Swimming in the Écrins
Lakes and poolsSwimming spots
Looking for freshness in the heart of the mountains? The Pays des Écrins offers a beautiful diversity of lakes and swimming pools to combine relaxation, swimming and a grandiose panorama.
WATER BODIES
No need to climb peaks to enjoy the freshness! Two lakes welcome you in the valley, easy to access, perfect for relaxing, swimming or simply enjoying a natural setting with family or friends.
Take your time, breathe, enjoy!
Roche-de-Rame Lake
Small glacial natural lake easily accessible, ideal for supervised swimming in summer. You can rent a pedal boat, try a stand-up paddle or have fun on an inflatable structure (Aquaparc) of about 600 m² installed in July and August.
L’Argentière-la-Bessée lake
An ideal spot to cool off at the bottom of the valley, this lake is perfect for a cool break or a picnic in the shade. Bar and snack bar nearby in summer. Relaxing atmosphere, with the mountains as a backdrop.
Swimming Pools
Whether you prefer outdoor swimming with a view of the peaks or the comfort of an indoor pool, the Pays des Écrins offers a variety of options for all tastes and all ages.
Puy Saint Vincent (at 1600m)
An outdoor pool heated to around 28°C, accessible in July and August. Ideal place for swimming in front of the mountains, with the possibility of water aerobics and swimming lessons with a lifeguard.
- Opening period: July–August
- Pool: 20 m × 8 m; depth 1.10–1.60 m
- Water temperature: ~28 °C
- Access: indoor → outdoor airlock (keep warm)
- Loan of equipment: armbands, glasses, ball
- Young children: two steps to sit/enter the water
- Clothing: swimming trunks compulsory (boxer shorts prohibited); Hat and flip-flops not compulsory. No towel or swimsuit rental (can be purchased in sports shops)
- Supervision: water aerobics and swimming lessons with a lifeguard
- Minors: children over 10 years old allowed alone
Vallouise-Pelvoux
Outdoor swimming pool open every day from the end of June to the end of August. Family area with slide, paddling pool, deckchairs and snack bar. Friendly place at the foot of the Écrins massif.
- Summer 2025 opening: 23 June → 4 July (2pm–6pm); 5 July → 31 August (daily 10:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m.)
- Type: outdoor swimming pool, at the foot of the Pelvoux lifts
- Equipment: large pool + children’s pool, slide, solar heating
- Activities: water aerobics (supervised sessions)
- Contact: 06 33 11 09 64
L’argentière-la-bessée
25-metre covered pool, open all year round, ideal for swimming in peace or taking water aerobics classes. In summer, an outdoor pool with solarium and deckchairs allows you to enjoy the sun in the heart of a beautiful green space.
- Opening hours: opening hours depending on the period (school, short holidays, summer holidays 2025: 5 Jul → 28 August, 12 noon–8 pm, 7 days a week)
- Type: covered 25 m (water lines) open all year round; Outdoor pool and green space in summer
- Activities: swimming lessons, water aerobics, freediving, baby swimmers
- Accessibility: Autonomous PRM
- Rules: swimming trunks are mandatory (shorts/Bermuda shorts/boxer shorts are not allowed); cap recommended; –10 years old; Allow 1 €/token for locker
- Address & Contact: Complexe sportif du Quartz, 05120 L’Argentière-La Bessée — 04 92 20 08 14