Lac des Sapins
The largest organic swimming pool in Europe ... A natural setting in the heart of pine forests for the happiness of young and old!
Take a deep breath of fresh air at Lac des sapins and discover the full range of its nature activities!
65 km northwest of Lyon, in the Monts du Beaujolais region, Lac des Sapins is a place of recreation for the whole family. This artificial body of water, 440 m above sea level, covers more than 40 hectares in the villages of Cublize and Ronno. Built at the end of the 1970s, it is today the largest biological swimming pool in Europe with a filtration system provided by a basin of filtering plants.
In this revitalizing place, all you have to do is put your car in the parking lot and enjoy the activities on offer!
A wide range of leisure activities in the heart of nature:
First of all, how about a good swim in permanently purified water?
It is indeed thanks to a bio filter composed of different layers of minerals and depolluting plants that the bacteria present in the water of the lake are naturally eliminated. Healthy water, free of all chemicals, with fir trees and valleys in the background, what better way to relax ?
After this invigorating swim, perhaps do you want to laze on the beach, by the water ?
Or on the contrary, to move more ? That turns out well ! The Green Station of Lac des Sapins (Beaujolais UNESCO Global Geopark geosite) offers a multitude of activities on-site : fitness course, mini-golf, play areas and electric cars for children, pedal boats, archery, orienteering, horse or pony rides ...
The more athletic can meet on the multisports ground to play volleyball, for example, also at the Adventure Forest tree climbing park, at the Paint Ball or at the Trail station. And why not also rent a mountain bike (possibly with electric assistance), a kayak, a small sailboat or a paddle at the nautical base?
And if you are in love with nature, to your fishing rods or to your legs! Thanks to the day pass on sale on site, fishermen can easily tease the roach, trout or carp. As for walkers, they have the choice between the small loop on a landscaped path, all around the lake (4.5 km) or the more sporty trail (16.5 km), passing through the Col des Fourches and the Bois des Mollières. Before going hiking, do not forget to stop by the chalet (dike entrance)! You can pick up a small digital box with the BV Rando and BV Aventure applications, which will be useful for you to discover thoroughly the local flora and fauna.
For the meal break, here again there is something to delight all the taste buds!
At the rural inn “La Voisinée”, on the water's edge, you will be served a delicious menu concocted with fresh local produce. In this old farm, you are received like a good neighbor of the country, warmly and in all simplicity. Take a seat at one of the long wooden tables to taste these hearty homemade dishes! And to enhance your meal, a small pitcher of wine from the region (Coteaux du Lyonnais or Beaujolais) will be appreciated. After a few sips and forked, your carefree laughter will surely mingle with that of your neighbor at the table ...
If you prefer eating in the open air, the tables and benches on the terrace provide you with a lovely view of the lake. No matter which place you choose, one thing is for sure: you will leave this place happy and sated!
Fans of fried potatoes, burgers, salads, and fast food are not forgotten too! Several snacks are distributed on both sides of the body of water to satisfy stomachs in search of savory or sweet treats. Not to be missed in particular: the delicious ice creams based on yogurts, on the beach side!
And for fans of the meal taken from the bag, many shaded picnic areas are set up on the site.
The Beaujolais: a jewelry box with a thousand of treasures!
Lac des Sapins is undoubtedly a must-see in this magnificent Beaujolais region, but there are so many others!
For example, you can continue your discovery by taking the southern route and stop at the Barthélémy Thimonnier Museum in the heart of the town of Amplepuis. Housed in the old city hospital, it houses a stunning collection of two 19th century inventions: sewing machines and cycles.
A little further, in the village of Dième, you will come face to face (or rather nose to trunk!) with the gigantic Douglas fir Laurent Bonnevay in the Brou departmental forest.
More further south, you will find Tarare, "The city of Mousselines". Known internationally for its textile industry, the city has kept nature very present within it. Of course, it’s ideal to visit it during the Fête des Mousselines, where the streets are adorned with pretty multicolored fabrics and superb decorated floats, but this privileged spectacle only takes place every 5 years!
Leaving the Lac des Sapins, if you head north, it will be an opportunity to attempt the ascent of the 3 summits of The Beaujolais Vert: Mont Tourvéon (952m) with its legend of Ganelon, in the village of Chénelette, the Roche d'Ajoux (970 m) where the Azergues river has its source, and Mont Saint Rigaud in the city of Deux Grosnes (formerly village of Monsols). Nicknamed "The Roof of the Rhône", this last mountain with its 1012 m height, is the highest in the department. Its educational trail, its perched tower with orientation table and its sacred spring with miraculous virtues will please you and give you great sensations.
A handful of kilometers from Mont Saint Rigaud, you find the Col de Crie. It is a superb spot surrounded by nature offering you the possibility of exceptional photos. How sweet it is to rest there for a picnic, to listen to your children's laughter playing on the outdoor games! And after your meal, why not going to explore one of the hiking trails passing by?
To regain some more oxygen and allow yourself to get your head in the air, how about continuing to the village of Claveisolles to pay a little visit to the highest Douglas fir trees in Europe?
Before leaving the region, it would be a shame not to take a little detour through the Beaujolais cellars and enjoy a little tasting! Fleurie, Brouilly, Morgon, Régnié, Juliénas, Chiroubles… All these famous wines will surely charm the roof of your mouth!
Useful information for your journey to lac des sapins
Opening period of the Lac des Sapins :
*Weekends and statutory holidays from April to September
* Every day from July 1st to August 31st
Access and transport
By car/motorcycle
- A89 motorway : Exit 34 (Tarare Centre) and Exit 35 (Tarare East).
Charging stations for electric cars on the Lac des Sapins site.
Paid parking (possibility of subscription) - Parking possible between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m.
By train
- Amplepuis station: Line n ° 6 Lyon / Roanne / Clermont-Ferrand -
- Lamure-sur-Azergues station: Line n ° 20 Lyon / Lozanne / Lamure / Paray-Le-Monial
By bike:
Rental of electric bikes at Tarare (ByCor), Amplepuis and Lamure-sur-Azergues railway stations.
By Bus:
- From Lyon :
Rhône car line 116 - Lyon-Cours
- From Villefranche-sur-Saône : Rhône car line 265 – Villefranche – Claveisolles
Accessibility
For people with reduced mobility, bathing chairs, all-terrain electric hiking chairs, as well as fitted out fishing pontoons are available free of charge!
Pets allowed
Ecologic restroom available on site.
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