In this article:
- The most beautiful lakes for swimming in the Vosges
- Lakes and leisure centres in the Vosges
- Can you swim in the waterfalls and rivers of the Vosges?
- Which campsite should you choose to enjoy swimming in the Vosges?
- Practical advices
The most beautiful lakes for swimming in the Vosges
Set amongst mountain forests and picture-postcard landscapes, the Vosges are home to several large lakes where you can swim, ranging from developed beaches and supervised areas to more natural spots at higher altitudes. These spots are among the most popular in the department during the summer.
The Union Nautique beach, on Lake Gérardmer
Lake Gérardmer is the most iconic lake in the Vosges and one of the department’s most comprehensive swimming spots. Swimming is available at the Union Nautique beach, a truly relaxing and sociable spot on the lakeside. The Union Nautique offers two designated swimming areas in the lake, supervised by lifeguards, as well as a range of facilities: a sandy beach and green spaces stretching along approximately 200 metres of the lakeshore, a 60-metre giant water slide, play areas, and summer entertainment.
There is an admission charge and the site is open from mid-June to the end of August.
Sanchey Beach, on Lake Bouzey
Bouzey Reservoir is a vast body of water on the outskirts of Épinal that is very popular, particularly for family swimming. Sanchey Beach is the most popular spot at the site. It features a sandy and grassy area, a lifeguard station during the summer months, and a children’s playground.
Swimming is supervised in July and August and clearly marked off, making it a particularly suitable spot for families with young children. The setting is open and pleasant, with plenty of space to settle down comfortably by the water’s edge.
The Américains Beach, on Lake Bouzey
Situated on the other side of Lake Bouzey, in the municipality of Chaumousey, Américains beach offers a quieter and more natural atmosphere. It is also equipped and supervised during the summer school holidays, with swimming permitted only within the designated area.
This spot is particularly popular for its peaceful atmosphere and accessibility, notably thanks to the presence of a ‘tiralo’ facility designed to accommodate people with reduced mobility. It is an attractive alternative to Sanchey Beach for those seeking a quieter setting.
Lake Longemer
Situated in Xonrupt-Longemer, at an altitude of around 660 metres, Lake Longemer offers a particularly unspoilt natural setting, nestled within a wooded landscape typical of the Vosges. Surrounded by forests and mountainous terrain, it charms visitors with its peaceful atmosphere and untamed beauty.
Swimming is permitted but unsupervised, so great caution is required. The site does not have a developed beach comparable to those at Gérardmer or Bouzey, and certain areas of the lake are strictly off-limits to swimmers for safety reasons and to protect the site.
Above all, Longemer remains a place for walking and relaxation, prized for the tranquillity of its shores and its remarkable natural surroundings.
Lakes and leisure centres for swimming in the Vosges
In addition to natural lakes, the Vosges offer several developed lakes and leisure centres, often better suited to families and outdoor activities. These sites provide supervised swimming areas as well as a wide range of summer activities.
Moselotte Leisure Centre
Located in Saulxures-sur-Moselotte, Lake Moselotte is a leisure centre that is particularly popular in summer. Swimming is supervised there, generally from late June to late August, during designated times. There is an admission charge.
The site features a well-equipped beach and numerous relaxation areas by the water’s edge, set in pleasant natural surroundings.
As well as swimming, several water-based activities enhance the site’s offering, such as an inflatable obstacle course on the water and a water jump area with slides and diving boards (services subject to a charge).
The Domaine des Lacs in Thaon-les-Vosges
The Domaine des Lacs de Thaon-les-Vosges offers a natural setting covering around 20 hectares, ideal for a relaxing day by the water. The sandy beach welcomes visitors wishing to swim or relax, with a large landscaped area and a small shallow pool (up to 90 cm deep), particularly suitable for children. Swimming is supervised in the afternoons during the high season.
On site, the Wam Park offers a range of water sports to complement the leisure activities on offer, such as a water ski lift, wakeboarding, water skiing and stand-up paddleboarding.
The Remiremont lake
In the south of the Vosges, Remiremont Lake offers supervised swimming during the summer months, usually from early July to late August, at designated times.
Well-maintained, the site offers a pleasant setting in the heart of the town, ideal for relaxation and leisure. Visitors can also enjoy other activities such as pétanque or angling in an accessible and friendly environment.
Can you swim in the waterfalls and rivers of the Vosges?
