Where to swim in Barcelonnette?
Where to swim in Ubaye? Looking for refreshing getaways in the Barcelonnette valley in Ubaye (04)?
Whether you're looking for tranquility by a serene river or a more lively swimming experience, this selection of swimming spots promises refreshing moments between Barcelonnette and Lac de Serre Ponçon. Discover these aquatic oases for a well-deserved break in the middle of the majestic mountains of the region near crazy water rafting in Lauzet.
Swimming in the Ubaye valley
Jausiers lake
8.5 km from Barcelonnette
In Jausiers
The Plan d'Eau de Jausiers is a developed and monitored lake, located at the intersection of the Route de la Bonnette and the Haute Ubaye. Access to the lake is subject to an entrance fee.
Gimette rest area
8 km from Barcelonnette
At Thuille
The Gimette rest area, made available by the village of Thuilles, has been carefully designed. You will find picnic areas there, as well as a games area.
Rioclar lake
12 km from Barcelonnette
At low Rioclar
A charming little body of water, with a beach suitable for swimming., Ideally located near the Ubaye river, offering a great opportunity to walk and cool off.
Lake Lauzet Ubaye
19 km from Barcelonnette
Lauzet Ubaye
Lake Lauzet Ubaye, a magnificent natural body of water located at the entrance to the valley. Stands out as one of the most beautiful lakes in the region, easily accessible by car. Access is free and fishing is also permitted free of charge.
On the banks of the Ubaye
19 km from Barcelonnette)
Lauzet Ubaye
Multiple access points allow you to enjoy swimming along the Ubaye. The river sometimes has dynamic currents, so we recommend that you consult us during your visit to Crazy Water for suitable advice.
Costeplane Waterfall
19 km from Barcelonnette
At Lauzet Ubaye
The most enchanting place in the Barcelonnette valley is at Lauzet Ubaye. The Costeplane waterfalls, a wild and sun-drenched place. However, please note that the water emanates from groundwater, making it cold.
Where to swim in Serre Ponçon?
We have listed 7 swimming places on the lake. You will find even more on the website of the Serre-Ponçon tourist office.
1- Embrun lake
Access : 2 km from the town center of Embrun, Hautes Alpes. On the dike of Lake Serre Ponçon, where the Durance flows.
Attractions : A large beach well equipped for swimming. A hotspot for water activities, you will find a large number of service providers: Nautical Club, Aqua-Park, Wake board etc…
A large free car park provides easy access to the body of water.
Restoration : 3 restaurant bars are located near the lake. Like a holiday feeling!
2- Whitewater (on the road between Embrun and Savines-le-Lac)
Access : On the N94, 9 km from Embrun and 2 km from Savines-le-Lac. Very well signposted along the road.
Attractions : Large free parking lots. The beach is 1 km long and access to the water is very easy. It is a mecca for Kite Surfing, Windsurfing and Wing Foiling. A real pleasure for the eyes! However, the wind is not a problem for strolling and swimming. Shaded picnic areas with the possibility of making a fire for the barbecue.
Catering: On the right facing the lake, a snack bar near the Kite-surfing club. On the left facing the lake, walk 10 minutes and you will find an English bus converted into a snack bar with a terrace facing the lake.
3- The wild beaches on the Sauze du Lac side (between Savines-le-Lac and Lauzet Ubaye)
Access : along the D954, between the village of Sauze du Lac and Lauzet Ubaye. About 15 km from Savines-le-Lac
Attractions: The view from the D954 road is a marvel. You pass on the heights of Lake Serre-Ponçon. Belvedere at Sauze du Lac. Access to Lake Serre-Ponçon on wild areas, at the mouth of the Ubaye river. Easy access to water. SWIM AT YOUR OWN RISK. When the water level of the lake is low, you can see the remains of the sunken village of Ubaye (clearly the old bridge which crossed the valley).
Restoration : There is no catering on site. You will find a good restaurant in Sauze du Lac and otherwise in the village of Lauzet Ubaye, the Relais du Lac.
4- Beach and nautical base of Port Saint-Pierre (le Sauze du Lac)
Access : On the D 954, near the village of Sauze du Lac and the Animal Park. A large sign indicates the route down to the Port Saint-Pierre nautical base.
Attractions: Quiet place to spend the day. 2000 m2 of lawns allow you to settle in and enjoy this pleasant place. Swimming is supervised during summer school holidays. Water activities such as water skiing, wake, boat rentals, canoes and pedal boats are available.
Catering: Small meals are available on site.
5- Saint Vincent les Forts nautical base (between Lauzet Ubaye and Bréole)
Access : On the D900 (route de Barcelonnette), take the D7 (route d’Ubaye) and continue for 3km. You arrive at a large parking lot near the lake.
Attractions: A vacation spot, it's a very lively beach with a host of activities: Aqua-splash, electric boat rental, pedal boats, paddles... You can enjoy Lake Serre Ponçon with supervised swimming. The beach is shared with the campsite, so it is often crowded in August. The advantage is that activity providers and shops are open for a long period of the season (beginning of June to mid-September).
Restoration : A shopping area right in front of the beach offers you a choice of restaurants, snacks and supermarkets.
6- Bois Vieux beach and floating pool (Rousset)
Access : At the Serre-Ponçon Dam, in the town of Rousset. On the D3 between Rousset and Chorges, a road goes down 500 meters to access Bois Vieux beach.
Attractions: Often presented by locals as the most beautiful beach in Serre-Ponçon, Bois Vieux is a relaxing pine forest with a splendid view of the southern arm of the lake. The beach is very well laid out with a large floating structure which is placed on the lake to create two pools, like a swimming pool! Swimming is supervised throughout the summer season. Many activities are available: nautical rentals of all kinds, towed buoys, Wake board etc.
Catering: Snack la Pinède is high quality with fresh products and a warm atmosphere. You can also eat in the evening, and musical evenings are often organized.
7- Saint-Michel Bay (between Savines-le-Lac and Chorges)
Access : 8 km from Savines-le-Lac and near the town of Chorges, access is via the N94, a well-signposted road goes down to Baie Saint-Michel.
Attractions : A major holiday resort in Serre-Ponçon, you will find a large lawn with play areas and water activity providers, a sailing school and a boat pier. The beach is pleasant with a view of the Chapelle Saint-Michel island and the Morgon mountain.
Catering: You will find snacks on site. Otherwise there are many restaurants and shops in the small town of Chorges.