To decide where to swim in the Vosges lakes in summer 2026, distinguish between a supervised beach, bathing that is tolerated but unsupervised, and a lake where entering the water is prohibited. Paddleboarding, canoeing and pedal boats are governed separately from swimming.
This guide compares official sites near La Bresse. Signs, bathing flags and any temporary order displayed at the site take priority when you arrive.
Vosges lakes and bathing areas compared for summer 2026
| Site | Swimming | Lifeguard cover | Personal watercraft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lac de Gérardmer | Within the developed or natural areas shown on the municipal map | Union Nautique supervised; other areas unsupervised | Municipal permit and sticker required; launch only in designated areas |
| Lac de Longemer | Tolerated outside signed prohibited stretches | Unsupervised | Only craft listed in municipal orders |
| Lac de la Moselotte at Saulxures | Developed eastern area; western area prohibited | 27 June to 30 August 2026, 10:00 to 18:00 | Personal craft prohibited in the beach and swimming area; hire operates in the operator’s area |
| Lac de Retournemer | Prohibited | None | Do not treat it as a water-sports base |
| Corbeaux, Blanchemer, Lispach and Ténine | Prohibited | None | Prohibited, except fishing under the applicable rules |
Lac de Gérardmer: a supervised beach and unsupervised areas
The most clearly managed option is Gérardmer’s Union Nautique. The municipality lists two developed bathing areas, lifeguard cover, beaches and sanitary facilities. Entry is paid. The French health ministry’s 2026 record lists the site as developed and supervised for a season running from 6 June to 6 September 2026; check the day’s opening times before travelling.
The municipal map also identifies natural bathing areas where swimming is tolerated up to 25 metres from the shore. These areas are not supervised and sit alongside hazardous shores, a reserve and a protected no-access zone. Use the official swimming and navigation map instead of choosing an arbitrary stretch of shore.
Permission to swim does not grant permission to navigate. At Gérardmer, personal craft require a municipal permit and sticker, and launching is restricted to designated areas.
Lac de Longemer: tolerated swimming without lifeguards
Xonrupt-Longemer municipality says that swimming is tolerated but not supervised. A municipal order nevertheless prohibits swimming on several stretches marked by signs. In practice, enter the water only from a section that is not prohibited and check the signs when you arrive.
The municipal site also states that any craft not listed in its orders is presumed prohibited from navigating on the lake. Pedal boats or boats offered for hire do not therefore prove that a personal paddleboard or kayak is allowed.
Water quality can change during the season. Follow the official bathing-water-quality link on the Xonrupt-Longemer regulations page and read the on-site notices before entering the water.
Lac de la Moselotte: the supervised area at Saulxures
At the Saulxures-sur-Moselotte leisure base, the 2026 municipal order divides the lake into two sections. The developed, buoyed eastern area is authorised and supervised for swimming from 27 June to 30 August, 10:00 to 18:00. Swimming is prohibited in the western area.
The base advertises paid access from 09:30 to 19:00 over the same period, but access lasts longer than lifeguard cover. Personal paddleboards, kayaks and other craft are not admitted to the beach and swimming area. Equipment hired on site uses an area assigned by the operator.
Lakes where swimming is prohibited
Lac de Retournemer is a private lake where the municipality states that swimming is prohibited. Visit it for the landscape, not as a bathing site.
At La Bresse, the official rule is unambiguous for four sites:
- Lac des Corbeaux;
- Lac de Blanchemer;
- Lac de Lispach;
- Lac de la Ténine.
Swimming and all water activities are prohibited, with fishing the sole exception when carried out under the applicable rules. For Lac des Corbeaux, read our dedicated guide to the swimming ban and nearby alternatives.
Checks to make before setting out
A rule published for one lake does not apply to its neighbour. Before each outing:
- check the municipality’s or operator’s page;
- review official health results where a bathing site is registered;
- read the signs, flag and any temporary orders;
- do not extend permission to swim to paddleboarding, canoeing or another craft.
For an indoor, managed option near the town centre, the La Bresse swimming pool provides a fallback that does not depend on lake rules. Use our summer family itinerary in La Bresse to plan the rest of your stay.
The La Bresse guide, summer edition
Trails, lakes, blueberries and farm inns, in one free PDF.
Your details are used only to process this request. Privacy policy (in French).
Free PDF, no newsletter sign-up.
Frequently asked questions
Where is swimming supervised in the Vosges in summer 2026?
Gérardmer's Union Nautique is a developed, supervised beach with paid entry. At Lac de la Moselotte, swimming is supervised from 27 June to 30 August 2026, 10:00 to 18:00, solely in the marked eastern area.
Can you swim in Lac de Longemer?
The municipality states that swimming is tolerated but not supervised. Several stretches remain formally prohibited, so visitors must follow the signs and orders displayed on site.
Can you swim in Lac des Corbeaux?
No. Swimming and all water activities other than regulated fishing are prohibited at Corbeaux, Blanchemer, Lispach and Ténine lakes.
If swimming is allowed, is paddleboarding allowed too?
Not necessarily. Navigation has separate rules: permits and launch areas at Gérardmer, craft limited by municipal orders at Longemer, and personal craft prohibited in the beach and swimming area at Saulxures.