How can I find out if swimming is permitted in Haute-Vienne?

Before taking the plunge, make sure to check the Ministry of Health’s ‘Baignades’ website (the button is just below each spot on this page!) to confirm that swimming is actually permitted. And for an overview of all the bodies of water currently open for swimming in Haute-Vienne, our dedicated page ‘Where to swim in the lakes and bodies of water of Haute-Vienne?’ is updated continuously throughout the summer.

What are the best places for a family swim near Saint-Léonard de Noblat?

For a hassle-free family day out by the water, head to the swimming pool at Saint-Léonard de Noblat , with its outdoor and indoor pools and areas specially designed for children. Fancy a swim surrounded by nature near Saint-Léonard de Noblat? Head to Bujaleuf beach , Lake Vassivière or the Châteauneuf-la-Forêt lake : supervised swimming, children’s play areas and entertainment are all on offer!

What are the least crowded swimming spots near Saint-Léonard de Noblat?

Fancy a bit of peace and quiet? Lake Saint-Julien-le-Petit and the Saint-Martin-Terressus lake are the quietest swimming spots near Saint-Léonard de Noblat. Fancy a bit of pampering? Head to the relaxation area at the Saint-Léonard de Noblat swimming pool: spa, sauna and steam room for a truly relaxing experience where you can switch off.

Where are the shadiest swimming spots in Haute-Vienne, near Saint-Léonard de Noblat?

To get out of the sun, head to Bujaleuf beach , which is the shadiest spot for a swim near Saint-Léonard de Noblat. Lac de Vassivière , opt for the beaches at Auphelle and Broussas, which have more trees.

Where can you go for a swim for free near Saint-Léonard de Noblat?

Good news! All our outdoor swimming spots around Saint-Léonard de Noblat are free of charge: whether in Bujaleuf , Saint-Martin Terressus , Saint-Julien le Petit , Châteauneuf-la-Forêt , Ambazac or at the Lac de Vassivière . Another great tip: entry to the Espace Aqua’Noblat swimming pool is free for children under 4 and only costs for those aged 4 and over.

Where is the nearest swimming spot to Saint-Léonard de Noblat?

Are you on holiday in Saint-Léonard de Noblat and fancy a swim? There’s a swimming pool right in the village itself, with both outdoor and indoor pools: the Espace Aqua’Noblat . If you’re looking for a spot in the countryside, the nearest place to swim near Saint-Léonard de Noblat is the lake at Saint-Martin-Terressus , just a 15-minute drive away! Sainte-Hélène beach (Bujaleuf) and the lake at Châteauneuf-la-Forêt are not far behind.

Is it possible to go swimming all year round near Saint-Léonard de Noblat?

Yes, you can go for a swim at Saint-Léonard de Noblat, whatever the season! As well as its outdoor pools, the Espace Aqua’Noblat offers indoor, heated pools. The swimming pool is therefore open all year round, whereas the lakes and other bodies of water are only accessible during the summer months.

Which swimming spots offer water sports near Saint-Léonard de Noblat?

If you’d like to explore the water in a different way around Saint-Léonard de Noblat, Lake Bujaleuf and Lake Vassivière offer a range of water sports: canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, pedalos, and boat trips (with or without a licence)… The Eymoutiers Canoe and Kayak Club also organises canoe trips down the River Vienne from Saint-Léonard de Noblat every Tuesday and Sunday during the summer.

Where can I find a sandy beach near Saint-Léonard de Noblat?

All the beaches around Saint-Léonard de Noblat have soft sand under your feet! On the vast Lac de Vassivière , we particularly recommend the beaches at Auphelle and Vauveix.

Is it possible to get to the beach by public transport from Saint-Léonard de Noblat?

No car? No problem in summer! Take the train from Saint-Léonard de Noblat station towards Eymoutiers, then the shuttle bus to Lac de Vassivière and its beaches, where you can go for a swim and enjoy a wide range of activities. Find all the details here! Don’t forget that you can also go for a swim at the Saint-Léonard de Noblat swimming pool: the Espace Aqua’Noblat , within walking distance of the historic centre.

Can you cycle to the beach fr Saint-Léonard de Noblat?

Yes, it’s a great idea to cycle to the beach from Saint-Léonard de Noblat! The Vélidéale cycle route provides easy access from the medieval town to Bujaleuf beach (≈ 18 km) or to Lac de Vassivière (≈ 35 km).

Our 7 favourite swimming spotsaround Saint-Léonard de Noblat

Our favourite swimming spots around Saint Léonard de Noblat

It’s going to be a hot summer, it’s going to be a hot summer… it’s going to be a hot summer in Saint-Léo! 🎶 In summer, the temperature soars to Saint-Léonard de NoblatLimousin, making it the perfect time for a dip. 💦 We’ve put together a list of our favourite places to go for a swim in Haute-Vienne, in Saint-Léonard de Noblat, and the surrounding area! 🌞 Grab your towel and swimwear, and let’s go for a swim! 🏊‍♂️

Check that swimming is permitted

At a glance

©
Espace Aqua'Noblat swimming pool in Saint-Léonard de Noblat
|
Office de Tourisme de Noblat

1. The Aqua'Noblat Centre

The swimming pool at Saint Léonard de Noblat

The small town of Saint-Léonard de Noblat has a water park that’s open all year round. It’s the perfect place to go for a swim whatever the weather!

