Swimming in the Écrins
Lakes and poolsSwimming spots
Looking for freshness in the heart of the mountains? The Pays des Écrins offers a wonderful variety of lakes and swimming pools where you can combine relaxation, swimming, and breathtaking views.
WATER BODIES
You don’t have to climb any mountains to enjoy the cool air! Two bodies of water await you in the valley—easy to reach and perfect for relaxing, swimming, or simply enjoying the natural surroundings with family or friends.
Take your time, breathe, and savor the moment!
Lac de la Roche-de-Rame
A small, easily accessible natural glacial lake, ideal for supervised swimming in the summer. You can rent a pedal boat, try stand-up paddleboarding, or have fun on an inflatable water park (Aquaparc) covering about 600 m², set up 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 refreshing break or a picnic in the shade. A bar and snack bar are nearby in the 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
A 25-meter indoor pool, open year-round, ideal for a peaceful swim or taking aqua aerobics classes. In the summer, an outdoor pool with lounge chairs lets you enjoy the sun in the heart of a beautiful green space.
- Hours: Vary by season (school year, short breaks, summer vacation); check the hours via this link.
- Type: covered 25 m (water lines) open all year round; Outdoor pool and green space in summer
- Activities: swimming lessons, water aerobics, freediving
- 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