Where can you swim around Lyon?

Activities
Nature

Lake,Aiguebelette,Is,A,Natural,Lake,Located,In,France,In

Marie

Published on 05/08/2025

Are you visiting Lyon in the Rhône and looking for a place to swim? Is summer just around the corner 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 the exceptional surroundings. From the crystal-clear lakes of Haut-Bugey to the landscaped lakes of Beaujolais, discover our selection of the 10 best places to swim around Lyon. From sandy beaches to supervised swimming and water sports activities, there’s something for everyone!

200 audioguided tours for cities all around the world

Download

1. Grand Parc de Miribel-Jonage

Grand,Parc,De,Miribel jonage,,An,Urban,Park,Of,2200,Hectares

Just 20 minutes from Lyon, the Grand Parc de Miribel-Jonage (Chemin de la Bletta, 69120 Vaulx-en-Velin, rated 4.4/5 on Google out of 12,000 reviews) remains the must-see spot for swimming near Lyon. With its 350 hectares of green spaces and its Eaux Bleues lake, it’s the ideal playground for people in Lyon looking for a refreshing swim.

The park offers four equipped beaches: three free (Le Morlet, La Baraka and Le Fontanil) and one paying (L’Atol’). All are supervised from 1pm to 7pm during the summer months. The beaches are fully equipped, with picnic areas, children’s play areas and water sports equipment for hire. To discover Lyon after your swim, let yourself be guided by theNavaway audio guide, which will reveal the secrets of the city of two hills.

See also the Lyon guide :

2. Lac des Sapins at Cublize

Just 35 minutes from Lyon, Lac des Sapins (Route du Lac, 69550 Cublize, rated 4.3/5 on Google out of 3,500 reviews) is our family favourite. This exceptional site has been home to Europe’s largest biological swimming pool since 2012, a real ecological gem in the heart of the Beaujolais Vert region.

There are two options: swimming in the natural lake or the biological pool with its 8,000 m² of pools naturally filtered by plants. Swimming is supervised every day from 10.30am to 7pm (12pm to 7pm on Mondays and Thursdays). Admission costs between €3 and €5, depending on the season. The site also offers tree climbing, pedalo hire and shaded picnic areas.

Download the audio-guided tour to discover Lyon on foot and on your own

Take advantage of your visit to the region to visit Lyon on our audio tour. In just 3 and a half hours, you’ll discover the 26 must-sees of the capital of Gaul: from Old Lyon to the slopes of the Croix-Rousse, via the Basilique de Fourvière. A complete itinerary that will reveal the fascinating history of this two-thousand-year-old UNESCO World Heritage city.

3. The Bordelan lake

At the gateway to the Beaujolais region, the Plan d’eau de Bordelan (Route de Bordelan, 69400 Villefranche-sur-Saône, rated 4.2/5 on Google out of 1200 reviews) welcomes you just 35 minutes from Lyon. This 10-hectare lake offers a refreshing getaway with its white sandy beach and shaded green spaces.

Swimming is supervised in July and 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: paddleboards and kayaks for hire, as well as aquafitness classes on certain days. A secure car park and security guards ensure visitors’ peace of mind. Don’t hesitate to continue your discovery of the region by exploring Lyon and its wonders with our audio guide.

4. The Colombier lake at Anse

Here’s the best free option for swimming near Lyon! Le Plan d’eau du Colombier (Route du Colombier, 69480 Anse, rated 4.1/5 on Google out of 800 reviews) offers you a great family summer day out for nothing.

Open Saturdays and Sundays in June, and every day in July and August from 11.30am to 8pm, this site offers supervised swimming from 1pm to 7pm. A footpath takes 45 minutes to walk around the lake. Families will love the play area, fitness trail and aquapark with inflatable games. Kayaks, paddles and pedalos available for hire. Please note: crowds can be high in summer, so arrive early!

5. Lake Aiguebelette

Just an hour from Lyon, Lac d’Aiguebelette (73610 Aiguebelette-le-Lac, rated 4.6/5 on Google out of 5,000 reviews) will dazzle you with its crystal-clear waters, which can reach 28°C in summer. Nicknamed “the blue lake”, it offers an exceptional unspoilt natural setting.

There are seven equipped beaches, including the Pré d’Argent beach (€2.5 on weekdays, €4 at weekends), the Aiguebelette-le-Lac beach and the Lépin-le-Lac beach. All are supervised in July and August. Swimming is free after 7pm. On your way back, make a diversion to the Grenant waterfall for a refreshing dip in the wild. To extend your stay, discover the charms of magnificent Lyon with our audio tour.

6. The Blue Valley

Just 50 minutes from Lyon, La Vallée Bleue (38390 Montalieu-Vercieu, rated 4.2/5 on Google out of 2200 reviews) is a real multi-activity centre that will delight the whole family. The complex offers both a natural lake and a water park with heated pools.

