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Free access · Year-round
Lac de Passy
The largest developed lake in the Mont-Blanc region, located at 547 m elevation with sandy beach, supervised swimming zone in summer and panoramic views of the Mont-Blanc massif.
Alpine lake · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA
At a glance
Type
Artificial lake · Leisure water body
Access
Free · No charge
Duration
2 h–half-day depending on activities
Best season
Year-round · Swimming July–August
Parking
Free (charged in July–August: €3/day)
Dogs
Allowed on leash on upper trails · Prohibited on beach and creeks
Stroller
Suitable · Lake circuit trail accessible
Town
Passy
What is Lac de Passy
The Lac de Passy, also called the Îles Leisure Base, is an artificial lake over one kilometre long covering approximately 50 hectares, located at 547 metres elevation in the Arve valley. Created in the 1970s following excavation of materials needed for construction of the A40 motorway (the White Road), it is today the largest developed lake in the Mont-Blanc region.
This remarkable site offers a developed sandy beach with supervised swimming zone in July and August, grassy creeks, wooden jetties, and numerous water and land-based activities: stand-up paddle, pedal boats, electric boats, fishing (second-category waters with night fishing permitted), mini-golf, go-kart racing, fitness trail, mountain-bike path, and orienteering course. A 2 km trail circles the lake in approximately 30 minutes, accessible by stroller, with children's play areas.
The lake offers exceptional views of the Mont-Blanc massif and the Fiz range. Accessible year-round, it provides a relaxing setting in summer and winter alike (walks along the snow-covered lake). A 3-star campsite and snack restaurant are on-site. The site also hosts aquabike courses during the summer season.
Activities
What you can do here
Practical
Practical information
Address
Chemin de Mont-Blanc Plage, 74190 Passy View on map
Coordinates
45,9267° N — 6,6950° E View on map
Elevation
547 m
Opening
Free access year-round. Supervised swimming only in July and August.
Fee
Free. Parking charged from 30 June to 31 August: €3 per day (car), €1 (motorcycle), €2 (bus). Season pass: €20 for 2 registration plates.
Parking
Free parking outside summer season. Multiple parking areas around the lake: Granges car park, Beach car park.
Animals
Dogs allowed on leash on upper trails (lake circuit). Prohibited on beach, in creeks and on lakeside paths.
Accessibility
Lake circuit trail accessible by stroller and wheelchair with assistance. Beach accessible.
Duration
2 hours minimum to enjoy the site. Half-day or full day for multiple activities.
Contact
Passy Tourist Office: 04 50 58 80 52
Access
How to get there
By car
From Annecy (90 km, 1 h 15 min), take the A41 then A40 (White Road) towards Chamonix, exit no. 20 Passy-Le Fayet. Follow signs for Passy centre, then 'Lac de Passy' or 'Îles Leisure Base'. From Chamonix (20 km, 25 min), take the A40 towards Annecy, exit no. 20 Passy-Le Fayet. From Geneva (70 km, 1 h), A40 towards Chamonix via the White Road.
Open in MapsBy bike
Accessible via the 'Arve Banks and Lac de Passy' cycle path, easy route starting from Passy town centre (approximately 2 km).
Open in MapsWhen to visit
When to visit
Lac de Passy is accessible year-round and offers different experiences by season. Summer (July–August) is ideal for supervised swimming, water activities and beach time — the site is then very busy, especially on sunny weekends. Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) offer a more peaceful setting for walks, cycling, fishing and picnics, with beautiful light on Mont-Blanc. In winter, the snow-covered lake circuit becomes a contemplative walk facing the white peaks; the lake can even partially freeze in extreme cold, offering a magical sight (however, ice is off-limits for safety reasons).
Nearby
Where to eat, drink, stay
Bakery, shop
Share your hours and specialities with visitors.
Become a partnerStay
B&B, gîte, campsite, holiday let.
Become a partnerPhotos
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 Lac de Passy charged?
No. Access to Lac de Passy is free and open year-round. Only parking is charged during summer season (30 June to 31 August): €3 per day for a car.
Is swimming allowed at Lac de Passy?
Yes. Lac de Passy has a developed sandy beach with supervised swimming zone in July and August. Two areas are delimited: one for under 1.20 m and another for over 1.20 m.
Are dogs allowed at Lac de Passy?
Yes, but with restrictions. Dogs are allowed on leash on the upper trails (lake circuit). However, they are prohibited on the beach, in creeks and on lakeside paths, even if leashed.
Can you fish at Lac de Passy?
Yes. Lac de Passy is second-category waters stocked with brown and rainbow trout, pike, perch and carp. A fishing licence is required. Night carp fishing is permitted by reservation on certain weekends.
What is the best season to visit Lac de Passy?
Lac de Passy is worth visiting year-round. Summer (July–August) is ideal for swimming and water activities. Spring and autumn offer a more tranquil setting for walks and picnics. In winter, the snow-covered lake circuit offers a contemplative walk facing Mont-Blanc.
How long should you allow for the Lac de Passy circuit?
The Lac de Passy circuit is a 2 km loop accessible to all, achievable in 30 minutes' walking at moderate pace. The trail is stroller-accessible and features children's play areas throughout the route.
Sources
Sources & verification
- www.passy-mont-blanc.com
- www.haute-savoie-tourisme.org
- www.histoire-passy-montblanc.fr
- fr.wikipedia.org
Multi-source verification at publication date. Information may change — confirm with the official operator before travelling.