The Vosges are home to several waterfalls and streams that attract many visitors in summer, particularly for their cool waters and natural setting. However, these sites are not designated swimming areas. They are unsupervised and often feature slippery rocks, currents that are difficult to gauge, and very cold water even in the height of summer. These areas are therefore primarily places for walking and observing nature, ideal for a refreshing break by the water’s edge, should children wish to dip their feet in.
Here are, nevertheless, a few spots where you can cool off, provided you take care:
The Saut du Bouchot waterfall
The Saut du Bouchot is a very popular waterfall during the summer months, much loved for its woodland setting and the coolness of its surroundings.
The Saut des Cuves
Situated between Gérardmer and Xonrupt-Longemer, the Saut des Cuves is a natural site shaped by the River Vologne, where the water has carved spectacular pools into the rock. Much loved for its unspoilt setting and cool atmosphere in summer, it is an unmissable stop on a walk through the Valley of the Lakes.
The Tendon Waterfalls
The Tendon Waterfalls are among the best-known natural sites in the Vosges, attracting many visitors during hot spells.
The Rechentreux stream and the Gué du Saut waterfall
The Rechentreux stream in Xertigny offers a peaceful, wooded setting, popular for walks and relaxing in the heart of nature. You can cool your feet here, particularly near the Gué du Saut waterfall.
Which campsite should you choose to enjoy swimming in the Vosges?
By choosing one of the 70 or so campsites in the Vosges, in Lorraine, you can easily reach the department’s main swimming spots, whether you’re looking for a campsite by a lake or accommodation in the heart of the mountains.
Campsites closest to the lakes
The Ramberchamp** campsite in Gérardmer enjoys a prime location on the shores of Lake Gérardmer, ideal for enjoying water sports such as canoeing or stand-up paddleboarding. The Union Nautique beach, the lake’s main supervised swimming area, is around 2 to 3 km away
The Domaine de Longemer****, meanwhile, is situated about 100 metres from Lake Longemer, offering quick access to a natural setting perfect for swimming. There are around ten campsites in Xonrupt-Longemer, making it one of the best-equipped areas for staying in the immediate vicinity of the main swimming spots.
Situated in Granges-Aumontzey, about 10 km from Gérardmer, the Huttopia Forêt des Vosges* campsite enjoys access to the small Lake Gademont, in a natural setting reminiscent of a private beach in the heart of a Canadian forest. This small lake, adjacent to the campsite, offers a chance to cool off in unspoilt surroundings. Guests can make the most of the lake’s small beach for a swim, or to try their hand at stand-up paddleboarding or catch-and-release fishing.
Well-located campsites for exploring the Hautes Vosges
In Corcieux, the Au Clos de la Chaume*** and Domaine des Bans**** campsites are around 10 to 15 minutes from Gérardmer, making it easy to reach the region’s main swimming lakes, such as Longemer and Gérardmer. In La Bresse, the Le Haut des Bluches*** campsite is situated about 20–25 km from Gérardmer
Practical advice for swimming in the Vosges
During the summer months, the main swimming spots can get very busy, particularly at weekends and during heatwaves. Arriving in the morning usually means you can enjoy a quieter atmosphere and find a parking space more easily.
The swimming spots in the Vosges are varied, ranging from developed beaches to more natural lakes at higher altitudes. To make the most of your swim, always choose supervised areas where possible and follow the signs put up at each site.
In unsupervised lakes, such as Longemer, caution is essential: the depth can change rapidly, and the water temperature often remains cool even in summer. You should also avoid straying too far from popular areas and check which sections are authorised for swimming.
Finally, there are no designated swimming areas at waterfalls and in rivers. These areas are primarily places for walking and enjoying the cool surroundings, with slippery rocks and currents that can sometimes be unpredictable. They should be approached with caution, particularly when visiting with family.
Before going for a swim, remember to check the water quality, particularly at supervised bathing sites where the results of water quality tests are usually displayed at the entrance to the beach or available online.
Most of the swimming spots in the Vosges are situated in sensitive natural environments. It is therefore important to protect these areas by not leaving any litter behind, respecting the flora and fauna, and staying within designated areas where they exist. In wilder areas, such as unsupervised lakes or waterfalls, this care is even more essential in order to preserve the quality of these spaces and ensure that everyone can enjoy them in the best possible conditions.