60 lakes and ponds in France where dogs are allowed to swim
This summer, head to the best swimming spots where your dog is truly welcome! We've selected 60 lakes and ponds in France for you to cool off together. Pack your towel, and let's go to the most beautiful bodies of water with your dog!
When the warmer weather arrives, it's hard to resist the call of the water. And what if, this time, you could share this moment with your dog?
Because we know it: Watching your dog run, dive, swim and have fun in the water is often one of the greatest pleasures of summer. But finding a designated swimming spot is often a real headache, with restrictions and a lack of information. I know this firsthand, since Musher loves to swim! It's actually one of the first things we check before going on vacation, as many of our summer activities involve water: canoeing, paddleboarding, swimming, digging in the sand, and building sandcastles with my daughter…
In this article, ILet's take you to discover 60 ponds and lakes in France where dogs can swim! Whether you are on holiday, a weekend getaway or simply looking for a cool spot near home, you are sure to find a gem that suits your companion.
From large wild lakes to small, secluded ponds, this selection has been designed to help you share real moments of freedom with your dog.
Before we begin, here are some tips to protect your dog from various risks associated with swimming.
🐶 A quick reminder before you get out your swimsuit…
We do everything we can to keep this list up to date – and believe us, compiling a list of dog-friendly swimming spots in France is a real labor of love!
Despite our checks, some information may have changed or we may have missed a detail. If you spot an error, a recent ban, or a new dog-friendly spot, please let us know: it helps us tremendously to keep this article useful for all dog lovers.
And as Two checks are better than oneIf you're really interested in a lake or pond, please contact the local tourist office before you travel. Thank you for your help and understanding 💛
Table of contents
Letting your dog swim in lakes and ponds: tips to know
Sharing a swim with your dog is one of the simplest pleasures of summer. But even if these moments seem harmless, they require a minimum of vigilance to avoid turning a pleasant outing into a bad experience.
The first point of vigilance may seem obvious, but it is still important to remember. The majority of lakes and ponds are located in the heart of nature. It is therefore It is important to keep a close eye on your dog so that it does not disturb the wildlife.Therefore, care must be taken regarding where he puts his paws, ensuring he doesn't bark excessively and doesn't damage ecosystems, as wetlands are precious for biodiversity. It is therefore essential to keep him on a leash when required.
The second point of concern relates to cyanobacteriaThese microorganisms thrive in still waters during periods of high temperatures. Sometimes visible, sometimes completely invisible, they can make certain bodies of water dangerous for dogs. A simple swim or a few sips of water can be enough to cause poisoning.
Before heading to a swimming spot, it's always a good idea to check the information beforehand. Local tourist offices or information published by Regional Health Agencies will tell you if an area is under an ongoing alert.
👉 For more information, you can consult our article on cyanobacteria and the right steps to take to avoid poisoning in your dog.
Finally, in summer, I recommend that you do not let your dog swim in the cold waters of the lake when it is very hot outside. Indeed, one of the summer dangers for your dog is the risk of hydrocution A thermal shock between the dog's body temperature and the water temperature can unfortunately lead to serious problems. To avoid this, let your dog hydrate and wet its paws first before gradually wetting the rest of its body. This will allow its body to adapt to the water temperature gently.
And one last piece of advice: equip your dog with a life jacket or dog flotation vest. It's not a gadget, far from it. It's essential equipment for their safety, even for a simple swim. Currents, fatigue, panic, injury… in the water, everything happens very quickly, and to avoid accidents and drowning, a dog life jacket is mandatory. To equip your dog properly, I recommend reading My Comparison of the best life jackets or flotation vests for dogsMusher loves water and water sports, I've tested many different models over the past 10 years!
Our kit for successful water sports activities:
Now that you have all the information you need to ensure your dog can safely enjoy the cool water, here are 60 lakes and ponds in France where you can bathe your dog.
PS: If you'd like to swim with your dog in some hidden gems of a lake, I recommend our Top 10 most beautiful dog-friendly lakes in France !
Top 60 lakes and ponds in France where dogs can swim, by region
Discover the list of the main lakes in France where dogs are allowed, classified by region and then by department, so you can easily find the ideal place for a safe swim!
