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🌊 Lakes & swimming

Lakes, swimming and water sports in the Grand Est

The Grand Est has no coastline, yet it boasts some of the largest bodies of water in France. In Champagne, Lac du Der (48 km²) and Lac d'Orient (23 km²) are reservoirs built to protect Paris from flooding on the Marne and the Seine; according to Wikipedia, they rank first and third among the artificial lakes of metropolitan France by surface area. In Lorraine, Madine (around 1,100 ha) and Pierre-Percée offer sailing, canoeing and long walks, while the Vosges are dotted with glacial lakes such as Lake Gérardmer and Lake Longemer.

These lakes run to two rhythms. From late June to late August, the beaches, water-sports centres and pedalo or paddleboard hire are in full swing, with lifeguarded swimming concentrated in July and August depending on the site. From October to March, the Champagne reservoirs become major birdwatching sites: at Lac du Der, tens of thousands of common cranes stop over every autumn. This page helps you pick the right time, the right lake and the right habits: marked swimming zones, water quality, boating rules and respect for wildlife.

What to do this month?

Pick a month: our seasonal ideas and a tip to make the most of it.

October: Common cranes arrive in large numbers at Lac du Der from mid-October; the LPO (French bird protection league) usually holds a Fête de la Grue (Crane Festival) there during the All Saints' school holidays (check the programme).

Lac du Der📍 Marne / Haute-Marne Lac d’Orient – Forêt d’Orient📍 Mesnil-Saint-Père Lac de Madine📍 Meuse

Map: Lakes & swimming in the Grand Est

Our tips

  • Only swim in marked, lifeguarded zones: elsewhere, swimming may be prohibited, as it is along the roads that skirt Lake Longemer.
  • Before you set off, check the official water-quality rating on baignades.sante.gouv.fr: after hot spells, cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) can lead to temporary closures.
  • Find out the boating rules for each lake: motorboats are banned on Lac d'Orient (reserved for sailing and swimming) and only electric motors are allowed at Pierre-Percée.
  • At Lac du Der, the water level drops from July and then rises again from November to spring: in late summer and autumn, expect the shoreline to be further out and large mudflats to appear.
  • For the common cranes, arrive before sunrise or in the late afternoon, stay on the dykes and in the observation hides, and do not approach birds that have landed in the fields.
  • If you find a sick, injured or dead crane or other bird, do not touch it and report it: this was the official advice issued during the bird flu outbreak of autumn 2025.

All places and activities: Lakes & swimming (11)

🏆Lac d’Orient – Forêt d’Orient📍 Mesnil-Saint-Père · ActivityThe great Lac de la Forêt d’Orient: beaches, sailing, swimming and birdwatching, 30 minutes from Troyes (the national nature reserve itself is closed to the public). 🏆Lac de Madine📍 Nonsard-Lamarche · ActivityA vast leisure lake at the foot of the Côtes de Meuse: beaches, sailing, cycling and birdwatching. 🏆Lac de Pierre-Percée📍 Pierre-Percée · Activity“Lorraine’s Canada”: a large lake among forests and peninsulas, with canoeing, treetop adventure and supervised swimming at the nearby Lac de la Plaine. 🏆Lake Gérardmer📍 Vosges · PlaceThe largest natural lake in the Vosges, with plenty of water sports. Kayaking on the Meuse📍 Monthermé · ActivityA gentle paddle past the meanders and wooded cliffs of the Meuse valley. Lac de Madine📍 Meuse · PlaceA vast 1,100-hectare lake at the foot of the Côtes de Meuse, a paradise for water sports and birdwatching. Lac des Vieilles-Forges📍 Ardennes · PlaceA 150 ha forest lake in the heart of the Ardennes: swimming, sailing and relaxing in the great outdoors, at Les Mazures. Lac du Der📍 Marne / Haute-Marne · PlaceMainland France’s largest artificial lake by surface area, and a haven for common cranes. Lake Longemer📍 Vosges · PlaceA glacial lake at the foot of the High Vosges near Gérardmer, popular for swimming and relaxing. Lake Longemer📍 Xonrupt-Longemer · ActivityA fir-fringed glacial lake in the High Vosges, perfect for swimming and walks. Swimming & Sailing on Lake Gérardmer📍 Gérardmer · ActivityBeach, pedalos, sailing and paddleboarding on the largest natural lake in the Vosges mountains, beneath fir forests.

Frequently asked questions

Is Lac du Der the largest artificial lake in Europe?

No. At around 48 km², Lac du Der is the largest artificial lake in metropolitan France by surface area, but not by volume (Serre-Ponçon is larger). On a European scale, many reservoirs are far bigger.

Where can I swim at a lifeguarded beach in the Grand Est?

The main lifeguarded beaches in summer are at Lac d'Orient (Mesnil-Saint-Père, Géraudot, Lusigny), Madine, Lac du Der, Lac des Vieilles-Forges and several beaches at Gérardmer (Lido, Ramberchamp). Lifeguard cover generally runs through July and August; check dates and times with each site.

When can I see common cranes at Lac du Der?

The season broadly runs from mid-October to mid-March. The largest gatherings are generally seen in late October and November, and the return migration north takes place in late February and early March. The most striking spectacle comes at sunrise, when the cranes leave the lake for the fields.

Can you swim in Lac de Pierre-Percée?

Lac de Pierre-Percée is mainly devoted to canoeing, fishing and hiking, and petrol engines are banned there. For a dedicated swimming area, enquire about the beach at the nearby Lac de la Plaine, at Celles-sur-Plaine, and check its water quality before you come.

Information checked in October 2026. Opening hours, prices and conditions may change: check the official websites before you travel.

Sources consulted (13)

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