The Best Lakes and Cool Spots in the Chamonix Valley

When the Chamonix Valley heats up in July and August, the simplest fix is to gain altitude. A few hundred metres up, the air cools fast, and the walk there is often as good as the destination. From high alpine lakes to a dramatic dam on the Swiss border, here's a guide to the best lakes and cool spots in the Chamonix Valley, plus where you can actually go for a proper swim.

Lac Blanc

The most photographed lake in the Chamonix Valley, sitting high above Argentière with a classic view back across to the Mont Blanc massif. It's reached via the Flégère cable car followed by a climb of around two hours, or the full hike up from the valley floor for those who want to earn the view. Either way, the altitude gain makes it one of the most reliable places in the valley to escape the summer heat, with the water still cold enough in August to remind you how high you've climbed. This route also features in our trail running guide to the Chamonix Valley if you'd rather run it than walk it. One thing to know before you go: Lac Blanc sits inside the Réserve Naturelle des Aiguilles Rouges, and swimming here has been banned by prefectural decree since 2023, so this is a lake for the view rather than a dip.

Lacs des Chéserys

A string of smaller lakes just below Lac Blanc, quieter and just as scenic, with still-water reflections of the Mont Blanc massif on a calm day. They sit slightly lower than Lac Blanc, which makes them a good option if you want the same views with less climbing. Like Lac Blanc, this is protected ground within the nature reserve, so it's a spot for viewing and photography rather than swimming. Reached via the same balcony trails covered in our guide to the best hikes in and around Argentière, so it's easy to combine both lakes in a single day out from Argentière.

Lac d'Emosson

A bigger outing, but one of the most rewarding day trips from the Chamonix Valley. The Emosson dam sits just over the Swiss border above Vallorcine, a short drive past Argentière, and the lake behind it is enormous, ringed by high peaks with views back towards the Argentière and Tour glaciers. You can drive most of the way and walk the rest, or take the Verticalp funicular up from Le Châtelard for a more dramatic arrival. There's a restaurant at the dam for a break, and if you're feeling energetic, the fossilised dinosaur footprints a little further along the trail make a good excuse to keep walking. Like the high lakes on the French side, Emosson isn't a swimming spot, but it's one of the best views in the whole valley for the effort involved.

Cascade du Dard

Closer to Chamonix and much less of a commitment than the lakes above, this waterfall sits in the forest near the Mont Blanc tunnel entrance, an easy walk from the car park with a small bar right at the falls. It's a good option on a day when a big hike isn't on the cards but you still want shade, moving water and a genuine break from the heat, particularly with children or if the weather looks unsettled higher up.

Where You Can Actually Swim in the Chamonix Valley

If it's a proper swim you're after, the mountain lakes above are best treated as scenic stops rather than swimming spots. For a real swim, head to Lac de Passy, about 30 minutes from Argentière, with a supervised beach and grassy banks that make it one of the most popular family swimming spots near Chamonix through July and August. Closer to home, Lac des Ilets in Sallanches reopens for the season at the start of July with a newly refreshed swimming area alongside its lakes for fishing and watersports, making it one of the easier options if you don't want to drive as far as Passy. If you'd rather stay in town, the Richard Bozon swimming pool in Chamonix has indoor and outdoor pools open through summer, a solid choice on a day when you don't want to travel at all.

FAQ: Swimming and Lakes in the Chamonix Valley

Can you swim in Lac Blanc? No. Swimming has been prohibited at Lac Blanc since 2023 by prefectural decree, since the lake sits within the Réserve Naturelle des Aiguilles Rouges. Even wading is discouraged, as it disturbs the lake bed and the fragile ecosystem around it.

Can you swim in the Lacs des Chéserys? No, the same ban applies here, as the lakes fall within the same protected nature reserve as Lac Blanc.

Where can you swim near Chamonix? The closest proper swimming spots are Lac de Passy, around 30 minutes away with a supervised beach, and Lac des Ilets in Sallanches. The Richard Bozon pool in Chamonix is the easiest option if you want to stay in town.

Plan the Rest of Your Stay

Lakes and waterfalls are just one part of what makes the Chamonix Valley worth exploring in summer. For a broader look at what else to do throughout the year, see our guide to the best things to do in Chamonix all year round.