Where to swim in Barcelonnette?
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 : Prendre la D900 en direction de Gap. Au rond point, prenez tout droit pour arriver à Saint Pons. Continuez sur la D900 durant 19 km jusqu’à arrivée au village du Lauzet-Ubaye puis tourner à gauche au niveau de la 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 : Prendre la D900 en direction de Gap. Au rond point, prenez tout droit pour arriver à Saint Pons. Continuez sur la D900 durant 19 km jusqu’à arrivée au village du Lauzet Ubaye. Tournez à gauche au niveau de la gendarmerie. Passez devant la Poste et longez le Lac du Lauzet. Continuez sur 500 mètres et garez vous sur le parking de la randonnée du pont Romain. Continuez à pieds jusqu’au panneau d’affichage et prendre la route qui descend à droite en direction de la source. Il est interdit de se garer après le panneau sous risque d’amandes. Vous marchez environ 10 minutes jusqu’au lieu dit la source avec accès à la rivière de l’Ubaye.
Attractions : paysage magnifique entre les deux gorges du Lauzet. Plage de cailloux. Accès à la rivière très facile, cependant il y a beaucoup de courant ! Vous pouvez tremper les pieds et vous rafraîchir mais impossible de nager ! Les enfants doivent être impérativement surveillée. C’est l’arrivée du parcours de rafting donc amusant de voir les bateaux passer !
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.
