Swimming in Le Petit-Bornand
The Borne river and the Jalandre stream right by the campsite, plus nearby lakes and pools: where to swim, and how to do it safely
River swimming, with your eyes open
The campsite sits between the Borne river and the small Jalandre stream, in Le Petit-Bornand-les-Glières. You can swim there, but there is no beach and no lifeguard: swimming is unsupervised and entirely at your own risk.
Looking for where to swim near Le Grand-Bornand, or a beach on Lake Annecy? Below are the lakes and pools in the area, with what we actually know and what you should check before you go.
Swimming in Le Petit-Bornand: the Borne and the Jalandre
These are the two waterways around the campsite. After a day's walking, it is tempting to go down and cool off. They are not designated bathing areas: nobody is watching, and conditions change quickly in the mountains.
Le Jalandre
A small stream that runs along the campsite and joins the Borne in the village. Good for cooling your feet or a quick dip. Unsupervised: children must always stay with an adult.
Cold mountain water
Le Borne
The Borne rises at the Col de l'Oulettaz above Le Grand-Bornand and flows right past the campsite. Swimming is possible, unsupervised and at your own risk. It is also a trout-fishing river, so please share the banks with anglers.
Cold river water
Before you get in
- •Unsupervised swimming: you alone are responsible for your safety
- •Children always stay with an adult, on the bank and in the water
- •Never swim during or after a storm or heavy rain: the water rises fast
- •Do not dive or jump: depth varies and rocks are hidden
- •Downstream of the EDF dam at Beffay (about 2.2 km), the flow can rise suddenly at any time, even in fine weather: stay on the banks
- •Slippery rocks: water shoes recommended
Where to swim near Le Grand-Bornand and Annecy
Lake Annecy
For a proper beach day, Lake Annecy is about 50 km away. Free and paying beaches line the lake. Lifeguards, opening hours and parking vary by beach and by season: check with Lac d'Annecy Tourisme before you go.
Pools and lakes in the Aravis
There is no swimming pool in the municipality. The nearest are the Le Grand-Bornand pool and the high-altitude pool at the Col de Merdassier in Manigod. Lac des Confins in La Clusaz is often mentioned for swimming, but we found no official authorisation: ask locally. At Lac Bénit (Mont-Saxonnex), swimming is not documented.
River swimming in Haute-Savoie: our advice
What to bring
For swimming:
- • Swimsuit and towel
- • Water shoes for the rocks
- • Sunscreen and a hat
- • Something warm for when you get out
For outings:
- • Closed shoes for the walk in
- • Dry bag for phone and keys
- • Water and snacks
- • Charged phone (EDF Prudence app)