Lac de Bouvent

Lac de Bouvent is a roughly 21-hectare man-made lake at the heart of the Parc de Bouvent, a leisure park on the edge of Bourg-en-Bresse, the capital of the Ain department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The park itself spans about 56 hectares of green space and sits only a few minutes from the town centre, making it an easy half-day or full-day outing for locals and visitors passing through the area alike.

What is there to do at the lake?

Swimming is the main draw. From mid-May to late August, a supervised bathing area operates on the beach, so families can get in the water with lifeguards on watch. Grassy banks around the shore are set up for picnicking, with barbecue spots dotted along the way, and there's a beach volleyball court plus play areas for younger children right by the water.

The lake also serves as a base for watersports. Sailing and kayaking schools run here, and certified instructors lead supervised rowing sessions. Visitors can also try catamaran sailing, windsurfing or stand-up paddleboarding — the range covers everything from a first try to a more serious session on the water.

Can you fish at Lac de Bouvent?

Yes. The park has designated fishing grounds stocked with first- and second-category fish, drawing anglers from across the area. Fishing follows its own rules and generally requires a separate permit or fee, so it's worth checking the current terms before heading out.

What if you'd rather stay on dry land?

Beyond the water, the park has plenty to offer. There's a golf facility with two short courses — a 9-hole and a compact 6-hole layout — good for a quick round without committing a whole day. Disc golf players have their own course, and there are dedicated pétanque pitches for a more traditional game. An outdoor fitness area with strength-training equipment sits alongside climbing blocks, and a bike park gives younger riders a place to practise. A snack bar on site covers anyone who gets hungry mid-visit.

What does it cost, and when is it open?

Access to the supervised bathing area is charged during the summer season — in 2026, the standard rate was €4.60 for adults and €2.30 for children aged 2 to 16 and students, with the wider park becoming free to enter from late August onward, fishing excluded, which is charged separately year-round. Rates and opening hours can shift from one season to the next, so it's worth double-checking before a visit.

How do you get to Lac de Bouvent?

The park sits on allée Louis Robin in Bourg-en-Bresse, within easy reach of the town centre by car, bike, or on foot for anyone staying nearby. That closeness to town is part of what makes Bouvent function almost like a local "central park" — a green space residents return to for a walk, a run, or a quiet afternoon well outside the swimming season too.

Frequently asked questions

Is swimming in the lake safe and supervised? Yes — from mid-May to late August, lifeguards are on duty at the beach and the bathing zone is clearly marked and monitored.

Can you rent watersports equipment at the park? On-site schools and activity points let visitors try kayaking, catamaran sailing, or windsurfing under instructor supervision.

Is entry to the park charged all year round? No — the fee mainly applies to the summer bathing area and to fishing; outside the summer season, access to the park grounds themselves is free.

Is Lac de Bouvent a good day out with kids? Yes — the beach, play areas, volleyball court, and gentle paths around the lake make it a family-friendly spot.

Is there somewhere to eat near the lake? Yes, there's an on-site snack bar, along with picnic and barbecue areas scattered around the park.