Home to monuments, bistros, and boutiques that tempt you to shop till you drop, Paris is a city that’s as iconic as they come. Exploring famed structures like the Eiffel Tower and checking out the lively café scene are must-do’s. When you want to take a breather, you can escape to popular lakes in Paris that are incredibly picturesque and tranquil.
Relaxing walks and boat rides will help you unwind before you dive back into the buzz of the city. If you crave a little more action, you can make your way to lakes a short ways from the capital where swimming and kayaking are favorite pastimes.
Top Lakes In Paris & Beyond That Should Be A Part Of Your Itinerary
Choose from these 6 best lakes in and near Paris and include them in your itinerary for a refreshing escape from usual sightseeing.
1. Bassin de la Villette
Bassin de la Villette is one of the more famous lakes in Paris. It’s the largest artificial lake and links two canals together, Canal de l’Ourcq and Canal Saint-Martin. It’s the venue for exciting activities at different times of the year. It’s also one of the few lakes in Paris near the Eiffel Tower, being just over 10 kilometers away. Hugely popular with Parisians, you can join in the fun by swimming, attending shows and concerts, and picnicking along the banks.
Suggested Read: 10 Holiday Homes In Paris That Are Perfect For Your French Sojourn
Europe Holiday Packages On TravelTriangle
Explore the most beautiful places to visit in Europe, from Paris to the Venice canals and from the Greek islands to the Swiss alps. Book customized packages by expert agents on TravelTriangle. Inclusive of airport transfers, cab, resort, sightseeing, and meals. Best holiday experience Guaranteed. Book Now
2. Lac de Minimes
Lac de Minimes is another lake in Paris, also in Bois de Vincennes. It’s smaller than Lac Daumesnil but no less picturesque. You can take leisurely walks along the paths, hop on a boat to see the lake and grab a bite to eat at the café. If bird-watching is a hobby, take a pair of binoculars as there’s a good chance of seeing kingfishers and grey herons.
Suggested Read: 10 Boutique Hotels In Paris For Those Choosing Experiences Over Just A Stay
3. Lac Inferieur
Suggested Read: 10 Hostels In Paris For A Homelike Stay In The City Of Love
Another prominent green lung of the city is Bois de Boulogne that’s home to beautiful gardens, lakes and a campground for people who want to sleep under the stars. Among the lakes, Lac Inferieur is the largest and has an island that you can get to by boat. Try to take in the rest of the sights too such as the Ruisseau de Longchamp and the Grand Cascade waterfall.
4. Île de Loisirs Saint Quentin en Yvelines
Unlike the lakes in Bois de Vincennes and Bois de Boulogne, Île de Loisirs Saint Quentin en Yvelines is a hotspot for activities like mini golf, kayaking and barbequing. It’s one of the best lakes in Paris (25 kilometers from the city) for those hoping to experience some thrills. Plan a day with the family as it has the right mix of activities for children and adults. You can also spend the night in a yurt, complete with traditional Mongolian furniture and décor. Note: Yurt rental is available for overnight stays from Saturday to Sunday only.
Suggested Read: Your A To Z Paris Street Food Guide: What To Eat & Where To Find Them
5. Lac Daumesnil
Lac Daumesnil lake in Paris is a lovely escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s located in Bois de Vincennes, an important green lung of Paris and the city’s largest park. Large, leafy trees cast welcome shade on land while boats offer a chance to explore the water. Keep an eye out for the Temple of Love, a romantic structure with a grotto below. You should also check out the botanical garden and the Velodrome de Vincennes nearby.
Suggested Read: Lollapalooza Paris Making The Most Of Your France Trip!
6. Île de Loisirs de Bois le Roi
If you’re looking for swimming lakes near Paris, we recommend heading to Île de Loisirs de Bois le Roi that’s around 50 kilometers south of the city. The leisure island has a long list of fun things to keep you entertained ranging from basketball and beach volleyball to rock climbing and mountain biking. It also has facilities for accommodation.
Further Read: 5 Elegant Cottages In Paris That’ll Blow Your Mind At First Sight!
The lakes in Paris and near it are excellent spots for rejuvenation and spending some time amidst nature. So this time when you plan your holiday in Paris, make sure to at least include one of these in your itinerary for a memorable experience.
Disclaimer: TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own rights to any of the images and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.
Please Note: Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lakes In Paris
Does Paris have lakes?
Yes, Paris is home to many lakes. In fact, Bassin de la Villette happens to be the most famous lake in Paris as this is an artificial lake and also joins the two canals Canal de l’Ourcq and Canal Saint-Martin together.
What are the major lakes in France?
There are five lakes in France that you must visit on a trip to France and these are Serre-Ponçon Lake, Bourget Lake, Der-Chantecoq Lake, Der-Chantecoq, and Lake Annecy.
Where can I swim near Paris?
Well, if you also love to swim then we would like to suggest to you these pools in Paris that will guarantee you an amazing time and also you will have a really amazing time being here. They are – Piscine de la Butte aux Cailles, Spa 28, Piscine Pointoise, Aquaboulevard, and Shangri-La Paris.
Can you swim in the Seine River in Paris?
Seine river is one of the most fascinating rivers in the world but if you want to swim in this lake then you would be disappointed because this one is not fit for swimming.
What is the cheapest time to go to Paris?
The best time to visit Paris is in June and July but not the cheapest one. So, if you are looking for months which are cheapest to travel to Paris then you must plan your vacation in the month of January.
How many days do you need in Paris?
If you wish to check out only the highlights of Paris then you can plan your vacation for 3 days. And if you want to explore more places then you must stay there for at least 5 days.
Looking To Book An International Holiday?
Book memorable holidays on TravelTriangle with 650+ verified travel agents for 65+ domestic and international destinations.
