The 10 best places to swim around Lyon

Want to escape from the city during the hot summer days? We have selected for you the 9 best places to swim around Lyon. Your shirts!

When sunny days arrive, temperatures in Lyon can reach heat records. To go on a dip without leaving on expedition, we have uncovered for you the 9 best places to swim around Lyon. Follow the guide!

1. Plan d’eau du Bordelan

Here is one of the best places to swim in Lyon, just 35 minutes from the city centre. You will have to pay you a right of entry (3 euros) in July and August, but you will enjoy a swim supervised by masters of householders. There are security guards at the entrance and on the parking lot.

At the gates of Beaujolais, the lake extends over 10 hectares of fresh water. You will extend to the white sandy beach or prefer shaded lawns. You have dressing rooms, showers and toilets, as well as a snack to eat. New services are developed from 2022 such as the rental of paddles and kayaks, or aquafitness courses some days. The beach is open all year round, but swimming is only monitored in July and August.

2. Plan d’eau du Colombier

Here is the best option to swim in Lyon for free! Just 35 minutes’ drive away, you’ll find a perfectly equipped space for a beautiful summer day. A trail allows you to turn the water plan in 45 minutes and discover this remarkable natural space.

Families will enjoy a playground and a health path. Children will love aquapark space with inflatable games on the water. Kayaks, paddles and pedal boats are available for rent. The lake is also served by the tourist railway from the village of Anse. Since access to the water plan is free, there is a high level of water supply. In the summer, plan to arrive at the end of the morning to find a place on the parking lot!

3. The blue valley

It is a real multi-activity center that awaits you in La Vallée Bleue, one of the best places to swim in Lyon. You can choose the water plan, the water park for swimming and terrestrial activities. Difficult to choose between pedal, paddle, windsurfing but also buggy, mountain biking, orientation race, poney or biking. You can prolong the pleasure by staying at the 3-star campsite right next to you!

4. Lake of Condrieu

One of the best places to swim in Lyon is less than an hour away. It is very appreciated by families for the multitude of activities it offers. Water park with slides or hooks for children, wakeboard tracted for the tallest, there are for all tastes! And after the strong sensations, relax on the "frost zone", a floating platform built right on the lake!

5. Chambod Island – Merpuis

Born of the creation of Allement Dam In 1960, Chambod – Merpuis Island delimits a unique natural space on the Ain River. Don’t miss to follow the interpreting path to discover 10 remarkable sites in the Haute Vallée de l’Ain. In addition to the classic pedals and paddles, you can take yoga classes in summer. And to finish the day in beauty, a quality restaurant offers regional specialities on the waterfront.

6. Lake Aiguebelette

Beach of Aiguebelette-le-Lac, Lepin-le-Lac or the Pré d’Argent, there are many swimming opportunities in Lake Aiguebelette. Only an hour away is the best places to swim in Lyon! Clear and clear water can reach 28 degrees in the summer. On the road, stop at the Bridoire and walk the canyon of the Grenant. You will be rewarded with a magnificent waterfall where you can dip in a natural and wild setting.

7. Lake Paladru

This beautiful lake draws its turquoise waters from the lake chalk that covers its funds. Nestled at 500 meters above sea level between Lyon and Grenoble, it makes the happiness of its residents as tourists visiting the region. Fifth glacial-origin French lake with its size, it covers 6 kilometres long and 4 communes.

Swimming opportunities are numerous, with several monitored beaches and a 25-degree water in the summer. Be careful, outside these specific sites and their opening hours, any bathing is prohibited. You will enjoy the variety of nautical activities such as a rowing, sailing, boat rental or scuba diving initiations. The archaeological museum of Lake Paladru is being created and is expected to open its doors in the summer of 2022.

8. The Tonic Plain

Welcome to a real water leisure park with La Plaine Tonique! The space is divided into two universes, with a large sandy beach on the lake and a water complex equipped with 5 basins. You will not be bored between nautical activities and terrestrial leisure. You will only have to choose between water skiing, wakeboarding, paddle, archery, mini-golf... You can even rent an electric boat to ride the lake or fly ascent parachute at sunset. Guaranteed emotions!

9. Lake Genin

Classified as a natural and picturesque site, Lake Génin stretches over 8 hectares in a forest at an altitude of 850 metres. He is nicknamed the "little Canada of Haut-Bugey". During the months of July-August, bathing is monitored from 10 a.m. to 12 noon and from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Next to the beautiful sandy beach, a hostel serves specialities of the house and grilled wood fire in a friendly atmosphere. In addition to swimming, a multitude of trails allow you to explore this site classified on foot or by bike. Know that the lake is also accessible in winter, with snowshoes, ice skates and even ice diving!

10. Lake Nantua

Discover one of the most beautiful lakes in France and one of the best places to swim in Lyon with Lake Nantua. Located in the Haut-Bugey, this area of 141 hectares is popular with tourists and locals. Thanks to its size, you are sure to always find a place to put your towel. Described by Alexandre Dumas as "the pretty little sapphire blue lake as a jewel", it presents beautiful changing colors depending on the seasons. Water activities, pontoons, beaches and lawns await you beach Albert Griot in the north and beach of the Column in the south.

Other places to swim around Lyon:

• Fallavier pond: swimming allowed in July-August, a good option to swim in Lyon in summer with only 45 minutes drive
• Lac des Sapins: playgrounds all around the lake, PMR facilities with all-terrain electric armchairs, a mini-golf... What to occupy a beautiful summer day
• Lake Virieu-le-Grand: discover one of the largest sandy beaches in the region nestled in a forest environment. A total change at 1h15 from Lyon
• Lake Cormoranche: for the day or a stay, a beautiful lake with supervised swimming and accommodation options (chalets, mobile homes, tipis...)
• Aurec-sur-Loire leisure base: in Haute-Loire on the banks of the river of the same name, a large green space where to come and lay its towel. Barbecues available, take only your grille, and your pins of course!