Would you like to know if you can swim in Gérardmer and where? This article lists the various swimming spots on the lake, as well as other places close to the pearl of the Vosges.
Is swimming free at Gérardmer lake?
Yes, it is possible to find free bathing spots, but you must take full responsibility in the event of drowning or accident.
However, not all the lakeshore is accessible free of charge, as is the case at the Union Nautique beach (chargeable in July and August, free in June). The Lido beach is reserved for restaurant customers and is at the end of the lake, towards Épinal.
Then, avoid swimming near the Varemme quay and the boat and pedalo landing stages.
On the campsite side, we can suggest a nice little beach, but it’s first come, first served. It’s a very popular shady spot with a very small island accessible on bare feet. Be careful, though, as swimming is not supervised, and the slope is steep, so you’ll soon hit rock bottom. It should also be pointed out that the beach can be visited by people with little respect for nature, who leave glass bottles, sometimes broken…
To reach this bathing paradise, simply take the path around the lake from the car park in Ramberchamp.
There are other places to swim on both the left and right sides of the lake, but in summer places can get very crowded.
And if you’re wondering whether it’s possible to scuba dive, the answer is yes, but only with the “Les Joyeux Têtards” scuba diving club, which you’ll find in the same place as the canoeing and kayaking club. On the historical side, the bottom of the lake contains weapons and munitions dating from the Second World War. That’s why it’s best to dive with professionals who know the area inside out.
Union Nautique beach: fine sand, deckchairs, slides and games
This is Gérardmer’s busiest beach, and it’s easy to see why when you see all the facilities on offer. There is an entrance fee, but it’s not expensive at all, no more than a trip to the swimming pool. You can see the nautical union almost opposite our restaurant in Gérardmer, on the right-hand side of the lake, and walk there in just 2 minutes.
Here are a few things to remember:
- Free sun lounger and parasol (there’s not enough for everyone, so it’s best to come in the morning).
- Large secure outdoor slide + a slide for the little ones.
- Supervised beach with small and large baths.
- 3-metre diving board (landing depth in the lake: 4.50m).
- Free table tennis.
- Picnic allowed.
- Catering available, drinks, ice creams, snacks.
- Games and entertainment (beach volleyball, chess and other games for all).
Swimming near Gérardmer
When you come to the Vosges it’s also to enjoy nature, to dream of being alone bathing in a mountain lake or, as in the movies, in a beautiful waterfall.
If that’s what you’re looking for, then you’ll have to get up early for a leisurely swim at Lac de Gérardmer, as the summer period naturally attracts a lot of people.
Alternatively, you can leave the beaches of the lake behind and head for the more secluded corners of Gérardmer. Once again, tourism in the Hautes-Vosges attracts a huge number of people, so if you want to swim in peace and quiet, you’ll have to get up early!
Don’t forget that it’s not just the lakes: you can also swim in a waterfall in or near Gérardmer, particularly the Saut du Bouchot, just 15 minutes from the pearl of the Vosges.
You can also visit the Xonrupt-Longemer lake, 5 km from Gérardmer.
Further on, towards La Bresse or the crests, you’ll find high altitude lakes, where it’s calmer more often, but these lakes are generally off-limits to bathers, as they are unsupervised, or quite simply dangerous, as they are EDF reservoirs (lac blanc).
Finally, when it rains in Gérardmer, there are indoor swimming pools. Gérardmer’s aquatic centre is a great place to swim and relax, with a heated pool overlooking the outdoors. You’ll leave your stay in the Vosges with stars in your eyes. In fact, the Gérardmer pool faces the lake, so you can just imagine the spectacle.
The nearest swimming pools to Gérardmer :
- La Bresse municipal swimming pool: 20 minutes.
- Aquanova water park in Saint-Dié-des-Vosges 30 minutes.
- Remiremont swimming pool 30 minutes, Épinal 40 minutes.
Lake Gérardmer water temperatures
The water temperature may surprise you, but don’t expect 30-degree bathing either. After all, this is a high-altitude lake, a former glacier.
The figures below represent averages observed in recent years:
- June: 19 degrees
- July: 22° C
- August: 22° C
- September: 18°
The lake can reach temperatures in excess of 25 degrees between mid-July and mid-August, which is still the best time to swim in Gérardmer.
If you’re looking to spend your summer holidays in the Vosges and swimming in Gérardmer is your priority, come and have lunch with us! Our restaurant is just 50 metres from the lake, the nautical union, the pedalos and the many summer water sports activities.
