Where can you swim in Chamonix?

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Chamonix can of course also be enjoyed in summer by a lake or a waterfall on a beautiful summer day. The Mont Blanc Valley is full of beautiful swimming spots.

Between blue-green lakes, mountain views, majestic waterfalls and breathtaking gorges, there is something for everyone.

However, mountain lakes are fragile ecosystems… The addition of organic or chemical materials such as sunscreen, mosquito repellent or even buoys can disturb their functioning. For this reason, many exceptional water spots are forbidden to swim in. Find out more before heading there.

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

 

Passy lake

 

The Passy lake is open all year round and is a 30-minute drive from the centre of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc.

The lake has a supervised swimming area in July and August from 12pm to 4pm every day. There is a car park nearby, for which a fee of 2 € per day is charged from the end of June to the end of August.

The Passy lake is the largest lake in the Mont Blanc region. It offers remarkable views of the surrounding mountains and especially of Mont Blanc. In addition to its supervised swimming area, the lake also has some more discreet grassy shores where you can also swim.

The recreational area also offers a wide range of activities: small electric boats, paddle boards and rowing boats for hire, fishing pontoon, mountain bike trails, miniature golf and tree climbing.

There are picnic areas on site and restaurants/bars are open in the summer.

 

The Ilettes lakes

The Ilettes lakes are open all year round and access is free. They are a 30-minute drive from Chamonix.

The three lakes are sort of positioned in a row and each have their own specific activity: fishing (closed in July and August), swimming or windsurfing.

For swimming, it is the second lake, which presents nice grassy beaches where you can relax. The northern part of the lake is supervised in July and August from 12pm to 6pm.

Many activities are available on site like a volleyball court, ping-pong tables and a fitness trail.

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

 

Le Pontet lake and swimming area

Le Pontet lake and swimming area (“Lac de baignade du Pontet” in French) is a 45-minute drive from Chamonix at the bottom of the valley. It is closed from November to March. There is an entrance fee of 3 € for a child and 4 € for an adult for the day.

In the heart of the Pontet recreational area, the lake offers exceptional panoramic views of the mountains. The supervised swimming area is 3,800 m² and offers a sandy beach and a grassy area.

This idyllic setting also allows for many activities: kayaking, rowing, trampolining, climbing, horse riding, adventure courses with ziplines, tennis and many others.

Outside of swimming hours, i.e. before 10am and after 7pm, the lake is open to amateur fishermen.

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

 

The Lac Bleu of Morillon

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

Between the sandy beach and the shaded lawns, one part of it is supervised and exclusively reserved for swimming.

Many other activities are offered at the Blue Lake of Morillon, kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, but also inflatable games, tree climbing, horse riding… Petanque, volleyball, etc.

Various entertainment events are regularly on display: children’s shows, concerts, fishing competitions, etc.

A picnic area and a bar-restaurant are available on site to provide you with food.

 

Swimming pool and spa at the Refuge des Aiglons hotel

The Refuge des Aiglons hotel in downtown Chamonix offers a true mountain wellness experience.

For a relaxing day in summer or in winter, to unwind after a day full of activities, the hotel is happy to welcome you to its spa and heated outdoor swimming pool with a breathtaking view of Mont Blanc.

The Refuge des Aiglons spa offers an outdoor sensory course (heated pool, whirlpool, sauna, hammam), all with a breathtaking view of Mont Blanc. Sensory showers, a relaxation room and à la carte treatments adapted to each person (massages, face and body treatments, etc) are among the many delights of this place.

Access is unlimited and free for hotel guests. For outsiders, it is also possible to enjoy the outdoor swimming pool and the spa. The price of admission to the spa includes a towel and bathrobe.

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