Leisure centres: family swimming in the lakes and ponds of Orne
Lac de la Suisse Normande (formerly Rabodanges lake) and its leisure centre in Putanges-le-Lac
With its vast 1,600 m² swimming area, Suisse Normande lake offers a refreshing experience in the heart of a preserved natural environment. There is a natural swimming pool, fed and filtered by the lake water, which offers a pleasant and environmentally friendly alternative to open water swimming, as well as a paddling pool where younger children can enjoy the water in complete safety.
Fed by the River Orne and held back by a 17-metre-high dam, the 95-hectare lake is an ideal playground for water sports: water skiing, wakeboarding, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, electric boats and boat trips. Hikers, trail runners and mountain bikers also enjoy the trails that run along the banks and offer beautiful views of Suisse Normande.
In Putanges-Le-Lac, swimming is permitted and supervised in July and August at the leisure centre. The shaded lawns, relaxation areas and peaceful atmosphere of the site make it ideal for families and nature lovers alike. Find out more.
La Ferté-Macé leisure centre
Covering 65 hectares, including 26 hectares of lake, the centre offers a wide range of activities. Swimming is supervised throughout the summer, and there is a secure water park area for children.
Lake Mêle-sur-Sarthe: Pays Mêlois leisure centre
Located in a peaceful, green setting, Lake Mêle-sur-Sarthe is one of the most popular swimming spots in the Orne department.
The Pays Mêlois leisure centre offers free access with supervised swimming in July and August, a sandy beach, sun loungers, pedal boats and mini golf, a picnic area and a playground.
New for 2026: every summer afternoon, the Tourist Office will be open under the new hall, which will shelter you from the sun (or rain).
Étage neuf de Prépotin: Soligny-la-Trappe leisure centre
The site will be completely closed to swimmers from 2026; the local association managing the site plans to turn it into a fishing lake.
Can you swim in the River Orne?
Swimming in the Orne River is prohibited. Only the department's developed and supervised bodies of water are authorised for summer swimming.
Where to camp near swimming spots
To make the most of the swimming areas, there are around forty campsites in the Orne.
Among them, we particularly recommend the municipal campsite La Vée***, located in Bagnoles de l'Orne, in an enchanting 4.7-hectare setting in the heart of the Andaine forest. The campsite is located 1.5 km from Lake Bagnoles, so although you can't swim there, you can enjoy pedalos, summer activities and the peaceful setting of this lake. For swimming, the campsite is also half an hour from Lake Rabodanges and the Putanges-le-Lac water sports centre.
Practical advice for safe swimming in the Orne
Always choose supervised areas and respect the flags: green (favourable conditions), orange (caution), red (prohibited). Check the water quality analyses displayed on site. Finally, respect these natural areas: use bins, keep animals on a lead, keep the area quiet... these are all simple gestures that help to preserve these sites.