In this article:
- Lakes and leisure centres for swimming in the Vienne
- Swimming spots around Poitiers
- River beaches in the Vienne
- Swimming spots closed in 2026
- Campsites near swimming spots in the Vienne
- Practical tips
Lakes and leisure centres for swimming in the Vienne
For a day out swimming with the family, the lakes and leisure centres in the Vienne offer well-equipped areas with beaches with facilities, designated swimming areas and a wide range of outdoor activities. These sites allow you to cool off whilst enjoying a natural setting perfect for leisure activities.
Gué du Magne lake, Moncontour Active Park leisure centre in Moncontour
In the north of the Vienne, the Moncontour Active Park offers a swimming and leisure area around Gué du Magne lake, a 10-hectare lake. Featuring a beach, the site allows families to enjoy the pleasures of the water whilst taking part in a wide range of water sports and outdoor activities.
Swimming is supervised here in July and August. Visitors can also go canoeing, kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding (included in the admission price), enjoy a giant water slide or try their hand at the water ski lift.
Access is free for holidaymakers staying at the on-site campsite, whilst non-residents can enjoy the site in July and August for an entrance fee.
La Forêt lake in Châtellerault
On the edge of the Châtellerault state-owned forest, La Forêt lake (the forest lake) offers a pleasant setting for a relaxing day out with family or friends. Its sandy beach, equipped with parasols, is the perfect spot to enjoy sunny days by the water’s edge.
In summer, swimming is permitted in a designated swimming area which is supervised in the afternoons during July and August, from Tuesday to Sunday.
The site’s facilities are freely accessible throughout the season.
Marais Leisure Centre in Saint-Macoux / Val de Comporté
In the Charente valley, the Marais Leisure Centre of Saint-Macoux is situated around a lake bordering the river. Easily accessible, this site is popular with families for its leafy setting and leisure facilities.
Swimming is usually supervised every afternoon in July and August, and a water slide adds to the attractions for young and old alike. The lake is also ideal for fishing, with a leisure area where you can enjoy a day by the water. Please note: for the 2026 season, lifeguard supervision is advertised for July only.
La Puye Outdoor Leisure Centre
Located around 40 kilometres east of Poitiers, the La Puye outdoor leisure centre offers a pleasant setting for a refreshing family break by the Petit Étang.
Swimming is supervised here in July and August. Outside this period, it is prohibited. The site remains open all year round, however, so you can enjoy its leisure facilities and walking trails.
Swimming spots around Poitiers
Residents and visitors to Poitiers can also enjoy several swimming spots close to the city. Ranging from leisure facilities in the heart of the countryside to swimming spots in the city centre, these places offer an easy way to cool off on summer’s days.
Bois de Saint-Pierre Lagoon in Smarves
Situated in the heart of the Bois de Saint-Pierre, near Poitiers, the lagoon offers a unique designated swimming area set amidst the natural surroundings. This 2,100 m² designated swimming area, nestled amongst oak trees, has a sandy bottom and sandy banks, creating a real beach atmosphere.
Open in July and August, the lagoon is supervised by lifeguards. The gradually deepening water, ranging from 0.80 m to 1.50 m, makes it a safe environment for families. There is an admission charge and booking is strongly recommended.
Swimming at Îlot Tison in Poitiers
Situated below Poitiers city centre, Îlot Tison offers a unique summer swimming experience in the River Clain. This developed area includes a designated swimming area that allows locals and visitors alike to enjoy a refreshing spot right in the heart of the city.
Free of charge and supervised during the summer, the swimming area consists of a 75 m² pool with a depth of 1.20 m, allowing children and adults to enjoy the water in complete safety. The pool’s walls are designed to allow water from the River Clain to flow through, preserving the site’s natural character.
A 140 m² sunbathing area is equipped with sun loungers and parasols for a relaxing break. The swimming area is open from 1 July to 31 August, every day from 2 pm to 8 pm.
River beaches for swimming in the Vienne
Crossed by several rivers, the Vienne offers plenty of opportunities for swimming in the heart of the countryside. On the banks of the Creuse, the Vienne, the Gartempe or the Vonne, the beaches with facilities allow you to enjoy the department’s rivers in pleasant surroundings, often complemented by leisure areas and outdoor activities.
Swimming in the River Creuse: Lésigny leisure area
Less than an hour from Poitiers and Tours, the Lésigny leisure area offers a lovely spot for swimming on the banks of the Creuse. This river beach with facilities allows you to enjoy a natural and peaceful setting, whilst benefiting from family-friendly facilities.
Swimming is supervised in the afternoons during July and August.
Swimming in the Creuse at La Roche-Posay
In La Roche-Posay, swimming in the Creuse offers a refreshing spot in the heart of a lush green setting. Nestled at the foot of the old railway viaduct, the site allows you to enjoy the pleasures of the water whilst taking in a natural setting perfect for relaxation.
Designed with families in mind, this riverside beach with facilities offers the chance to enjoy the shade of tall trees.
Swimming is supervised in the afternoons in July and August, except on Mondays.
Swimming in the River Vienne: Queaux Leisure Area
The Queaux leisure area offers a leafy, shaded setting for swimming on the banks of the River Vienne, surrounded by nature. Situated close to ponds and forests, this beach with facilities is the perfect place to relax with family or friends.
