Pool Facilities for Relaxation and Fun
Brides-les-Bains has always been closely linked with water. Naturally, this aquatic focus has led to the spa resort having its own outdoor swimming pool and superb spa, one of the most renowned in France.
The pool complex in Courchevel, just down the road from Brides-les-Bains, offers fun water activities.
Swimming in the Open Air!
The public swimming pool in Brides-les-Bains, overlooking the Doron de Bozel river, gives you the chance to have a swim and bask in the sun (and work on your tan!) against a revitalising backdrop of mountains and nature.
It is managed by the neighbouring spa and has a supervised 24-metre outdoor swimming pool.
In the summer season, the swimming pool in Brides-les-Bains is open every day from 11am to 7pm.
Recharge your Batteries at the Brides-les-Bains Spa
Sink into a little wellness bubble amidst the beautiful mountains of Savoie!
With modern facilities including a 600m2 pool complex and a 500m2 relaxation area, the Grand Spa Thermal in Brides-les-Bains is one of the largest spas in France.
With a hammam, a steam bath, a sauna, ice-cold showers, indoor and outdoor hot tubs, a lap pool, a fun pool and more, the Grand Spa Thermal in Brides-les-Bains really does have everything you need for a welcome relaxation break, a fitness transformation and a well-deserved rest!
A Swimming and Activity Complex
Less than 20 minutes’ drive from Brides-les-Bains, Aquamotion Courchevel is a huge pool complex designed for you to have fun in complete safety and make unforgettable memories with all the family.
The largest mountain swimming complex in Europe has heated indoor and outdoor ‘lagoons’, large water slides, a fun pool, a torrent river, a baby pool and a paddling pool for the kids.
And it’s not just about fun; there’s also a swimming pool with lanes marked out for serious swimmers.
Go Fishing in One of France’s Natural Parks
While you’re in Brides-les-Bains, take the opportunity for some fishing, a peaceful and relaxing “nature sport”.
Fishing in and Around Brides-les-Bains
The 3 Vallées area has a splendid natural environment where you can fish in the clean, crystalline waters of its magnificent mountain lakes, rivers, streams and ponds.
Fishing in the mountains takes skill and tends to be challenging.
The Pêche de Savoie ‘1 fish’ fishing spot on the Doron de Bozel below Brides-les-Bains gives you the chance to really immerse yourself in nature.
Not far away, in the Bonrieu de Bozel and the Doron de Champagny and its tributaries, fishers can find brown trout and brook trout.
And fishing spots can also be great places for scenic walks.
Fishing Rights in the Mountains
The rules on fishing in the mountains are the same as they are in the rest of France. You must have a fishing permit. This can be a one-day, one-week or one-year permit (Adult or Inter-Federation, Women’s Taster, Child/Teenager, or Under 12s Taster).
Anglers can purchase fishing permits all year round in tourist offices as well as specialized shops like France Rurale in Moutiers or online cartedepeche.fr
See the list of agents in Savoie
White Water!
There is a whole host of watersports available near Brides-les-Bains. With their combination of sport and total immersion in the natural environment, they are very popular.
Canoeing and Kayaking
While kayaking and canoeing are similar in many ways, they essentially differ on two points: the position of the rower(s) and the paddle.
Navigating down a river in this kind of boat is a chance to let the current take you far from everyday life and to see places that sometimes can’t be reached in other ways.
The white water version is more challenging, and beginners will need to take an introductory class beforehand.
White Water Rafting
Originating in the US, white water rafting consists of travelling down stretches of river interspersed with rapids on board an inflatable raft.
The rafts can be steered by one person with an oar, or by a group using paddles. They are specially designed to remain stable even in rapids.
This activity is open to anyone who can swim but can be very challenging depending on the type of river.
In any case, this activity is a great opportunity for some adrenaline-filled fun!
Canyoning
Great for thrill seekers, canyoning is a sport that consists of navigating down a mountain stream or river in a gorge by sliding down natural slides, abseiling, jumping, etc.
With this fun, refreshing (and intense!) activity, thrills are guaranteed, and you can do it less than an hour from Brides-les-Bains.
Waterskiing
Waterskiing, wakeboarding, wakesurfing... The Savoie region has many spots where fans of watersports can take part in these activities, as well as areas where they can relax. Thrills, safety and a friendly atmosphere all in one!
Le Wam Park
Wam Park in Montailleur, less than 45 minutes from Brides-les-Bains, has something for all the family. Centred around two cable tows, this water park offers cable wakeboarding and waterskiing, inflatables, slides with diving boards, stand-up paddleboarding, scuba diving, a climbing wall over the water and more.
Ski Caraïbes
Club Ski Caraïbes is in a fantastic spot only fifty kilometres or so from Brides-les-Bains. The lake, with its approved slalom course, offers excellent conditions for waterskiing so that everyone can put on their best performance.
Refuge de Plaisance (PNV)
Descriptive
This Vanoise National Park refuge, renovated in 2022, offers hiking and mountaineering at the entrance to the heart of the Park. Set in a verdant valley, the refuge faces the Grand Bec massif.