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Looking for a truly unique swimming experience? In Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, the water is often refreshing, sometimes even invigorating. Between mountain lakes and alpine rivers, it's the perfect destination for active dogs… and for owners who enjoy combining a walk, exercise, and a refreshing swim.
Ain:
- Nantua Lake In Nantua: Dogs are welcome outside the two supervised beaches on the lake, but numerous small access points allow them to swim and cool off. They must be kept on a leash from March to July. PS: The tourist office has been awarded the Destination QUALIDOG label, a sure sign of a 100% dog-friendly stay.
- Lake Lalleyriat In Le Poizat-Lalleyriat: Dogs must be kept on a leash when swimming.
- Lake Sylans In Les Neyrolles: Dogs can swim on a leash.
Allier:
- Pirot pond in Isle-et-Bardais: Dogs can swim but must be kept on a leash.
Ardèche:
- Lake Issarlès at Lake-d'Issarlès: Dogs, kept on a leash, are allowed to swim outside the supervised swimming area and are also accepted on board the canoes of the leisure base.
- Pont d'Arc beach in Vallon-Pont-d'Arc: Dogs are allowed to swim only from September 15th to June 15th, before 9am and after 20pm.
Cantal:
- Enchanet Dam in Pleaux: At Longayroux beach, dogs are allowed on leashes on the beach within the leisure center, but swimming is prohibited. However, they can swim freely outside this supervised area.
Drôme:
- Champos Lake in Saint-Donat-sur-L'Herbasse: Dogs on leashes are welcome on the site year-round. However, swimming with dogs is tolerated during the off-season, but strictly prohibited during the summer opening of the facility (weekends in May and June, as well as in July and August).
Haute-Loire:
- Lake Bouchet in Bouchet-Saint-Nicolas: Your dog can cool off in the water in dedicated areas, provided it remains on a leash.
Puy-de-Dôme:
- Lake Chambon In Chambon-sur-Lac: Dogs are allowed to swim outside of supervised swimming areas, but they are not permitted on board canoes in the leisure area. Take the opportunity to explore the Sancy Massif, also a certified QUALIDOG Destination! There, you'll find a multitude of activities and extremely dog-friendly accommodations. Everything you need for a wonderful family holiday with your dog!
Savoy:
- Bourget Lake In Bourget-du-Lac: Apart from the supervised beaches which are prohibited in summer, Lake Bourget offers several swimming areas for dogs: you can enjoy the small equipped beaches, the Cap des Séselets or the greenway located between the Rowing and Mottets beaches, although the Mémard swimming area remains inaccessible to them.
💬 I'll interrupt your reading for 10 seconds, but it's for a very useful piece of information, I promise! 
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- Aiguebelette Lake Dogs are allowed on the lake beaches before June 15th and after August 30th. Year-round, they can accompany you on your watercraft (paddleboards and canoes). They can also cool off year-round at the boat ramps in Nances and Aiguebelette-le-Lac, outside the port areas.
Haute-Savoie:
- Lake Annecy in Annecy: Dogs are not allowed on the lake beaches and violations are punishable by a fine. However, swimming is permitted in the Fier and Chéran rivers, as well as near the pétanque court at Albigny beach and in the Glaisins park, where dogs must be kept on a leash.
Tip: Dogs are allowed on the docks and therefore have access to the lake on your boats. You can also let your dog swim around the lake, without going onto the beaches. - Lake Montriond In Montriond: Dogs can swim but they must be kept on a leash.
- Lac des Confins in La Clusaz: Dogs are allowed for swimming, provided they are kept on a leash.
- Lake Roy in Taninges: You will have to walk a little before reaching the lake. Your dog must be kept on a leash if you want it to be able to swim.
- Lake Geneva On the French side, dogs are not allowed in the water or on the pebbles during the summer season. They are tolerated off-season in a designated area on Sciez beach (near the boat ramp). They can also access the Pointe site in Messery from 19:00 PM to 8:00 AM, or swim on a leash at the Rovorée estate in Excenevex, excluding the beach and harbor. They are also allowed on board the canoes and kayaks at the water sports center. Dogs are permitted in the coastal area of the town of Amphion-Publier (excluding the municipal beach area) year-round, except from June 15th to September 15th.
- Lake Grouille under the Pont de la Tourne in Onnion: Dogs are allowed to swim there. However, be aware that access to this spot can be difficult.
Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
Looking for more than just a spot where your dog can cool off? In Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, the scenery makes all the difference. Here, swimming is experienced amidst secluded valleys, springs, waterfalls, and Jura lakes, in a landscape full of character and dramatic landscapes. It's the kind of region where a simple dip can quickly turn into a real adventure with your dog.
Côte d'Or:
- Lake Kir in Dijon: Dogs are strictly prohibited from accessing the beach, but they can swim freely in the Coulée Verte river which leads to the lake.
Jura:
- Lake Chalain In Fontenau: While dogs are prohibited on Doucier beach and in all supervised areas, they are still allowed on North beach to cool off.
Vouglans LakeAt Vouglans: At Lake Vouglans, dogs are prohibited on Mercantine beach and all supervised areas, but they are welcome to cool off in the coves and aboard canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards. And having tested it on a canoe trip with Musher, I can tell you we had a blast!
Nièvre:
- Settons Lake In Montsauche-les-Settons: Dogs enjoy great freedom all around the lake, where many small beaches allow them to swim in peace.
Haute-Saône:
- Plateau des Mille Étangs in Ternuay-Melay-et-Saint-Hilaire: Dogs are allowed on leashes and can cool off in most of the unfenced ponds. The ponds are privately owned, but access is permitted. Please respect the area. The site also offers numerous hikes of varying difficulty levels, perfect for exploring the area with your pet.
- Saline Base in Lure: Dogs are allowed on a leash to enjoy the short walk around the site and to dip their paws in the water, with the possibility of also doing cani-paddle at the leisure base.
Britain
In Brittany, you don't need wide open spaces to enjoy yourself. What makes the difference here are the hidden spots, a pond tucked away around a bend in the path… Perfect if you're looking for quiet, uncrowded places for a peaceful swim with your dog.
Ille-et-Vilaine:
- Lake Trémelin In Iffendic: dogs are allowed to swim outside the beach and swimming area, provided they are kept on a leash.
Morbihan:
- Guerledan Lake In Saint-Aignan: Although access to Beau Rivage beach and swimming areas is prohibited during the summer period, dogs have several water points to cool off and can swim on all beaches out of season.
- Étang au Duc in Ploërmel: Dogs are allowed on a leash on the grass but not on the sand. Your dog can, however, access the water for a short swim from the grass.
Center-Val de Loire
If you like natural and somewhat wild places, you're in for a treat! In the Centre-Val de Loire region, there are many undeveloped swimming areas.
Indre-et-Loire:
- Lake Rillé in Rillé: Dogs are tolerated and kept on a leash when swimming.
Loiret:
- Puits Pond in Cerdon: Dogs on leashes are allowed to access the pond to cool off, except for the beach which remains off-limits to them.
Corsica
In Corsica, it's not just about swimming, but about a mountain experience. The lakes are often perched high in the mountains, of glacial origin, surrounded by rugged landscapes and sometimes pozzines, those typical formations that give the area a look almost unique in France. Clearly, it's a destination for human-dog duos who like to earn their spot before enjoying a truly refreshing moment.
South Corsica:
- Lake Tolla in Tolla: Accessible on foot via a hiking trail, Lake Tolla is open to dogs provided they are kept on a leash. Your dog can, of course, cool off.
- Lake Creno in Orto: Access to Lake Creno is via a hiking trail where dogs must be kept on a leash, especially in the presence of other walkers or animals. Dogs are allowed to swim in the lake.
Haute-Corse:
Lake Nino In Albertacce: Accessible via the GR20 hiking trail, your dog can cool off in Lake Nino. However, you must be vigilant, particularly due to the presence of horses, cows, or pigs.
Grand-Est
When it's hot, the Grand Est region becomes a true haven. The lakes and ponds are often surrounded by forests, providing shade and coolness all day long. A major advantage if your dog doesn't tolerate high temperatures well.
Marne:
- Lake Der-Chantecoq in Giffaumont-Champaubert: Dogs on leashes are welcome to cool off on the site with the exception of the beaches, playgrounds and fountain area of the Nautical Station.
Vosges:
- Lake Gerardmer In Gerardmer: While the developed beaches are not accessible to dogs, they have many wild corners around the lake where they can swim in peace.
