From toe-dipping to deep-sea swimming, we all have a love affair with swimming. The days are getting longer and the sun is going to be playing prolonged games in the sky. In short, it’s going to get hot soon. And just in time, the Metropole de Lyon has just established a place where you can bathe in the Saône in complete peace and quiet. Add to this the many lakes in the area and the municipal swimming pools, and Lyon is just a stone’s throw away from being called Lyon-sur-Mer or Lyon les bains!
“Bathing in the Saône will be possible in 2027”.
What was only a short time ago an old sea bass, is no more. City mayor Grégory Doucet made the announcement at a press conference. It will soon be possible to swim in the Saône. You’ll be able to take a dip in the Darse in the Confluence district. The site was chosen for its central location, easy access and, last but not least, the quality of the water. The idea? To have a floating structure to secure the complex, as is the case in Paris on the Canal de l’Ourcq. The facility is expected to accommodate between 500 and 800 people, enough to relieve congestion in municipal swimming pools at roughly the same price.
If we zoom out on Google Maps of the city of Lyon, we quickly realize that we’re surrounded by blue zones… Lakes, ponds, marshes… we’re surrounded! Not all of them are passable, but most of them are. The perfect opportunity to put your towel down in one of our region’s most beautiful spots and take a dip in a movie set. Action!
Lake Miribel Jonage
Because of its location, it’s clearly part of the Lyonnais landscape. It’s the closest watering hole to the city center, and can be easily reached by public transport. It’s often crowded when the heat is unbearable, but honestly, if you get away from the central spots, there are a few hidden spots that can give you the best Saturday afternoon on earth.
👉 More info here
Lac du Bourget
Quite simply the largest natural lake in France (and, in all objectivity, one of the most beautiful). It’s so big that much of it is still wild. Its location near the towns of Chambéry and Aix-les-Bains makes it easily accessible (by car or public transport).
👉 More info here
Lake Aiguebelette
1h30 from Lyon, this lake is ideally located: between mountains and forest, it offers the ideal setting for the triptych: pic nic, siesta and dip. It can be crowded here too, but once again, if you keep away from the main roads, you’ll find everything you need.
👉 More info here
Lake Annecy
The Rolls Royce of our region! Lake Annecy is clearly a site you need to know about to later say “I was there!”. Its size makes it easy to find a spot away from the world if you ever want to play it incognito. Its location just a stone’s throw from the town center and its unobstructed view of the mountains and paragliders really is something special.
👉 More info here
Our favorite
Lake Nantua
Less popular than its big brothers in Annecy and Aiguebelette, Lac de Nantua is no less interesting. Easily accessible by car from Lyon, it offers everything you need to spend the perfect moment. Its little extra? The color of its water changes with the weather, so come and see it in summer and winter!
👉 More info here
Our favorite
Lake Paladru
It too is just a short drive from downtown Lyon. Lac de Paladru offers the promise of a great day out with friends or family.
👉 More info here
With all these villages and walks, the area around our city of Lyon is a real treasure trove. The locations of certain places of interest mean you can combine a visit or hike in the morning with a swim in the afternoon!