Where to swim outdoors during your summer vacation in the mountains?
Outdoor swimming is one of the must-dos for family summer vacations. In the mountains, it can be done, by choice:
- In a lake or body of water specially designed for swimming, like the body of water at the leisure center of the Versants d’Aime and its fun water games.
- In a river, with specific equipment for whitewater sports (full wetsuit to protect you from the cool water coming directly from the glaciers, helmet, life jacket, etc.).
The leisure center of the Versants d’Aime: a family beach atmosphere in the mountains
The water body of the Versants d’Aime leisure base (also called "Mâcot water body") is a small mountain lake located in the valley, at the foot of the villages of La Plagne, at an altitude of 700 m.
A small family-friendly beach has been developed on its shores : perfect for sunbathing and dipping your feet in the water! Children can even take a little pedal boat ride, walk on water in a large transparent bubble, and play in a space equipped with fun water jets that are freely accessible.
The "beach in the mountains" ambiance is further enhanced by the very "chill" activities that can be enjoyed by the lake: petanque court, volleyball court, basketball court, ping-pong tables, or even bungy trampolines (trampolines that allow you to jump very high safely thanks to a harness and elastic system).
You can even climb trees with your family thanks to three treetop adventure courses located just steps from the water (for ages 4 and up, 7/8 years and up, and for those over 1.50m – with a 130m zip line that will let you cross the Isère from the air!).
Rafting, hydrospeed: try your hand at white-water sports at the Versants d’Aime leisure center
Is the body of water… too “flat” for you? The Versants d’Aime leisure center is also the starting point for several white-water activities to enjoy in Isère, such as rafting, kayaking or hydrospeed (also known as white-water swimming). Refreshment guaranteed for everyone, in the water as well as on the water!
The Versants d’Aime leisure center: a swimming site in the mountains equipped with numerous services
All around the waterway, you will find some very useful services:
- Public restrooms
- Places to recharge your electric mountain bike in case you had the good idea to come by bike via the Greenway
- Picnic tables and barbecues equipped with self-service grills (just remember to bring your charcoal and your marinated skewers, sausages, and merguez)
- A bar/restaurant, for a refreshing lemonade, a good ice cream, or a lunch by the water
Good to know: swimming in the lake is supervised by lifeguards every afternoon in July and August near the small sandy beach.
Can we swim in the mountain lakes around La Plagne and Champagny?
Mountain lakes are fragile ecosystems. That's why swimming is not recommended in all high-altitude lakes, whether they are located (or not) in the Vanoise National Park.. It is even sometimes completely prohibited by municipal decree: this is the case, for example, at Lake des Fées (attached to the municipality of Granier) or at the Presset Lake (which adjoins the refuge of the same name).
By following this good practice, you contribute to the preservation of the animal and plant species that live there or come to drink. No swimming = no dispersion of sunscreen or microplastics in the water, no trampling of the banks or stirring up the mud, no risk of frightening aquatic species…
Want to do some swimming with a view of the mountains? Instead, take a dip in designated swimming spots (like the water body at the Versants d’Aime leisure center), or even in a pool! The roof of the municipal pool in Champagny-en-Vanoise is retractable, and the playful pool of the Espace Aqualudique Paradisio in Montchavin – Les Coches is outdoors!
How to access the Versants d’Aime leisure center?
The small lake of the Versants d’Aime leisure center is located in the valley, in the municipality of Mâcot-la-Plagne, close to the Isère. Three options are available to reach the swimming site of the leisure center:
- By car (parking with spaces reserved for people with reduced mobility)
- By bike, on foot, on rollerblades, or on a scooter via the Green Way that runs alongside the Isère
- By shuttle departing from Plagne Centre (free, reservation only)
