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Free access · Year-round
Base de loisirs des Ilettes
Leisure complex facing the Mont-Blanc massif with three landscaped lakes for fishing, supervised summer swimming, windsurfing and outdoor activities.
Alpine meadow · Wikimedia Commons
At a glance
Type
Leisure complex
Access
Free · No charge
Duration
2 hours – half day on site
Best season
May – September (supervised swimming July–August)
Parking
Free (multiple car parks on site)
Dogs
Prohibited at lakes 1 and 2 · Allowed on lead at lake 3
Stroller
Suitable (flat paths around lakes)
Town
Sallanches
What is Base de loisirs des Ilettes
The Base de loisirs des Ilettes is an outdoor leisure complex located 2 km north-east of Sallanches town centre, at 557 metres altitude, facing the Mont-Blanc massif. Established in 1977, it covers several dozen hectares and comprises three artificial lakes, each dedicated to distinct activities: category 1 fishing on the first lake (242 m long), supervised swimming and paddling on the second (450 m long), and windsurfing and category 2 fishing on the third (515 m long).
The site is equipped for relaxation and outdoor sports: a 23-apparatus fitness trail between the second and third lakes, volleyball and pétanque courts, table tennis tables, equipped picnic areas, outdoor showers near the first aid post, public toilets and seasonal café-restaurant. A bird observatory at the northern end of the third lake enables observation of mallards, coots and wild rabbits.
A trail called « Au fil de l'eau » connects the complex to Arpenaz waterfall (2 km, 30 minutes on foot) via the Luzier footbridge. The site is accessible by cycle path from Sallanches. Summer shuttle service is available in July–August. Please note: refurbishment works are underway from September 2025 to June 2026 — paths around the fishing and swimming lakes are closed during this period; only the northern lake (windsurfing) and the Arve embankment remain accessible.
Activities
What you can do here
Practical
Practical information
Address
Ancienne route Impériale, 74700 Sallanches View on map
Coordinates
45.9505° N — 6.6305° E (approximate) View on map
Altitude
557 m
Opening hours
Year-round, daily. Supervised swimming July–August from 12pm to 6pm. WARNING: site undergoing refurbishment September 2025 to June 2026 — access to swimming and fishing lakes prohibited during this period; northern lake (windsurfing) and Arve embankment remain accessible.Verified 14 May 2026
Admission
Free
Parking
Free. Multiple car parks on site: Ilettes South car park (2 disabled spaces), central car park and north car park. No motorhomes. Central and north car parks closed during works (Sept 2025–June 2026).
Animals
Prohibited at lakes 1 and 2 (fishing and swimming). Allowed on lead at lake 3 (windsurfing). Animal swimming strictly prohibited throughout the site. Dog waste bins available.
Accessibility
Flat paths suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Disabled spaces at Ilettes South car park.
Distance from town centre
2 km from Sallanches town centre (5 min by car, 10 min by cycle path)
Contact
Sallanches Mont-Blanc Tourist Office: 04 50 58 04 25 · sallanchesmontblanc.com
Access
How to get there
By car
From Sallanches centre (~5 min), take the D1205 towards Cluses, at the roundabout take the 2nd exit onto Luzier road, follow the D313 to Ancienne Route Impériale. Ilettes South car park signposted. From the A40, exit 20 Sallanches, same route.
Open in MapsBy bike
Direct access by cycle path from Sallanches town centre (approximately 10 min). Rustic path along the Arve also suitable for mountain biking.
Open in MapsWhen to visit
When to visit
The Base de loisirs des Ilettes is open year-round, but the summer season (May to September) offers the most activities: supervised swimming in July and August, café-restaurant open mid-April to mid-September, ideal conditions for windsurfing and paddling. Spring and autumn are quieter, perfect for fishing and walking. In winter, the site remains accessible for lakeside walks, but water sports are suspended. Note: refurbishment works from September 2025 to June 2026 will limit access to swimming and fishing lakes.
Nearby
Where to eat, drink, stay
Bakery, shop
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Gallery
Been there? Share your photos — we'll add them to this page with credit. Tag #loisirs74 or email photos@loisirs74.fr
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is access to the Base de loisirs des Ilettes free?
Yes. Access to the Base de loisirs des Ilettes is free and unrestricted year-round, as is parking on site.
Are dogs allowed at the Base de loisirs des Ilettes?
Dogs are prohibited at lakes 1 and 2 (fishing and swimming) for public health reasons. They are allowed on lead at lake 3 (windsurfing) and on the rustic path along the Arve. Dog swimming is strictly prohibited throughout the site. Dog waste bins are available.
Is swimming supervised at the Base de loisirs des Ilettes?
Yes. Swimming at lake 2 (swimming lake, 450 m long) is supervised by lifeguards in July and August from 12pm to 6pm. Outside this period, swimming remains permitted but unsupervised.
Where can you fish at the Base de loisirs des Ilettes?
Lake 1 (242 m) is exclusively reserved for category 1 fishing (wild and rainbow trout, perch, carp, pike). Lakes 2 and 3 are classified as category 2 for fishing outside summer season. Fishing permits available at Passion Pêche shop or Sallanches tourist office. Night carp fishing in 'no kill' format organised by AAPPMA (registration required).
Is there a restaurant at the Base de loisirs des Ilettes?
Yes. A café and snack bar (Transat restaurant) operate at the Base de loisirs des Ilettes during the summer season, approximately mid-April to mid-September. Contact the tourist office for exact opening times.
Can you windsurf at the Base de loisirs des Ilettes?
Yes. Lake 3 (515 m long) is one of the best windsurfing and wingfoil spots in Haute-Savoie. The southern section of the lake is reserved for windsurfers, with pontoons and launching ramps. The northern section is dedicated to category 2 fishing.
What facilities are available at the Base de loisirs des Ilettes?
The Base de loisirs des Ilettes has outdoor showers near the first aid post, volleyball and pétanque courts, table tennis tables, a fitness trail with 23 apparatus, equipped picnic areas, public toilets, free parking and dog waste bins. A bird observatory is located at the northern end of lake 3.
Are there any works planned at the Base de loisirs des Ilettes?
Yes. Refurbishment works at the Base de loisirs des Ilettes are underway from September 2025 to June 2026. During this period, paths around the fishing and swimming lakes are closed, as are the north and central car parks. The northern lake (windsurfing) and the Arve embankment remain accessible. For your safety, respect barriers in place.
Sources
Sources & verification
- sallanchesmontblanc.com
- www.haute-savoie-tourisme.org
- www.cluses-montagnes-tourisme.com
- fr.wikipedia.org
Multi-source verification at publication date. Information may change — confirm with the official operator before travelling.