Picture this: the most exquisite beaches in France are actually found in the heart of Alsace! Yes, you read that right—beaches in Alsace are a hidden treasure that will shake up everything you thought you knew about French summer getaways.
Intrigued? You should be.
It’s a revelation that might catch many by surprise and even spark a bit of scepticism.
Who could imagine that alongside the winding Rhine, within the serene lakes of Alfeld and Perches, amidst the gentle currents of Mulhouse’s Nouveau Bassin, and along the quaint canals of Colmar’s Petite Venise, lies the answer to France’s finest beach experiences?
Admittedly, proclaiming Alsace the home to the country’s most splendid beaches could have been a brilliant April Fool’s prank.
However, I invite you to stay your scepticism and follow along on a journey that promises to be as enlightening as it is delightful.
This narrative isn’t just about the charm of the beaches in Alsace; it’s a heartwarming invitation to explore the unconventional, to find beauty and relaxation where one least expects it.
So, cosy up and let me guide you through the enchanting story of beaches in Alsace—a tale that weaves together surprises and smiles and maybe, just maybe, will inspire your next summer adventure to these unique and picturesque shores.
The beautiful beaches… in Alsace!
Several years ago, in 2017, I participated in the inter-blogger meetup #EnFranceAussi for my blog, Mon Grand-Est, which focuses on the beautiful regions of Eastern France’s frontage.
When I was introduced to March’s theme: “Our Beautiful Beaches,” I felt like I was about to be out of deep water!
If you weren’t aware, Alsace is the region of France that is furthest from the sea. And to avoid being left high and dry, I sort of skirted around the issue…
The closest beaches to Strasbourg in France (and beyond!)
What are the closest beaches to Strasbourg in France? You won’t even find them in France. You have to go to Belgium, to Ostend (550km), to swim in the nearest sea: the North Sea. Brrr…
Want to stay in France? Head to the beach at the Perroquet de Bray-Dunes campsite on the Franco-Belgian border (586 km).
In search of warmer waters? The nearest beach is Voltri in Italy, near Genoa (615 km).
Menton, the closest French Mediterranean beach, is 763 km from the centre of Strasbourg (via Switzerland).
Finding the most beautiful beaches in Alsace
Let’s face it: no beaches in Alsace can compare to the Corsican beach of Palombaggia, Paloma Beach at Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, the Côte des Basques in Biarritz, or the Espiguette beach at Grand-du-Roi. It’s crystal clear.
Fortunately, there are a few small bodies of water in Alsace where you can splash around on hot summer days. They are found in lakes, ponds, or rivers in our region.
So here is a small selection of beaches in Alsace that are sites suitable for swimming… (this list is not exhaustive!)
Beaches in Alsace monitored by the ARS
The Regional Health Agency of the Grand-Est region, located in Nancy, lists 20 authorized swimming sites in Alsace. The overwhelming majority (17) of these water bodies have excellent water quality.
They are located in the plains, along a north-south line from Mulhouse to Lauterbourg, parallel to the Rhine.
Only two beaches in Alsace are listed in the Haut-Rhin (Mulhouse-Reiningue and Colmar-Houssen).
Finally, it’s worth noting that the so-called paid beaches are very attractively priced in euros.
Plage des Mouettes, Lauterbourg
At Lauterbourg, in the very north of Alsace, this water body is enhanced by a sandy beach, allowing supervised swimming in excellent-quality water in the summer. It also features a playground, a climbing wall, a slide… and a snack bar.
Étang de la Chapelle, Beinheim
Between Strasbourg and Lauterbourg, this water body offers a swimming area (supervised in summer) with a lawn and a playground.
Plage des Peupliers, Seltz
A beautiful beach allowing supervised swimming in summer and is paid, located near Seltz.
Plan d’eau de Keskastel
On the border between Bas-Rhin and Moselle, in the Alsace Bossue, this water body has a sandy beach for supervised swimming during the summer. The water quality is deemed good but not excellent.
Gravière de la Hardt de Brumath
The water body occupies a former gravel site in Brumath, bordered by a 200-meter-long beach and offers many activities thanks to the adjacent adventure and leisure park.
Lac du Baggersee
One of the most popular sandy beaches in Alsace that has been set up on the pond’s edge, covering an old gravel pit.
Lac Achard
Located in Illkirch-Grafenstaden in the suburbs of Strasbourg, this water body offers swimming in water whose quality is regularly analyzed.
Plan d’eau de Benfeld
Between Strasbourg and Sélestat, this 8-hectare water body is enhanced by a sandy beach (paid).
Plan d’eau de Wittisheim
Between Sélestat and the Rhine, it is a developed (and paid) water body with a beach and supervised swimming, depending on the season.
Base nautique de Colmar-Houssen
The nautical base has been equipped with one of the finest sandy beaches in Alsace, giving an impression of being by the sea. This paid beach also includes playgrounds and a snack bar.
Plan d’eau de Reiningue
The pond located southwest of Mulhouse covers an area of 25 hectares. In summer, it offers a developed and supervised site for swimming.
Other water bodies suitable for swimming but not supervised
When swimming areas are supervised, they will be indicated by a pictogram showing a swimmer. If the pictogram is red, swimming is “at the swimmers’ own risk.” For those who prefer to indulge in “wild swimming,” local authorities call for the utmost caution.
Baignade du Fleckenstein
Fleckenstein Swimming Area is not far from the famous Fleckenstein Castle. Swimming in this water body in the Northern Vosges is possible, and it is supervised in the summer.
Lac de Kruth-Wildenstein
At the very end of the Thur Valley, this artificial lake offers a site where swimming is tolerated but not supervised!
