Base Aquatique Eyrium

Base Aquatique Eyrium is a water leisure complex in Belsentes, right in the heart of the Eyrieux Valley, close to the small town of Le Cheylard in the Ardèche. Sitting on the shore of Lac des Collanges in the Nonières area, it has long been a favourite summer stop for families looking to cool off in the region.

What will you find there?

The centrepiece of the site is a large outdoor pool covering roughly 1,600–1,650 m², paired with two water slides and a separate paddling pool for the youngest visitors. Kids also get their own water-play area, while older guests can enjoy table tennis, a volleyball court and mini-golf. On site there is a snack bar and marked picnic spots, and on Wednesday afternoons a children's reading corner is set up. Right next to the swimming area sit a wellness zone and a restaurant, so a day by the water can easily stretch into an evening of relaxing or dining without leaving the site.

How do you get there?

Base Aquatique Eyrium sits in Belsentes, directly along La Dolce Via — a former railway line converted into a greenway for cyclists and walkers that runs through the Eyrieux Valley. That makes the complex a natural stop for cyclists taking a break mid-ride, not just for visitors arriving by car. The nearest larger town is Le Cheylard, a short drive away.

When is the best time to visit?

The facility operates seasonally, from mid-June through the end of August. During the transition period (15–30 June), the pool is open Tuesday to Friday from 1:30 PM to 6:30 PM, and on weekends from 11 AM to 8 PM. During the full summer season, from 1 July to 31 August, the base welcomes visitors every day from 11 AM to 8 PM. July and August are therefore the best window for a visit, with the fullest range of activities, longer opening hours and the warmest water.

How much does it cost?

Admission is affordable: a standard adult ticket costs €6.50, children aged 6 to 16 pay €4.10, and children under 6 get in free. That makes Eyrium a solid full-day option for families with kids of different ages.

Who is this complex for?

Thanks to the combination of a swimming pool, slides, a paddling pool and land-based activities like table tennis, volleyball and mini-golf, the base works equally well for families with young children and for teenagers or adults looking for active leisure. Its position right on La Dolce Via cycling route makes it a natural stop during longer rides through the Eyrieux Valley, and the on-site wellness zone and restaurant mean you don't need to look elsewhere to round off the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a pool for young children at Eyrium? Yes, the site has a separate paddling pool designed for the youngest visitors, kept apart from the main pool and slides.

Can you eat on site? Yes, there is a snack bar on the grounds and a restaurant right next to it — you can also bring your own food and use the designated picnic areas.

Is the base accessible to cyclists riding La Dolce Via? Yes, it sits directly on this popular cycling route, making it a convenient stop while riding through the Eyrieux Valley.

When is Base Aquatique Eyrium open? It's a seasonal facility, open from mid-June to the end of August — daily from 11 AM to 8 PM in July and August, with reduced days and hours in June.