The aquapark has a large 1,200 m² pool, a paddling pool and a slide, all heated to 26°C. Activities include pedalo, paddle and windsurfing, as well as buggies, mountain biking, orienteering, pony trekking and vélorail! A 3-star campsite is available to extend the pleasure. Prices vary according to the season and activities chosen.

7. Lake Paladru

Perched at an altitude of 500 metres between Lyon and Grenoble, Lac de Paladru (38850 Villages du Lac de Paladru, rated 4.4/5 on Google out of 3200 reviews) will enchant you with its turquoise waters due to the lacustrine chalk that covers its bottom. This fifth largest lake in France is 6 kilometres long and was formed by glaciers.

There are four supervised beaches: Montferrat Plage, Charavines Plage, Le Pin Plage and the municipal beach at Paladru. Only Charavines Plage is completely free. The water reaches 25°C in summer and bathing is supervised from 11am to 6.30pm from 7 June to 31 August. Please note: swimming is not permitted outside these times. Water sports available: rowing, sailing, boat hire and diving lessons.

8. Chambod-Merpuis Island

Created by the construction of the Allement dam in 1960,Île Chambod-Merpuis (01130 Merpuis, rated 4.3/5 on Google out of 900 reviews) offers a unique natural setting on the River Ain, just 1 hour from Lyon. These 20 hectares of unspoilt nature enclose an exceptional area in the Gorges de l’Ain.

The supervised swimming area is accessible to people with reduced mobility, with adapted sanitary facilities. The site offers water sports equipment hire, a restaurant serving regional specialities and even yoga classes in summer! Don’t miss the interpretation trail, which takes you on a tour of 10 remarkable sites in the Haute Vallée de l’Ain. A haven of peace for a rejuvenating day out.

9. Lake Genin

Nicknamed the “Little Canada of the Haut-Bugey”, Lac Genin (01130 Charix, rated 4.5/5 on Google out of 1,800 reviews) transports you to an altitude of 850 metres in an absolutely magical setting of greenery. This listed “natural and picturesque” site covers 8 hectares in the heart of an unspoilt forest.

1h15 from Lyon, this lake offers a beautiful sandy beach and supervised swimming in July and August from 10am to 12pm and from 1pm to 6pm. Access is free all year round. The auberge du lac serves wood-fired grills and mountain specialities in a friendly atmosphere. In winter, the site is transformed into a Nordic sports paradise: snowshoeing, ice skating and even ice diving!

10. Lake Nantua

Lake,Nantua,Is,A,Lake,In,The,Jura,Mountains

Crowned by Alexandre Dumas as “the pretty little sapphire-blue lake set like a jewel”, Lac de Nantua (01130 Nantua, rated 4.3/5 on Google out of 2,500 reviews) rounds off our selection magnificently. Situated in the Haut-Bugey region, 1? hours from Lyon, this 141-hectare lake offers a range of colours that change with the seasons.

There are two beaches: Plage Albert Griot to the north, with snack bars and refreshments, and Plage de la Colonne to the south, with picnic tables. Swimming is supervised free of charge in July and August. Thanks to its imposing size, you’ll always find a place to put your towel. Water sports activities, pontoons and plenty of green spaces make this lake one of the most beautiful in France.

In conclusion, the Lyon region is bursting with aquatic treasures just waiting for you! Whether you’re looking for a supervised family swim, a variety of water-based activities or simply a moment to relax by the water, these 10 spots will satisfy all your desires. Don’t forget to round off your getaway by discovering Lyon on our audio tour, which will reveal all the secrets of this magnificent thousand-year-old city. Happy swimming!

What is the maximum distance for swimming around Lyon?

Most of the selected swimming spots are located within a radius of no more than 1? hours from Lyon. The nearest is the Grand Parc de Miribel-Jonage (20 minutes away), while the Lac de Nantua, the furthest away, requires a 1h30 drive.

Are there any free options for swimming near Lyon?

Yes! Several spots are completely free: the Colombier lake in Anse, three of the four beaches in the Grand Parc de Miribel-Jonage, Lac Genin and Lac de Nantua. Others offer free access outside surveillance hours.

What are the best spots for families with children?

The Lac des Sapins with its organic swimming pool, the Plan d’Eau du Colombier with its play area and inflatable activities, and the Vallée Bleue with its aquapark are particularly suitable for families. All offer special facilities and extra supervision.

Are there any water sports available on these lakes?

Absolutely! Most of the sites offer kayaks, paddles, pedalos and sometimes jet-skis for hire. Lac de Paladru and Île Chambod-Merpuis are particularly well known for their wide range of water-based activities, while Vallée Bleue offers the widest range of water and land-based activities.