We love its stainless-steel pools, its relaxation area, its fun and sporting activities, and its outdoor pool in summer!

📍The pool is open every afternoon in summer and on Sunday mornings

2. The Lac de Vassivière

Limousin ’s largest lake!

It is one of the most beautiful lakes in the Limousin, and a must-see natural attraction during a stay in Saint-Léonard de Noblat, just a 40-minute drive from the medieval town! Spanning 1,000 hectares, the “ Lac de Vassivière ” offers five beaches where you can make the most of the water’s delights.

Nicknamed the “Little Canada of the Limousin ”, this large lake is also ideal for water sports: canoeing, kayaking, sailing… Which one will you give a go? We recommend the stand-up paddleboarding taster sessions every Wednesday!

📍Our favourite beach: Auphelle

⚠️ Swimming is currently prohibited at Pierrefitte beach, effective from 4 August 2026. More information here.

©
Lac De Vassiviere Pierrefitte Ot Portes De Vassiviere Sp 4

©
La Plage De Bujaleuf Un De Nos Spots Baignade Preferes Autour De Saint Leonard De Noblat C M. Ihdi
|
M. IHDI

3. The beach at Bujaleuf

Lake Sainte-Hélène

Lake Sainte-Hélène in Bujaleuf is THE family-friendly beach to choose for a family swim in the Limousin. With its children’s play area, fine sandy beach and water that gets deeper very gradually, it’s the ideal spot for families.

Hop in the car and in 20 minutes you’ll arrive at this lake on the River Maulde. It’s up to you to plan your day: a splash about with the kids, a picnic in the shade, treating yourselves to an ice cream, working your calves with a trip on a pedalo, or dancing the night away at the lakeside restaurant…

📍Supervised swimming every day in summer from 1 pm to 7 pm, except on Wednesdays

4. Soleil Levant Lake in Saint-Martin-Teressus

Overlooking the Monts d'Ambazac

Spread out your towel on the fine sandy beach at the Plan d’Eau du Soleil Levant in Saint-Martin Terressus. It’s just a 15-minute drive from Saint-Léonard de Noblat. Enjoy a spot of fun, relaxation and free swimming across its 2 hectares whilst taking in the view of the rolling hills of Ambazac.

Fancy a longer break? The municipal campsite is situated right by the lake, and there’s also a service area for motorhomes!

📍Supervised swimming in July and August from 1.30 pm to 7 pm, except on Tuesdays.

⚠️ Swimming has been temporarily banned since 18 June 2026. More information at www.baignades.sante.gouv.fr

©
Soleil Levant lake in Saint-Martin-Terressus
|
Benoît Rocher

©
Plan d'eau St Julien le Petit 1 Ot Portes De Vassiviere Sp

5. Lake Martineix in Saint-Julien-le-Petit

An intimate beach in the heart of the Limousin mountains

Fancy some peace and quiet whilst you’re having a dip? Head to Saint-Julien-le-Petit and Martineix Beach! Halfway between Saint-Léonard de Noblat and Lac de Vassivière, this little village offers a swimming spot on the River Maulde, nestled amidst the mountains Limousine.

More secluded and less crowded, it’s a favourite with those in the know who crave peaceful, unspoilt natural surroundings.

📍Supervised swimming in July and August from 2 pm to 7 pm every day except Tuesdays.

6. The Châteauneuf-la-Forêt Lake

Swimming and the gentle village way of life

About twenty minutes from Saint-Léonard de Noblat, this 12-hectare lake has all the charm of a simple, unpretentious spot: you can swim, play and stroll here, all just a stone’s throw from the village of Châteauneuf-la-Forêt.

Water play areas and playgrounds keep the children entertained, whilst hiking enthusiasts can enjoy the many trails in the surrounding area. A peaceful stop-off for a relaxing break on a human scale.

📍 Supervised swimming every day except Mondays between 1.30 pm and 7.30 pm from 4 July to 26 August 2026

©
Plan Deau Chateauneuf La Foret
|
©OT Briance Combade - Claudine

7. Jonas Lake in Ambazac

A vast expanse of green and blue

Here, water meets the forest: the Jonas lake stretches across 22 hectares at the foot of the Monts d’Ambazac, in a rural setting that immediately makes you want to slow down. Swimming is free here, under the watchful eye of two lifeguards during the summer months.

Around the lake, nature tells its story: an interpretive trail reveals the history and biodiversity of the lake, whilst the walking trails, 19 signposted mountain bike circuits and fitness trail invite you to explore further.

📍 Free, supervised swimming in summer.

FAQ