Lac d’Alfeld
At the bottom of the Doller valley, on the road leading to the summit of the Ballon d’Alsace, are the calm (and cool!) waters of Alfeld Lake. Swimming is tolerated but not supervised here.
10 Splendid Outdoor Pools in Alsace
After enjoying the unique beaches in Alsace, with their quiet riversides and lake spots perfect for a lazy day in the sun, there’s still more to explore in this lovely region regarding water fun.
Alsace isn’t just about those scenic makeshift beaches; it’s also home to cool outdoor pools.
These pools in Alsace are like summer playgrounds where everyone—families, friends, you name it—can chill, splash around, and enjoy the sunny vibes. Moving from nature’s water spots to these inviting pools, we find a new side of summer waiting for us.
Spread from one end of Alsace to the other, each pool has its own vibe, but they all share one thing: they’re perfect spots to make your summer even better.
So, grab your towel and let’s jump into the refreshing world of Alsace’s outdoor pools. It’s time to soak up the sun, meet some smiling faces, and add a splash of adventure to your summer.
1. Nautical Stadium of Mulhouse
As Mulhouse’s largest outdoor pool, the Stade Nautique offers a 2000m² family pool, an Olympic pool, diving pits with boards of 1m, 3m, and 5m, a multi-slide, and three paddling pools, all nestled within 7 hectares of greenery perfect for a sun-kissed nap.
Summer hours: 10am to 8pm
Location: Boulevard Stoessel, Mulhouse
2. Ile Napoléon Aquatic Centre
The Centre Nautique Île Napoléon is set within a lush 15,000m² green park with volleyball courts, ping-pong tables, and multisport areas. Though swimming lanes are inside, outdoors, you’ll find a leisure pool with a counter-current river, a 59m slide, and a paddling pool.
Summer hours: 10am to 8pm
Location: Rue de l’industrie, Habsheim
3. Aquarhin Aquatic Center in Ottmarsheim
The Centre Aquatique Aquarhin is a modern facility offering outdoor fun with a landscaped park, diving pit, large pool, multi-slide, water play structure for kids, and sports fields for volleyball or football.
Summer hours: 10am to 7pm
Location: Rue de la piscine, Ottmarsheim
4. Munster Pool
At the Piscine de Munster, you can enjoy summer with its many fun amenities: a slide, multi-slide, wild river, wave pool, green spaces, and toddler pools filled with games.
Summer hours: 10am to 7pm (until 8pm on Fridays)
Location: Parc de la Fecht, Munster
5. Colmar Nautical Stadium
The Stade Nautique de Colmar features an Olympic-sized pool for swimmers, a family pool, a fun pool, two slides, and a paddling pool. Dive into a variety of summer activities, including grass hockey and kayaking! It also features one of the best sandy beaches in Alsace.
Summer hours: 12pm to 7pm (opens at 10am on weekends)
Location: Rue Robert Schuman, Colmar
6. Aquavallées Water Park in Bassemberg
The Centre Nautique Aquavallées in Bassemberg comes with an outdoor swimming area, a large slide, a counter-current river, geysers, and a paddling pool. Look out for the mobile library offering a “reading lounge” to swimmers on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Summer hours: Mon. 1pm to 8pm, Tues. to Fri. 10am to 7pm, Sat. 1pm to 7pm, Sun. 9am to 6pm
Location: Route de Villé, Bassemberg
7. Wacken Pool in Strasbourg
Perhaps the hottest spot in Strasbourg during summer, the Piscine du Wacken offers an all-year-round outdoor lap pool and several family-friendly pools.
Summer hours: Mon. to Thurs. 7am to 8pm, Fri. 8am to 9pm, Sat. and Sun. 9am to 8pm
Location: Rue Pierre de Coubertin, Strasbourg
8. Bischwiller Pool
The Piscine de Bischwiller is famous for its vast 50m long and 25m wide pool with 10 lanes! Also features a paddling area and sports courts for beach volleyball and sandball.
Summer hours: 10am to 8pm (closes at 7pm after August 15)
Location: Rue du Stade, Bischwiller
9. Pines Pool in Haguenau
The Piscine des Pins in Haguenau has three open-air pools that cater to all: a 50m pool for swimmers, a 32m pool for families, and a paddling pool for the tots. Librarians on-site on certain days to lend books or magazines add a unique touch.
Summer hours: 9:30am to 7:30pm
Location: Rue de la piscine, Haguenau
10. Val de Moder Pool in Pfaffenhoffen
Renovated in 2012, the delightful Piscine du Val de Moder boasts a 400m² swim area with lanes for athletes and a playful zone with massage jets and bubble benches.
Summer hours: 10am to 8pm
Location: Rue de Haguenau, Pfaffenhoffen
Beaches in Alsace: 12 Safety Tips
Swimming in the sea or water bodies can present dangers. The Katoni site reminds us of some safety instructions that should be respected to minimize risks:
- Ease into the water gradually to avoid thermal shock.
- Never swim alone.
- Stay in areas where swimming is supervised, and keep an eye on your children.
- Swimming is prohibited under a red flag and in or near harbours.
- Stick to areas where you can touch the bottom.
- Avoid alcohol and heavy meals.
- Always check with the lifeguard staff about swimming conditions.
- Only dive headfirst if the water is deep enough.
- Always swim parallel to the shore.
- Get out of the water if you feel cold.
- Don’t try to be a hero.
- Don’t fight the current.
Download the brochure from the Regional Health Agency: Where to Swim in the Grand-Est.
🇫🇷 Read this article in French on our blog Mon Grand-Est.
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