Which lakes are suitable for swimming in Côte-d'Or?
Lac de la Tille (Magny-sur-Tille)
Lake Tille is a lake designed for water sports and family relaxation. Swimming is supervised and the site offers shaded areas, water slides and a beach.
Lake Panthier (Vandenesse-en-Auxois)
Close to the Burgundy Canal, Lake Panthier is a popular destination for water sports. A large sandy beach welcomes swimmers in summer (free access). The site also has a sailing centre, ideal for combining swimming and sailing.
Lake Pont (Pont-et-Massène, near Semur-en-Auxois)
In the heart of the Auxois region, Lac de Pont is one of the largest reservoirs in Côte-d'Or. Created to supply the Burgundy Canal, it is popular with holidaymakers in summer, with its beach facilities , allowing visitors to enjoy the water in complete safety. On site, there are changing rooms, showers, a snack bar and even pedal boat and canoe hire. With its wooded setting and magnificent views, it is a peaceful and friendly place.
Lake Chour (near Saulieu)
Located on the edge of the Morvan, Lake Chour offers a natural setting conducive to relaxation. Its beach is supervised in July and August, allowing you to swim in complete peace of mind. Water sports enthusiasts can hire paddleboards or try out inflatable games on the water with Aqua Bubble Boom. The forest environment makes this site particularly pleasant during the hot summer months.
Lac de Chamboux, in the Morvan (near Saulieu)
Lac de Chamboux, accessible from Saint-Martin-de-la-Mer, a few kilometres from Saulieu, is a lake appreciated for its tranquillity and forest setting. It is a great alternative for swimming and relaxing in the heart of nature.
The Côte d'Or's developed lakes and leisure centres
Arc-sur-Tille leisure centre
Just 15 km from Dijon, the Arc-sur-Tille leisure centre is one of the most popular swimming spots in the department. Its fine sandy beach welcomes young and old alike. The site also offers a wide range of water sports: paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing, inflatable structures, and more.
Nid à la Caille lake (Venarey-les-Laumes)
The Nid à la Caille lake is a supervised swimming area. It offers a beach with green spaces, children's play areas and a snack bar. Access is free of charge.
Dijon Beach
A stone's throw from the city centre, Dijon Beach is set up every summer on the shores of Lake Kir. A veritable green lung for the Burgundian capital, the lake has a large sandy beach, which is supervised during the summer. Dijon Beach also offers cultural and sporting activities, transforming the area into a real urban seaside resort. Outside of the Dijon Plage event, you can swim in the lake all year round.
Étang Fouché (Arnay-le-Duc)
Close to the centre of Arnay-le-Duc, Fouché Pond is a leisure centre that is perfect for families. Its beach attracts many holidaymakers. Pedalos, paddleboards, children's games and green spaces mean you can spend a whole day there.
Beaune Côté Plage (Montagny-lès-Beaune)
Beaune Côté Plage is a unique natural aquatic complex with four large pools filtered by plants, without chlorine or chemicals. It features slides, a water climbing wall and areas suitable for children.
Swimming in the river in Côte-d'Or
La Chanoie beach (Pontailler-sur-Saône)
Located directly on the banks of the Saône, La Chanoie beach is one of the few river bathing sites in the department. It offers supervised swimming in summer with a grassy and sandy area, ideal for relaxing or picnicking.
Wild swimming in the rivers of Côte-d'Or
The Saône, Ouche and Serein rivers offer numerous natural swimming spots for those seeking a quieter and more unspoilt setting. These sites are not supervised and remain accessible at the swimmers' own risk. They allow you to enjoy the water in the heart of nature, far from developed areas, with varied landscapes: wooded meanders along the Ouche, the tranquil banks of the Serein in the north of the department, and large natural areas along the Saône. Ideal for cooling off in summer while exploring less frequented places.
Please note: swimming is prohibited in Lake Grosbois and the Burgundy Canal.
Not all sites are open for swimming. Lake Grosbois, which is used as a reservoir, and the Burgundy Canal are prohibited for safety and water quality reasons.
Which campsite should you stay at to enjoy the Côte-d'Or's swimming spots?
To make the most of the swimming spots in Côte-d'Or, you can choose from 33 campsites located near a lake, pond or river in Côte-d'Or.
Some campsites offer direct access to or are located very close to lakes and other bodies of water. For example, the Lac de Panthier**** campsite in Vandenesse-en-Auxois and the Huttopia étang de Fouché**** campsite in Arnay-le-Duc allow guests to swim on site. In Saulieu, the Saulieu*** campsite is located about fifteen kilometres from Lake Chour. These campsites offer a practical solution for combining accommodation in the heart of nature with swimming.
Practical advice for swimming in Côte-d'Or
To make the most of swimming in Côte-d'Or, remember to check the opening hours and whether there are lifeguards on duty, especially for developed sites and summer beaches. Follow local rules and prohibition signs to ensure your safety and preserve the quality of the sites. Finally, choose quiet times to enjoy a peaceful moment by the water and appreciate the beauty of the natural landscapes.