche-sur-Saône, rated 4.2/5 on Google for 1200 reviews) welcomes you just 35 minutes from Lyon. This 10-hectare water body offers a refreshing escape with its white sand beach and shaded green spaces.

Swimming is supervised in July-August from 10am to 6:30pm, with an entrance fee of €3. The site has changing rooms, showers, toilets and a snack bar. New for 2024: paddleboard and kayak rental, as well as aquafitness classes on certain days. Secure parking and security guards ensure visitors' tranquility. Don't hesitate to continue your discovery of the region by exploring Lyon and its wonders thanks to our audio guide.

4. Plan d'eau du Colombier in Anse

Here's the best free option for swimming near Lyon! The Plan d'eau du Colombier (Route du Colombier, 69480 Anse, rated 4.1/5 on Google for 800 reviews) offers you a beautiful summer day with the family without spending a penny.

Open Saturday and Sunday in June, then every day in July-August from 11:30am to 8pm, this site offers supervised swimming from 1pm to 7pm. A trail allows you to walk around the water body in 45 minutes. Families will appreciate the playground, fitness trail and aquapark area with inflatable games. Kayak, paddle and pedal boat rental available. Warning: crowds can be heavy in summer, arrive early!

6. Vallée Bleue

50 minutes from Lyon, Vallée Bleue (38390 Montalieu-Vercieu, rated 4.2/5 on Google for 2200 reviews) is a true multi-activity center that will delight the whole family. This complex offers both a natural water body and a water park with heated pools.

The aqua park consists of a large 1200 m² pool, a paddling pool and a slide, all heated to 26°C. Activity-wise: pedal boat, paddle, windsurfing, but also buggy, mountain biking, orienteering, pony rides and rail biking! A 3-star campsite allows you to extend the pleasure. Prices vary according to season and chosen activities.

7. Lac de Paladru

Perched at 500 meters altitude between Lyon and Grenoble, Lac de Paladru (38850 Villages du Lac de Paladru, rated 4.4/5 on Google for 3200 reviews) enchants you with its turquoise waters due to the lacustrine chalk that covers its depths. This fifth largest French lake of glacial origin stretches 6 kilometers long.

Four supervised beaches welcome you: Montferrat Plage, Charavines Plage, Le Pin Plage and the municipal beach of Paladru. Only Charavines beach is completely free. The water reaches 25°C in summer and swimming is supervised from 11am to 6:30pm from June 7 to August 31. Warning: outside these sites and hours, swimming is prohibited. Water sports available: rowing, sailing, boat rental and diving initiation.

8. Île Chambod-Merpuis

Born from the construction of the Allement dam in 1960, Île Chambod-Merpuis (01130 Merpuis, rated 4.3/5 on Google for 900 reviews) offers a unique natural setting on the Ain river, 1 hour from Lyon. These 20 hectares of preserved nature define an exceptional space in the Ain Gorges.

Supervised swimming is accessible to people with reduced mobility, with adapted toilets. The site offers water equipment rental, restaurant with regional specialties and even yoga classes in summer! Don't miss the interpretation trail that will show you 10 remarkable sites of the Upper Ain Valley. A haven of peace for a restorative day.

9. Lac Genin

Nicknamed the "little Canada of Haut-Bugey", Lac Genin (01130 Charix, rated 4.5/5 on Google for 1800 reviews) transports you to 850 meters altitude in an absolutely magical green setting. This site classified as "natural and picturesque character" extends over 8 hectares in the heart of a preserved forest.

1h15 from Lyon, this lake offers a beautiful sand beach and supervised swimming in July-August from 10am to 12pm and from 1pm to 6pm. Access is free all year round. The lake inn serves wood-fired grills and mountain specialties in a friendly atmosphere. In winter, the site transforms into a Nordic sports paradise: snowshoes, ice skates and even ice diving!