The large supervised lakes of the Rhône
The Lac des Eaux Bleues (blue waters lake) in Miribel Jonage
Twenty-five kilometres from Lyon, the Lac des Eaux Bleues is a must-see destination for swimmers. Located in the heart of the Grand Parc Miribel Jonage, this 350-hectare lake offers four beaches, three of which are free (Morlet, Baraka, Fontanil) and one private (L'Atol). The water is of excellent quality and comes from the water table. In summer, swimming is supervised, and activities such as paddleboarding, kayaking and sailing are also available.
Bordelan Lake in Villefranche
Forty minutes north of Lyon, Lake Bordelan is a former gravel pit that has been transformed into a supervised swimming area. Its sandy beach and shaded lawns make it a popular spot for families. The site has been enhanced with a floating water park (Calade Water Park) and paddleboarding and kayaking rental services.
Lac des Sapins in Cublize, in the Green Beaujolais
Located about 65 km north-west of Lyon, Lac des Sapins is a 40-hectare artificial lake. This site offers organic swimming in a large natural pool filtered by plant- , providing pure water without chemicals. A beach is also available for outdoor swimming.
Beaches along the water's edge, from the Rhône to the Saône
The Condrieu water sports centre in Vérin
Straddling the Rhône and Isère rivers, this water sports centre attracts visitors with its sandy beach and seaside atmosphere. Swimming is supervised in summer, and Wam Park brings the site to life with inflatable games, paddleboarding and a snack bar.
Secure natural lakes and leisure centres
The Colombier pond in Anse
About 30 minutes north of Lyon, this lake in a green setting offers a supervised swimming area in summer, a Beluga water park, a walking trail and a fitness trail. Swimming is strictly limited to the designated area.
Where to swim in Lyon and around Lyon?
Around Lyon, capital of Gaul, there are several lakes and ponds: Lac des Eaux Bleues (12 km, 20 mins by car), Grand Large (14 km, less than 25 mins), Lake Bordelan (30 km, 25-35 mins by train or car) and pond of Colombier in Anse (30 km, 25-30 mins). The Darse de Confluence, in the city, is the subject of an urban swimming project for 2027.
Swimming in rivers in the Rhône department
Is it possible to swim in the Rhône river?
Swimming is generally prohibited in the Rhône, a fast-flowing river with heavy boat traffic. The only exception is the Condrieu water sports centre, which is equipped and supervised and allows swimming in a secure section of the river. Outside this specific site, swimming directly in the river remains dangerous and is not permitted.
Can you swim in the Saône River in the Rhône department?
The Saône is calmer and runs through the department, but there are no official swimming areas. There are a few isolated spots where people swim, but these are unsupervised and not recommended.
Where can you camp near the swimming spots?
To make the most of the Rhône's swimming spots, discover our campsites near a lake or river in the Rhône department.
Discover the 4-star Lyon campsite in Dardilly, 15 minutes from the Lac des Eaux Bleues, ideal for combining comfort and swimming close to the city.
The Village Huttopia Pays de Condrieu*** in Tupin-et-Semons, near the Rhône Valley, is about 10 km from the Condrieu water sports centre, perfect for enjoying the river and water sports.
Practical tips for swimming in the Rhône
Before diving in, check the water quality and the flags: green (allowed), orange (caution), red (prohibited). Swimming is not recommended after a storm. Keep an eye on children, even in shallow areas. Also remember to protect the environment: pick up your rubbish, limit plastic and avoid glass. Dogs are often prohibited or must be kept on a leash.