Where to swim in the Barcelonnette valley?
Where to swim in the Ubaye valley when staying around Barcelonnette? there is of course the Ubaye river and numerous lakes and waterfalls. We offer easy-access swimming spots to enjoy the freshness of the water.
5 Easy-to-access swimming spots
Jausiers lake
(8.5 km from Barcelonnette)
Access : Head towards Cuneo (towards Italy), until village of Jausiers. At the end of the village, slightly to the right, you will find the Plan d’eau de Jausiers 04850.
Attractions : The surroundings are developed, with supervised swimming. Entrance is 2 euros and free for children under 12. Many activities are possible: Wake Parc, treetop adventure, eco-kart, mini golf, etc.
Restoration : A friendly snack restaurant with a beautiful shaded terrace.
On the banks of the Ubaye river in Gimette
(8 km from Barcelonnette)
Access : Take the D900 towards Gap. At the roundabout, go straight to arrive at Saint Pons. Continue on the D900 for 5km. Enter the village of Thuiles and turn left after 900 meters, direction D109 (Rue Saint Marc). You pass over a bridge which crosses the Ubaye, then turn immediately right. Go forward 1km and you will find a space designed for vehicles and for picnics. Walk to the banks of the Ubaye river.
Attractions: A very quiet space, surrounded by nature, far from the road. Nice for picnicking and spending the day. Very easy access to the river, however there is a lot of current! You can dip your feet and cool off, but you can't swim! Children's swimming must be supervised.
Catering: It is a natural space so there is no restoration. You can order food from Francky, in the village of Thuiles. The pizzas are very good! A small supermarket is adjacent to the Bar Restaurant.
Rioclar lake
(12 km from Barcelonnette)
Access : Take the D900 towards Gap. At the roundabout, go straight to arrive at Saint Pons. Continue on the D900 for 12 km until you arrive at the village of Méolans-Revel then turn left at the campsite. After 200 meters, take the road on the right, which runs alongside the campsite. Go 500 meters then you will arrive at the Rioclar lake.
Attractions : Small charming body of water with beach for swimming. Right next to the Ubaye river for walking. Picnic area available.
Restoration : The Rioclar campsite has a shaded and very pleasant restaurant.
Where to swim at Lac du Lauzet Ubaye
Head location of the Crazy Water Rafting whitewater base and the arrival of the legendary course.
Access : Take the D900 towards Gap. At the roundabout, go straight to arrive at Saint Pons. Continue on the D900 for 19 km until you arrive at the village of Lauzet-Ubaye then turn left at the gendarmerie.
Attractions : jewels of the Ubaye valley, it is a natural lake with high quality water (the crayfish are proof of this!). Free access and supervised swimming during the month of August. Rental of pedal boats at the snack bar and paddles with an external service provider (reservation required). Fishing is permitted. Numerous picnic areas in the shade and a children's play area.
Restoration : the Buvette du lac offers a restaurant menu, snacks, drinks and ice creams. The terrace is very pleasant with a view of the lake. The Relais du Lac restaurant, in the village, offers traditional meals at economical prices. It is also a cheap and quality hotel!
Where to swim on the banks of the Ubaye river?
(19 km from Barcelonnette)
Access : Take the D900 towards Gap. At the roundabout, go straight to arrive at Saint Pons. Continue on the D900 for 19 km until arriving at the village of Lauzet Ubaye. Turn left at the police station. Pass in front of the Post Office and follow Lac du Lauzet. Continue for 500 meters and park. Continue on foot to the notice board and take the road which goes down to the right towards the source. It is prohibited to park after the sign due to the risk of almonds. You walk about 10 minutes to the place called the source with access to the Ubaye river.
Attractions : magnificent landscape between the two Lauzet gorges. Pebble beach. Very easy access to the river, however there is a lot of current! You can dip your feet and cool off, but you can't swim! Children must be supervised. It’s the arrival of the rafting course so it’s fun to see the boats go by! LINK activities at Crazy Water
Restoration : No catering on site.
The Lac refreshment bar at Lac du Lauzet, open from May to September. The Relais du Lac bar restaurant in the village of Lauzet Ubaye open every day.
