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Free access · Year-round
Lacs des Ilettes
Three artificial lakes created in 1977 offering a peaceful retreat two kilometres from Sallanches town centre: fishing, supervised swimming, water sports and family walks.
Ville de Sallanches · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
At a glance
Type
Leisure base · 3 lakes
Access
Free · Open access
Duration
1 h–3 h depending on activities
Best season
April–October (supervised swimming July–August)
Parking
Free (multiple car parks on site)
Dogs
Prohibited at lakes 1 and 2, accepted on lead at lake 3
Stroller
Suitable around lake 2 (swimming)
Town
Sallanches
What is Lacs des Ilettes
The Lacs des Ilettes form a municipal leisure base 2 km from Sallanches town centre, comprising three artificial lakes created in 1977 during the extraction of materials needed for the construction of the A40 motorway. Located at 557 m altitude, they extend over several dozen hectares facing the Mont-Blanc massif and offer panoramic views of Mont-Joli, the Aravis and the Fiz ranges.
Each lake has a specific purpose: the first (242 m long) is reserved for category 1 fishing with a small island serving as a bird reserve; the second (450 m) is dedicated to supervised summer swimming, paddleboarding and kayaking; the third (515 m) welcomes windsurfers on its southern part and anglers to the north, with a wildlife observation cabin at its far end.
From the Ilettes site, a marked trail « Au fil de l'eau » follows the Arve northwards and reaches the Arpenaz waterfall (270 m high) in 30 minutes of walking, extending the nature experience. The site is accessible on foot, by bike via the Léman to Mont-Blanc greenway, or by car with several free car parks. Leisure facilities (volleyball court, table tennis tables, fitness trail) complete the on-site offer.
Activities
What you can do here
Practical
Practical information
Address
Ancienne route impériale, 74700 Sallanches View on map
Coordinates
45,950792° N — 6,640291° E View on map
Altitude
557 m
Opening times
Year-round, daily. Swimming lake supervised July–August from 12pm to 6pm.
Admission
Free
Parking
Free (multiple car parks on site). Note: north and central car parks closed for works until June 2026.
Animals
Prohibited at lakes 1 and 2. Accepted on lead at lake 3 (animal swimming prohibited, waste must be removed). Rustic path along the Arve open to dogs year-round.
Accessibility
Flat and shaded trails, suitable for pushchairs around lake 2. Public toilets on site.
Distance
2 km from Sallanches town centre on foot or by bike, direct vehicle access
Contact
Sallanches Tourist Office: 04 50 58 04 25 · tourisme@sallanches.com · sallanchesmontblanc.com
Access
How to get there
By car
From Annecy (60 km, 50 min), take the A40 towards Chamonix, exit no. 20 Sallanches. Follow D1205, at the roundabout take D313 Luzier road then Ancienne Route Impériale. Multiple free car parks on site. From Chamonix (30 km, 30 min), A40 towards Annecy, same exit.
Open in MapsBy bike
Accessible via the Léman to Mont-Blanc greenway (Passy–Sallanches section). Ilettes cable-stayed footbridge halfway from Sallanches town centre. From the Vieux Pont de Saint-Martin, follow the Arve on the right bank (shaded path).
Open in MapsWhen to visit
When to visit
The site is open year-round, but the experience varies greatly by season. Summer (July–August) is peak season: swimming is supervised from 12pm to 6pm, Le Transat restaurant opens, and families occupy the sandy and grassy beaches. Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) offer quieter visits, ideal for walking, fishing and wildlife watching. Winter remains accessible for peaceful strolls with clear views of snow-capped peaks. Note: from September 2025 to June 2026, renovation works limit access to lakes 1 and 2 (closure of pedestrian paths and north and central car parks); lake 3 and the Arve dike path remain accessible.
Nearby
Where to eat, drink, stay
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Gallery
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is entry to Lacs des Ilettes free?
Yes. Entry to Lacs des Ilettes is free and open year-round, including car parks.
Are dogs allowed at Lacs des Ilettes?
Dogs are prohibited at lakes 1 and 2 to preserve peace and hygiene. They are accepted at lake 3 on lead, but animal swimming is forbidden and waste must be removed. The rustic path along the Arve is open to dogs year-round.
What is the best season to visit Lacs des Ilettes?
Summer (July–August) to enjoy supervised swimming and water activities at Lacs des Ilettes. Spring and autumn offer quieter visits, perfect for fishing and wildlife watching.
Are Lacs des Ilettes accessible with a pushchair?
Yes. The trail around lake 2 (swimming) at Lacs des Ilettes is flat, shaded and suitable for pushchairs. The loop around lake 1 (fishing) is less practicable.
Can you swim at Lacs des Ilettes?
Yes, at lake 2 only. Swimming at Lacs des Ilettes is supervised in July–August from 12pm to 6pm, with a prepared sandy beach, outdoor showers and a first aid post.
Is there catering on site at Lacs des Ilettes?
Yes. Le Transat restaurant at Lacs des Ilettes is open during the summer season (mid-April to mid-September), with views over lake 2. Light refreshments and drinks available.
Are Lacs des Ilettes open during the 2025–2026 works?
Partially. Lake 3 (windsurfing) and the Arve dike path remain accessible at Lacs des Ilettes. Lakes 1 and 2 and their trails are closed until June 2026 for site renovation.
How do you reach Arpenaz waterfall from Lacs des Ilettes?
From lake 3 at Lacs des Ilettes, follow the « Au fil de l'eau » trail northwards crossing the Luzier footbridge. Arpenaz waterfall (270 m high) is 2 km away, about 30 min on foot.
Sources
Sources & verification
Multi-source verification at publication date. Information may change — confirm with the official operator before travelling.