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Free access · Year-round
Base de loisirs du Lac des Îles
The largest developed lake in the Mont-Blanc region: sandy beach, supervised swimming in summer, water and land activities in a green setting facing the massif.
Alpine meadow · Wikimedia Commons
At a glance
Type
Leisure park
Access
Free · No charge
Duration
2 hours – half day
Best season
May–September (supervised swimming July–August)
Parking
Free (paid July–August: €3 per day)
Dogs
Prohibited on beach and coves · Allowed on leash on upper trails
Stroller
Suitable (lake loop trails)
Town
Passy
What is Base de loisirs du Lac des Îles
The Base de loisirs du Lac des Îles, also called Lake of Passy, is an artificial lake of 50 hectares created in the 1970s when excavating materials for the A40 motorway. Over one kilometre long, it offers a frontal view of the Mont-Blanc massif and the Fiz range, at approximately 550 m altitude in the Arve valley.
The site features a fine sandy beach with supervised swimming in July–August (depth zones < 1.20 m and > 1.20 m), grassy coves, a 2.5 km walking trail around the lake, a fitness course in the woods (15 stations over 800 m), picnic areas and several activity providers: mini-golf, go-kart, rope course, small electric boats, pedal boats, stand-up paddle, windsurfing. Fishing is permitted on designated pontoons.
Accessible year-round, the leisure park is a popular destination in fine weather for swimming, water activities and family walks. In winter, the site becomes a peaceful place to stroll with spectacular views of snow-capped peaks. The lake is managed by Passy municipality with a commitment to sustainable tourism and environmental preservation.
Activities
What you can do here
Practical
Practical information
Address
Chemin de Mont-Blanc Plage, 74190 Passy View on map
Coordinates
45,920038° N — 6,658268° E View on map
Altitude
550 m
Opening
Year-round, daily. Supervised swimming July–August only.Verified 14 May 2026
Fee
Free. Parking paid July–August: €3 per day, €1 motorcycle, €2 bus. Season pass €20 for 2 registrations.Verified 14 May 2026
Parking
Several car parks around the lake: Granges car park (north), beach car park (east). Free except July–August (€3 per day).
Animals
Dogs prohibited on beach, coves and riverside paths. Allowed on leash on upper trails and south shore between fishing pontoons and play area. Waste bags provided.
Accessibility
Lake loop trail suitable for buggies and disabled visitors. Beach accessible. Public toilets on site.
Contact
Passy Tourist Office: 04 50 58 80 52Verified 14 May 2026
Access
How to get there
By car
From Sallanches (8 km, 12 min) or Chamonix (28 km, 30 min), follow the D1205 towards Passy centre. At Passy roundabout, take the 'Leisure park / Lake of Passy' exit. Car parks marked around the lake (Granges car park to the north, beach car park to the east).
Open in MapsBy bike
Arve riverside cycle path accessible from Passy Tourist Office to the leisure park (approximately 5 km loop). Secure cycle lane.
Open in MapsWhen to visit
When to visit
The lake is accessible year-round. High season runs from June to August: the beach is supervised in July–August (12 noon–6 pm), activity providers open daily, parking becomes paid. May–June and September are quieter periods, ideal for walks and water activities without crowds. In autumn and winter, the site becomes a popular place for peaceful strolls with spectacular views of snow-capped Mont-Blanc. The fitness trail and lake loop remain passable year-round except during heavy snowfall.
Nearby
Where to eat, drink, stay
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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 entry to Base de loisirs du Lac des Îles paid?
No. Entry to Base de loisirs du Lac des Îles is free year-round. Only parking is paid in July–August (€3 per day). Activities offered by providers (go-kart, rope course, pedal boats, mini-golf) are paid.
Is swimming supervised at Lake Îles?
Yes. Swimming at Base de loisirs du Lac des Îles is supervised in July and August only, from 12 noon to 6 pm, on the sandy beach with two delimited zones (< 1.20 m and > 1.20 m). Water quality is monitored regularly.
Are dogs allowed at Base de loisirs du Lac des Îles?
Not on the beach and coves. Dogs are strictly prohibited on the beach, grassy coves and riverside paths at Base de loisirs du Lac des Îles. They are allowed on leash on upper trails around the lake and on the south shore between fishing pontoons and the play area.
How long should I allow to visit Lake Îles?
Allow a minimum of 2 hours to walk around the lake (2.5 km) and enjoy a picnic. For swimming and water activities, allow a half day or even a full day at Base de loisirs du Lac des Îles.
Can I hire pedal boats and paddleboards at Lake Îles?
Yes. Several independent providers offer pedal boat, small electric boat, stand-up paddle and windsurfing equipment hire at Base de loisirs du Lac des Îles. Rentals are arranged directly on site, at the miniature port or on the beach.
Are there restaurants or snack bars at Base de loisirs du Lac des Îles?
Yes. A drinks stand (Buvette des Criques) and snack bar open in summer at Base de loisirs du Lac des Îles. Several picnic areas also allow you to bring your own food. Tables and benches are available around the lake.
Sources
Sources & verification
- www.ville-passy-mont-blanc.fr
- www.passy-mont-blanc.com
- www.haute-savoie-tourisme.org
- www.histoire-passy-montblanc.fr
Multi-source verification at publication date. Information may change — confirm with the official operator before travelling.