Back to articles

Where can you swim in Chamonix?

Between blue-green lake, mountain views, majestic waterfalls or resplendent gorges, there is something for everyone.

 

However, mountain lakes are fragile ecosystems... The contribution of organic or chemical materials such as sunscreen, mosquito repellent or even buoys can transform their functioning. As a result, many exceptional water points are forbidden to swim. Find out before you go there.

Where to swim Chamonix

Here are 5 places where it is possible to swim in Chamonix:

 

Lac de Passy

Lac de Passy is open all year round and is a 30-minute drive from downtown Chamonix-Mont-Blanc.

This lake includes a supervised swimming area in July and August from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. every day. A car park is nearby, it becomes chargeable (2€ for the day) from the end of June to the end of August.

Lac de Passy is the largest lake in the Mont-Blanc region. It offers remarkable views of the surrounding mountains and especially Mont-Blanc. In addition to its supervised swimming area, the lake contains more discreet grassy coves for swimming.

The leisure center also offers a large number of activities: small electric boats, paddle and boat rental, fishing pontoon, mountain biking trail, minigolf, tree climbing.

On site, picnic areas are available and in summer, restaurants/bars are open.

Les Lacs des Ilettes

Les Lacs des Ilettes are open all year round and access is free. They are a 30-minute drive from Chamonix.

In a row, the three lakes each have their own specificity: fishing (closed in July-August), swimming or windsurfing.

For swimming, it is the second lake, on the landscaped green beaches, take the time to relax. The northern part of the lake is monitored in July and August from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Many activities are offered on site: volleyball court, ping-pong tables, fitness trail.

On site, you can eat at the small refreshment bar or take advantage of the picnic areas and barbecues available.

 

The Pontet bathing lake

The Pontet bathing lake is a 45-minute drive from Chamonix, at the bottom of the valley. It is closed from November to March. Admission is paid, for the day the price is €3 for a child and €4 for an adult.

At the heart of the Pontet Leisure Park, the bathing lake offers exceptional panoramas of the mountains. The supervised swimming area is 3800 m² and offers a sandy beach and a lawn area.

This idyllic setting also allows you to practice many activities: kayaking, boats, boats, trampoline, climbing, equestrian center, adventure course, tennis and many others.

Outside of swimming hours, i.e. before 10:00 a.m. and after 7:00 p.m., the lake is open to amateur fishermen.

Picnic areas are available and a restaurant overlooking the lake is open all year round.

 

Lac Bleu Morillon

Lac Bleu Morillon is a small piece of paradise located 50 minutes from Chamonix. Open all year round, this lake offers a remarkable place to relax.

Between sandy beach and shaded lawns, a part is supervised and exclusively reserved for swimming.

Many other activities are offered at Lac Bleu in Morillon, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, but also inflatable games, tree-climbing courses, horse riding... Petanque, volleyball, etc.

Activities are regularly offered there: children's shows, concerts, fishing competitions, in particular.

Picnic area and bar-restaurant are on site to provide you with food.

 

Pool and spa at the Refuge des Aiglons hotel

The real experience of well-being in the mountains, this is the relaxing experience offered by the Refuge des Aiglons in downtown Chamonix.

For a relaxing day in summer and winter, to unwind after a sporty day, the heated outdoor pool with breathtaking views of Mont-Blanc and the hotel spa await you.

The Refuge des Aiglons spa offers an outdoor sensory journey (heated pool, hot tub, sauna, steam room), all with a breathtaking view of Mont-Blanc. Sensory showers, a relaxation room... But also à la carte treatments adapted to everyone (massages, facial and body treatments, etc.).

Access is unlimited and free for hotel residents. For outsiders, it is also possible to enjoy the outdoor pool and spa. Spa admission includes a bath towel and a bathrobe.

Discover also

Mont-Blanc, a summit to climb at the foot of your Les Aiglons hotel

Mont Blanc ascent: prices, itineraries and tips

Chamonix is the Capital of mountaineering, dominated by the majestic Mont-Blanc which culminates at 4810 meters. Since the conquest of the highest mountain in Europe by Jacques Balmat and Michel Gabriel Paccard in 1786, the peaks of the Mont-Blanc Massif are undoubtedly the most sought-after in the world. In fact, theAscension of Mont-Blanc is a mountaineering business! In this guide, we explain everything you need to know to prepare to climb Mont-Blanc with confidence.

Chamonix: what are the mountain refuges?

Chamonix: what are the mountain refuges?

Do you want a timeless stay, perched at altitude with a breathtaking view of the Mont-Blanc massif? The mountain refuges in Chamonix will offer you a total immersion in nature, between adventure, contemplation and conviviality. Whether you are a hiker, mountaineer or simply a lover of the great outdoors, discover the 10 must-see refuges and prepare for your night at the summit!

The White Valley: the complete guide

The White Valley: the complete guide

Imagine a 20 km descent into the heart of breathtaking glacial landscapes, surrounded by the mythical peaks of the Mont-Blanc massif. Welcome to La Vallée Blanche ! It's a off-road and unmarked routes which attracts many winter sports enthusiasts every year. Ready to experience an exceptional day between seracs, crevasses and breathtaking panoramas? Make your tracks in the snow and dive into this alpine adventure that is unique in the world, Skiing down the Vallée Blanche.

Reserve