Chamonix has an Olympic sized swimming pool in its Sports Centre.
For swimming in lakes, there are two groups of lakes, both 20 minutes from Chamonix, which offer a variety of outdoor sports as well as great barbecue sites at night - completely hassle-free.
There are rules on what you can do and where at each lake, but just do as the locals do. Lakes or areas of lakes are designated for Windsurfing, Fishing or Swimming. Kayaking (for unknown reasons) is banned at these lakes.
Car parking is heavily police-patrolled so theft is not a problem.
Lake PassyLac des IlettesSwimming PoolsFishingHeader 5
The nearest and biggest lake. Bring your beer, waterwings, windsurfer and barbecue and just hangout.
How to get here?
Take the motorway, direction Geneva. Come off at Le Fayet, turn left at the lights and drive towards Sallanches. 2km after Intermarche there is a signposted right turn for the lake; before you get to Sallanches.
Paid parking.
Three beautiful lakes offering all three activities and home to the "Transat" for good beach food.
Les Ilettes is also the scene of several free lakeside concerts each summer: not to be missed.
How to get here?
Continue into Sallanches, turn right at the lights in the centre of town. Go straight on, then cross the river Arve (over a high bridge) and turn left. Signposted St Martin and the "lacs des Ilettes".
The Centre Sportif Richard Bozon in Chamonix has a swimming pool complex with four different pools: one 50m outdoor pool (summer only), a 25m indoor pool, a kids playing pool and a paddling pool. The complex also has a hydroslide for all ages!
(Currently - summer 2008 - the outdoor pool is closed)
You must have a permit to fish in the lakes or in the rivers. You can buy a day or fortnightly permit at the Gaillands chalet, at the Saint Antoine Tobacconists in Les Houches, or at the tourist office in Servoz or Vallorcine. The guide to fishing in the Valley is also available in the Les Houches tourist office.
Lac des Chavants (in Les Houches) - season runs from April 15th-October15th - W-Su 9:00-12:00 and 15:00-19:00 - rods and bait available - pay buy the kilo (8 euros) - Contact: 06 80 64 5182
Lakes and Rivers in Servoz (Diosaz, Souay, Lac Vert) - Contact: 06 80 36 7076 or the Servoz tourist office: 04 50 47 2168
Learning to Fish - The local club, "Société de pêche et protection du milieu aquatique des Houches" (SPPMAH) offers Fishing initiation courses on Sundays. - Contact the Chalet de la pêche at 06 80 36 7076
