Contents:
- Which lakes are suitable for swimming in Côte-d'Or?
- The Côte d'Or's lakes with facilities and leisure centres
- Swimming in the river in Côte-d'Or
- Which campsite should you stay at to enjoy the Côte-d'Or's swimming spots?
- Practical advice for swimming in Côte-d'Or
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 in the afternoons from June to the end of August and the site offers shaded areas, water slides and a designated swimming area. There is an admission charge.
Lake Panthier (Vandenesse-en-Auxois) – no swimming in 2026
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.
Please note that swimming will not be permitted in 2026.
Lake Pont (Pont-et-Massène, near Semur-en-Auxois)
In the heart of the Auxois region, lake 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.
Note: there will be no lifeguards on duty in 2026.
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. There is an admission charge.
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. There are no lifeguards on duty.
The Côte d'Or's lakes with facilities 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. Swimming is supervised every afternoon from June to the end of August.
Nid à la Caille lake (Venarey-les-Laumes)
The Nid à la Caille lake is a supervised swimming area in the afternoons during July and August, except on Thursdays. It offers a beach with green spaces, children's play areas and a snack bar. Access is free of charge.
Dijon Beach at Lake Kir
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.
Pond Fouché (Arnay-le-Duc)
Close to the centre of Arnay-le-Duc, Pond Fouché 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. Swimming is supervised in the afternoons during July and August.
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. Swimming is supervised from 11.00 am in July and August. There is an admission charge.
Lake Nolay
On the road to Couches, Lake Nolay is a small, developed lake, ideal for cooling off in summer. It has a gravel beach bordered by a grassy area, perfect for picnicking by the water’s edge, as well as two jetties and a small diving board. Swimming is supervised for part of the summer (check dates and times with the town hall) and entry is free.
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 the afternoons during the summer (except on Mondays), 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, particularly near the dam, 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. 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. These campsites offer a practical solution for combining accommodation in the heart of nature with swimming.
Practical advice for swimming in Côte-d'Or
Before heading off for a swim at a natural swimming spot in Côte-d’Or, check the opening times, access conditions and lifeguard coverage – which is often limited to July and August. Also check the water quality, which is displayed on site or updated online during the summer season.
Avoid the risk of drowning: even if you’re a strong swimmer, stay alert. Swim preferably in supervised areas, always keep an eye on children, even when they are playing at the water’s edge, and avoid going into the water after a heavy meal, drinking alcohol or intense physical exertion. In very hot weather, enter the water gradually to minimise the risk of hypothermia.
Respect the environment: the Côte-d’Or is home to several remarkable natural sites, some of which are situated within protected areas. To help preserve them, stay on the designated paths, respect the local flora and fauna, and always take your rubbish away with you. Dogs may also be prohibited on certain beaches with facilities: remember to check the regulations before your visit.
Finally, try to visit in the mornings or late afternoon to enjoy a more peaceful atmosphere, particularly at weekends and during hot weather. Don’t forget to bring water, sun cream and a hat, as some beaches offer little shade.