Open to all, the swimming area is supervised every afternoon from early July to late August.
Swimming in the River Vienne: Crémault Park in Bonneuil-Matours
Situated on the banks of the River Vienne, near Châtellerault and Futuroscope, Crémault Park offers a 12-hectare natural setting ideal for family relaxation. Its beach with facilities allows visitors to enjoy the pleasures of the water whilst taking in the lush green surroundings.
In summer, two designated swimming areas are set up on the River Vienne and are supervised every afternoon throughout July and August. The site also offers canoeing and kayaking.
Swimming in the River Gartempe: La Bertholière leisure area in La Bussière
On the banks of the Gartempe, the Bertholière leisure area offers a pleasant spot for river swimming in lush green surroundings. Its sandy beach, equipped with sun loungers available free of charge, is the perfect place to relax with family or friends.
Swimming is supervised every afternoon from early July to late August. The site also offers canoe hire so you can explore the Gartempe from the water.
Swimming in the River Vonne: Vauchiron Leisure Centre in Lusignan
On the banks of the Vonne, on the edge of the Grand Parc forest, the Vauchiron leisure centre offers a natural setting ideal for swimming and outdoor activities. This beach with facilities allows you to enjoy a lush green environment just twenty kilometres or so south of Poitiers.
Swimming is supervised in July and August. The site also offers canoe and kayak hire so you can explore the Vonne from the water, as well as areas dedicated to fishing and relaxation.
Find out more: discover all the swimming spots in Vienne
Swimming spots closed or off-limits in 2026
Some swimming spots in the Vienne that were once popular are no longer open for swimming in 2026. However, these locations remain accessible for walks, outdoor leisure activities or waterside pursuits.
Swimming prohibited in 2026: Lake Saint-Cyr in Beaumont Saint-Cyr
Situated near Futuroscope, Lake Saint-Cyr offers a vast 300-hectare natural area dedicated to leisure and relaxation. With its wooded areas, walking trails and outdoor activities, the site provides a pleasant waterside setting.
A beach with facilities is perfect for making the most of sunny days, with areas set aside for beach games, racket sports and family fun. However, swimming has not been permitted there since 2024.
The lake remains, however, a popular spot for water sports, such as canoeing, pedalos and sailing. Enthusiasts can hire Optimists, dinghies, catamarans, windsurf boards or stand-up paddleboards from the sailing centre.
Swimming banned in 2026: La Voulzie Leisure Area in Lathus-Saint-Rémy
Situated on the banks of the Gartempe, the Voulzie leisure area offers a pleasant space for families to enjoy the riverbanks. The site features a children’s playground, a pétanque court and a fishing area accessible to people with reduced mobility.
Swimming is not permitted on the site. Water quality assessments from recent years indicate that the water is of insufficient quality for swimming.
However, the leisure area remains open for visitors to enjoy a relaxing time on the banks of the Gartempe.
Swimming banned in 2026: Pont Creusé lake in Saint-Martin-l’Ars
Situated in the heart of the village, the Pont Creusé nature recreation area stretches around a 6-hectare swimming lake created within the branches of the River Clain. The site offers a pleasant setting to enjoy nature, with wooded areas dedicated to walking, play, picnics and fishing.
Swimming is prohibited here in 2026. However, the site remains open for visitors to enjoy the relaxation areas and outdoor activities.
Campsites near swimming spots in the Vienne
With its many lakes, rivers and leisure centres, the Vienne offers several options for staying near a swimming spot. Among the 48 campsites in the Vienne, some offer easy access to a beach with facilities or a supervised swimming area, allowing you to make the most of summer days by the water.
In Lusignan, the Vauchiron** municipal campsite is just 200 metres from the designated swimming area at the leisure centre of the same name. Holidaymakers can also make use of the canoe and kayak hire, hiking trails and other outdoor activities on offer at the site.
The Yelloh! Village La Roche-Posay**** campsite allows you to enjoy a stay by the river whilst having easy access to the designated swimming area on the Creuse. Located around 2 km away, the river beach with facilities offers a supervised area in summer, with a leisure area where you can enjoy a day by the water. With direct access to the river from the campsite, holidaymakers can enjoy a range of water sports during their stay: canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding or a family fishing trip.
Practical tips for enjoying swimming in the Vienne
To make the most of swimming in the Vienne, remember to check access conditions, lifeguard hours and any restrictions before you set off. At designated sites, swimming is generally supervised only during the summer season and at specific times: outside these periods, it may be prohibited or must be undertaken at your own risk.
To minimise the risk of drowning, stay within the designated swimming areas and follow safety instructions. Rivers and lakes can present hidden dangers, including variations in depth, currents or underwater obstacles. Supervision of children remains essential, even at beaches with facilities. Also, avoid swimming alone and ensure your swimming is appropriate for your ability.
Certain sections of rivers can be enjoyed for a refreshing dip in summer, even where there are no specific facilities. In these areas, caution is essential: find out about local conditions and remain vigilant regarding the risks associated with currents, depth or underwater obstacles.
Water quality may change over the course of the summer. In the event of a warning or temporary ban, particularly due to the presence of cyanobacteria, please follow the recommendations displayed on site or communicated by site managers.
Finally, please help to preserve these natural areas by taking your rubbish away with you, respecting the local flora and fauna, and behaving responsibly on the banks and in the water.