- Crows Lake In La Bresse: Several hiking trails circle the lake and welcome dogs on leashes, although some trails are impassable in winter. You're sure to find a spot by the water where your dog can cool off.
Hauts-de-France
In Hauts-de-France, marshes, canals, ponds, and vast wetlands shape the landscape, creating a gentle, flat, and natural atmosphere. It's a perfect region if you're looking for walks along the water and peaceful spots where your dog can enjoy itself without encountering overly rugged terrain.
Sum :
- Barette ponds and Sainte Colette cliff in Corbie: Swimming is allowed for dogs.
North:
- Heron Lake in Villeneuve d'Ascq: Dogs must be kept on a leash when they are in the water, but also outside of it.
- Vineyard pond in Valenciennes: Dogs are welcome to cool off, provided they are kept on a leash.
Oise:
- Canada Lake in Beauvais: Dogs must be kept on a leash throughout the site, even when they are wading in the water, including within the water sports center.
Ile-de-France
It's not something we always think about, but the Île-de-France region holds some real surprises for dogs who love the water. Its strength lies in its numerous recreational islands and easily accessible bodies of water, allowing for a nature break without having to travel far. It's the quintessential convenient region: ideal for a swimming trip with your dog when you want to get away without planning a whole weekend.
paris:
- Lake Daumesnil in Paris: Dogs are allowed to swim on a leash.
Essonne:
- Carouge Basin in Brétigny-sur-Orge: Dogs are allowed in the water, provided they are kept on a leash. However, they do not have access to the beach or the leisure park.
- Ponds in the Park in Morsang-sur-Orge: Dogs are allowed to swim but must be kept on a leash.
Normandy
In Normandy, swimming takes place in a very natural setting. The ponds are often surrounded by grass, hedges, and gentle landscapes, creating a soothing atmosphere perfect for a simple outing with your dog.
Orne:
- Lake of Rabodanges in Putanges-le-Lac : Dogs are allowed in the water, outside of supervised areas.
- La Ferté-Macé lake / Ferté Plage in La Ferté-Macé : Although dogs are allowed on leashes around the lake, they are prohibited on the beach and in the supervised swimming area. However, you can let your dog swim in the unsupervised areas at your own risk, or use the "off-leash" area located at the entrance to the parking lot.
Nouvelle Aquitaine
If your dog loves water but sometimes lacks the space to truly enjoy it, you'll love Nouvelle-Aquitaine. Here, the lakes and ponds are vast, the water is often calm, and the banks stretch for miles. As a result, your dog can swim, run, and play to its heart's content.
Gironde:
- Lake Hourtin-Carcans In Hourtin: At Lake Hourtin-Carcans, dogs must be kept on a leash everywhere, and access to supervised swimming areas is prohibited for them from April 1st to September 30th; however, they can enjoy the secluded coves. Your four-legged companions are welcome aboard the canoes and kayaks at the water sports center.
- Cazaux and Sanguinet Pond In Sanguinet: Dogs on leashes are allowed to swim on the beaches only before 10am and after 20pm in regulated areas, while they are tolerated without time restrictions in unregulated areas.
- Lake Lacanau in Lacanau: In Lacanau, dogs on leashes are allowed on beaches outside of summer lifeguard hours. During the summer, swimming is permitted outside of supervised areas on the lake beaches (Moutchic, Grande Escoure) and the ocean beaches, with a preference for the South beach for greater tranquility.
Landes:
- Marine Lake In Soustons: Dogs are welcome to swim on both the marine lake and ocean beaches, provided they are kept on a leash.
- Léon Pond in Léon and Vielle-Saint-Girons: Dogs on leashes are permitted on Vielle beach for swimming, except within the supervised swimming area. The Au Fil de l'Eau water sports center allows dogs on board its boats.
- Lake Biscarosse in Biscarosse: The northern beaches of Lake Biscarosse Dogs on leashes are welcome for swimming on all its beaches throughout the year. Between June 1st and September 30th, access remains possible without time restrictions outside of regulated areas, while within these areas, access is permitted before 10am and after 20pm.
Haute-Vienne:
- Vassivière lake In Beaumont-du-Lac: Dogs are prohibited on the beach but allowed on a leash to swim in the grassy areas at the ends of the site.