The Refuge de Plaisance consists of 2 chaloin-style cabins. One contains the wardens' dining room and kitchen, the other a 32-place dormitory and sanitary facilities.
- The dormitory is equipped with comforters and pillows, but for reasons of hygiene and comfort, please bring a "sac à viande" (sheet-bag) or comforter, and possibly a pillowcase.
- You'll find drinking water to fill your water bottles.
- Showers: cold showers are free, but as gas is delivered by helicopter and therefore available in limited quantities, hot showers are not free.
- If you prefer to be self-sufficient, the kitchen is available for €2 per person.
- Our electricity is produced solely by solar panels, and is precious and weather-dependent. The refuge does not allow cell phones to be recharged, so remember to activate the airplane mode and take an external battery if you feel the need. In addition, there is no telephone network or wifi at the refuge.
- Bivouacs are possible next to the refuge during the guarding period. The cost is €5 per person and includes access to the kitchen and sanitary facilities. Please book in advance, as the number of places is limited.
- The chalet-refectory is equipped with a wood-burning stove.
During the day, we offer food and beverage service at all hours. Omelettes, cheese and charcuterie slates, pastas, sweet tarts and cakes... Treat yourself to a well-deserved break!
In the evenings, we also welcome hikers on a half-board or bivouac basis. We offer half-board, with a balanced, hearty meal based on local, organic produce, which varies according to supply. If you'd like to take it easy on the trails, don't forget to book your picnic at the latest the day before your arrival.
Tips :
Refuge sur le tracé du GR5 à 1 h 45 de marche.
Randonnée à la journée : Lac de la Plagne à 2h - Col du Palet à 4h30 - Col de la Sachette à 4h 30 - Col de la Tourne à 4h - Golet de la Vallaisonnay à 2h - Col de Plan Séry à 1h30 e- Col de la Grassaz à 3he.
Randonnée itinérante : tour de la Vallaisonnay (4 jours - 2 jours pour les sportifs)
Alpinisme : Dôme des Pichères, voie normale (par le refuge de Plaisance) - Sommet de Bellecôte, voie normale par le glacier du Cul du Nant - Sommet de Bellecôte, Arête S (et traversées vers le Dôme des Pichères).
Sustainable tourism :
Au refuge de Plaisance, chaque geste compte pour préserver la montagne. L’eau et l’énergie sont utilisées avec sobriété. La gestion des déchets fait aussi partie des priorités du refuge. L'approvisionnement privilégie largement le vrac afin de réduire les emballages. Avec ces bonnes pratiques, chacun contribue à protéger cet environnement fragile.
Host portrait :
Au refuge de Plaisance, les gardiens Pascal & Julia, avec leur bébé et leur super équipe d'aides-gardiens, vous accueillent avec simplicité et passion. Amoureux de la montagne et du partage, ils veillent à votre confort après l’effort, proposent une cuisine chaleureuse et de saison, et partagent volontiers leurs conseils pour profiter pleinement des itinéraires et du cadre exceptionnel du site.
Tips :
Refuge sur le tracé du GR5 à 1 h 45 de marche.
Randonnée à la journée : Lac de la Plagne à 2h - Col du Palet à 4h30 - Col de la Sachette à 4h 30 - Col de la Tourne à 4h - Golet de la Vallaisonnay à 2h - Col de Plan Séry à 1h30 e- Col de la Grassaz à 3he.
Randonnée itinérante : tour de la Vallaisonnay (4 jours - 2 jours pour les sportifs)
Alpinisme : Dôme des Pichères, voie normale (par le refuge de Plaisance) - Sommet de Bellecôte, voie normale par le glacier du Cul du Nant - Sommet de Bellecôte, Arête S (et traversées vers le Dôme des Pichères).
Practical Information
Opening Times :
From 15/09/2025 to 09/06/2026 daily.From 10/06 to 13/09/2026, daily.
From 14/09/2026 to 10/06/2027 daily.
Languages spoken :
- English
- French
Services :
- Bivouac
- Breakfast
- Full-board
- Groceries/grocery stall
- Half-board
- Picnic hampers
Restaurant
Equipements :
Conveniences :
- Fireplace / Wood burning stove
- Gas available
kitchen corner
- Pay shower
- Shared WC
Shower
- Wood available
Tariffs
Night : 12€ ()
Child rate per night : 5€ (Gratuit pour les -8 ans)
From 10/06/2026 to 13/09/2026 :
Night : 24€ (tarifs pour une nuitée sans demi-pension)
Child rate per night : 12€
Half board (pp) : 59€
Half-board (child) : from 25€ to 41€
From 14/09/2026 to 10/06/2027 :
Night : 12€ ()
Child rate per night : 5€ (Gratuit pour les -8 ans)
Tarifs réduits pour les enfants, jeunes jusqu'à 18 ans et étudiants (sur présentation d'un justificatif).
Bivouac, sur réservation : 6 €
Payment methods