Iloa Beach — ©Iloa beach in Thiers|David Frobert

Swimming in Livradois-Forez where to swim in Auvergne?

Another taste of swimming in Auvergne

There’s no longer any need to choose between the mountains and swimming for your holidays in the Auvergne. In Livradois-Forez, you can do both. Water is an essential part of the landscape in this beautiful Auvergne Regional Nature Park. In the foreground: in these unspoilt natural spaces, water comes in the form of lakes, rivers, babbling brooks, waterfalls… Then, in the background, the forest, mountain flora and relief provide the ideal backdrop for a holiday. A source of refreshing moments of complicity, water in all its forms runs like a red thread through your summer escapades. Its proximity and all the activities that go with it offer you moments that can be relaxing or very active.

Peaceful bathing in the great lakes d'Auvergne

To make the most of all the joys of the beach and swimming: head for the lakes in Auvergne. Nestling in sumptuous green settings, the large mountain lakes are the blue pearls of the Livradois-Forez region. These jewels are home to comfortable water sports and leisure centres. With an oxygenating view over vast mountain landscapes. In their crystal-clear waters, you can relax and enjoy the great outdoors. You’ll feel right at home, with your feet in the water and your mind at ease.

All the activities on site leave you in the present. So you can fully embrace the great holidays by the sea. The fine sandy beaches are perfect for sunbathing and relaxing. Children are free to frolic and enjoy swimming in complete safety in supervised areas.

Between two swims, the more active can discover or practise various water sports: paddle, canoe, water bike… In the surrounding area, you can discover the environment as you please. Hiking and mountain biking trails, nature and heritage events, thrilling outdoor activities: the choice is yours. The lakes and ponds of the Livradois-Forez region offer a haven of freedom and natural beauty. They’re the perfect escape from boredom!

No fewer than three Livradois-Forez facilities welcome bathers under the Blue Flag.

Nautical and leisure center of Aubusson d'Auvergne's lake

Come and explore the largest leisure centre in Livradois-Forez in its green setting, and participate in all sorts of activities.

Plage Iloa

Une baignade est aménagée du 1er weekend de juillet au dernier weekend d’août sur la Base de Loisirs d’ILOA au centre du Parc Naturel Régional du Livradois Forez. Sanitaires,...

Plan d'eau de la Tour

A lake alongside the RD 906 road in the direction of Vichy, 1.5 km from the centre of La Chaise-Dieu

Saint Antheme’s small lake

Plenty of activities on offer at Saint-Anthème Lake: picnic areas, games, pedalos, canoeing and more. Swimming is supervised in July and August and the water quality is...

Centre de tourisme des Prades

“Les Prades” lake over 14 ha. has 2 beaches and a recreational swimming pool. The leisure area offers various activities: tennis, squash, tree top course, fitness area, water...

Thiers and Ambert swimming pools and aqualudic centres Livradois-Forez

Cool waves against heat waves! The Livradois-Forez swimming pools and aquatic centres offer families a range of splash-filled activities. For an invigorating and energising summer holiday programme. So don your swimming costumes and take advantage of the wide range of fun and sports facilities. You’ll immediately feel the de-stressing and invigorating effects of the water. The pools in Thiers, Ambert, Arlanc and Billom are modern architectural complexes with indoor and outdoor pools. Whether it’s hot or rainy, the secure multi-activity leisure areas are accessible whatever the weather. Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer looking to go long in the sports pool, or a beginner looking to build your confidence in the learning pool, everyone will feel like a fish in water!

Whether it’s a slide, diving with friends or improving their swimming skills, children can have fun in complete safety in the supervised water play areas. While older children enjoy a moment of thermal relaxation. Sauna, relaxation area with jets and whirlpool baths remind us that the element of water makes for a healthy and positive holiday. Water is both soothing and invigorating, and has many benefits for physical health and morale. For those who prefer a calmer atmosphere, head to the Spas des Bois Noirs for a unique aqua-sensory experience.

Aqualudic swimming pool of Saint-Rémy-sur-Durolle

Saint-Remy swimming pool has 2 pools, the largest being 25 m long. Water slides, fountains, diving platforms and whirlpools. Heated pool to 26°C. Green outdoor spaces and solarium.

Piscine et parc aquatique

The swimming-pool of Ambert, renovated in 2019, has a sports pool, a learning pool, a paddling pool, a SPA (4 seats) and a sauna (6 seats). An outdoor water play area is open...

Centre aquatique de Billom

The aquatic centre has 3 pools (a sports pool, a learning pool and a paddling pool) inside and an outdoor water play area open to everyone. Vegetal and mineral beaches as well...

Centre aquatique de Thiers Dore et Montagne

©Vallée des Rouets, Thiers|David Frobert

For a more intimate swim in the Auvergne, the water shows a different face, revealing itself in a secret, almost mysterious way. The Livradois-Forez Regional Nature Park boasts a number of unspoilt sites where the presence of water is a delight to behold. It’s a surprising and soothing sight. In the scorching heat, it’s a good idea to head for the shade of the forests to discover these cool spots. You’ll have to walk a little to get to the foot of the waterfalls, fed by crystal-clear streams flowing down from the summits. But the route is accessible without too much effort to all generations.

The waterfalls at Chorsin, Volpie and Creux-Saillant are impressive for their sheer size and rugged beauty. It’s an invigorating break where you can recharge your batteries and get together as a family. Bathe in the invigorating mineral water. You can explore the natural sights. Or simply enjoying the mist-laden effect of the waterfalls in the muggy summer air.

Valleys shaped by streamsby the streams

Your eyes will gaze out over almost magical landscapes that look like giant pavements. In the heart of lush green forests, you can go on an adventure along the slopes. Following the path of the stream, in search of a natural pool in which to rest your feet, or your whole body.

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