- Lake of Saint-Pardoux in Saint-Pardoux-le-Lac: Dogs are allowed on a leash throughout the site and can board the boats of the nautical base; however, they can only swim from September to June.
Occitanie
Head to Occitanie. Here, forget the typical lakes: between lakes with stunning colors and landscapes nestled in the heart of the mountains, each spot has its own unique character. It's clearly a region made for dogs who love to explore… and for humans who like to get off the beaten track.
Aude:
- Jouarres lake In Azille: Dogs are welcome to cool off but on a leash, provided they stay away from official swimming areas.
Aveyron:
- Lake Pareloup on Rodez and Millau: While dogs are not allowed on the supervised beaches, they have many other accessible areas all around the lake to cool off.
Haute-Garonne:
- Lake Saint-Ferréol In Revel: Dogs must be kept on a leash while swimming.
Hérault:
Salagou Lake à Clermont-l'Hérault: Dogs, kept on leashes, are allowed throughout the site, except in the supervised swimming areas where entering the water is prohibited. Dogs are permitted on board the boats at the Salagou outdoor activity center, depending on size. They may also swim in the boats.
- Lake of the Shores (ephemeral lake) in the village of Rives: Dogs are allowed to swim.
Tarn:
- Lake of Laouzas In Nages and Murat-sur-Vèbre: Our canine friends are welcome to cool off on the designated beaches and at the water sports center, provided they are kept on a leash. Please note, however, that their presence is strictly prohibited within the swimming areas.
Pays de la Loire
In the Pays de la Loire region, many bodies of water are easily accessible, with gentle, open banks. Ideal for dogs discovering swimming… or for avoiding hassles every time you go out.
Loire-Atlantique:
- Grand-Lieu Lake, in Bouaye and Saint-Aignan-de-Grand-Lieu: Dogs are allowed to swim in the lake but must be kept on a leash. However, I must warn you: Cases of cyanobacteria are reported very regularly.
Maine-et-Loire:
- Lac de Maine, in Angers: Dogs must be kept on a leash when swimming in the leisure park.
Mayenne:
- Gué de Selle Lake in Mézangers: Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. Access to the beach at the leisure center is prohibited; therefore, choose the more secluded areas to enjoy the cool lake water with your pet in peace and quiet.
- Coupeau pond in Saint-Berthevin: Your dog must be kept on a leash when swimming.
- Rincerie pond in Ballots and La Selle-Craonnaise: As access to the beach is prohibited for dogs, it is best to stay away from areas of high traffic so that your dog can cool off.
Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
In Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, the lakes and rivers are simply spectacular. Turquoise water, cliffs, impressive landscapes… Here, swimming becomes a real experience, not just a refreshing break.
Alpes-de-Haute-Provence:
- Lake Sainte-Croix in the Verdon: While dogs are not allowed on the public beaches of the lake, they are nevertheless welcome on all unsupervised beaches for a dip.
- Lake Castillon in Castellane and Saint-André-les-Alpes: You can take your dogs to cool off on and in the lake as far as the Cheiron bay, provided you keep them on a leash or long line during the summer in order to respect the high traffic on the beach.
- Lake Serre-Ponçon in Ubaye-Serre-Ponçon: Although Blue Flag beaches are off-limits to them, dogs are tolerated for swimming in the undeveloped and less frequented areas of Serre-Ponçon, provided that the owners respect the area.
- Lurs Le Lauzon waterfall in Sigonce: Dogs are allowed to swim but must be kept on a leash. The waterfall can be difficult to access.
- Laye Reservoir: Dogs are allowed to swim.
- Lac des Buissonades Oraison: Dogs are tolerated to cool off at the fishing lake but are prohibited in all swimming areas.
- Esparron lake In Esparron-de-Verdon: Dogs are allowed for swimming breaks on Saint-Julien beach, provided they are kept on a leash. However, they are not allowed in the supervised swimming areas.
Bouches-du-Rhône:
- Lake Peïroou in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence: Your dog must be kept on a leash when around the lake but also in the water.
I promised you something to get your dog diving all over France… mission accomplished 🐕💦
To help you choose your holiday destination, I recommend our article on 10 destinations to discover with your dog in France !
Do you know of any other dog-friendly swimming spots? Share your experiences with us, we can't wait to discover your hidden gems! 👇