This lake 20 minutes from Paris has fine sand and translucent water to escape the heatwave.

The sun is beating down, the asphalt is burning and your vacation still seems a long way off. The heatwave in Paris turns every journey into a test of survival. But there are cool havens less than 1h30 from the capital.

No need to empty your PEL to escape the heat. A number of lakes offer fine sand, fresh water and paddle sessions just outside Paris. So get out your swimsuits and prepare for your getaway.

Sandy beaches just a stone’s throw from Paris

There’s surely no greater pleasure than a road-RER-metro trip to a gentle beach under blue skies. And yet, this postcard exists in the immediate vicinity of the capital. So there’s no need to cross France to find a spot of translucent water.

Facing the heatwave in Paristhese leisure centers are becoming veritable refuges. They offer supervised swimming, picnic areas and sports fields. So get out your badminton rackets, sun cream and your best swimsuit.

Each spot has its own atmosphere and assets. Some focus on water sports, others on calm and nature. So you’re bound to find the one that suits you best.

“All we have to do is close our eyes and it’s like we’re in the South…”

Bois-le-Roi leisure island: the ideal all-in-one destination

This spot is just 50 km from Paris. It offers 73 hectares of greenery, including 8 dedicated to swimming. You’ll also find picnic areas and a variety of sports fields.

This mix of greenery and beach is perfect for the indecisive summer visitor. Admission is free and the site remains open from 9am to 9pm. Exact address: Rue de Tournezy, Bois-le-Roi.

• Swimming on 8 hectares of green land
• Shaded picnic areas for lunch breaks
• Sports fields for the more active
• Free access all day
• Wide opening hours from 9am to 9pm

The Val de Seine lake: a seaside atmosphere

A huge beach looms on the horizon of this Yvelines site. The 260 hectares of woodland are home to vast ponds that have been converted into a beach. This size makes it easy to find a quiet spot, even in the hottest weather.

Sports enthusiasts particularly appreciate this location. Water-skiing and pedal-boating are available. It’s the ideal way to forget the heatwave in Paris and get some exercise at the same time.

The site is located at Chemin du Rouillard in Verneuil-sur-Seine. Open from 7am to 9pm. Full admission costs €6.50.

The Vaires-Torcy leisure park: proximity first and foremost

Every year, this beach plays host to the Marvellous Festival. It is distinguished by its generous size and abundant sand. Above all, it’s just 20 minutes from Paris.

When the heatwave in Paris becomes unbearable, this proximity changes everything. You can leave on a whim after work. The Route de Lagny site in Torcy is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. for €5.90.

Jablines and Cergy: translucent water and thrills

Just 45 minutes from Paris, the Jablines-Annet leisure island offers a veritable slice of paradise. The lake boasts translucent water bordered by fine sand. Paddleboarding and windsurfing can also be practised here, in an unspoilt natural setting.

This spot combines activities, sand and swimming all in one place. For those escaping the heatwave in Paris, it’s the ideal place to chill out with your feet in the water. Access to the Jablines site costs €8, and opening hours are from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The leisure island of Cergy-Pontoise offers a different experience. Its 250 hectares of greenery attract thrill-seekers. It’s not just the immense sandy beach that attracts visitors.

The base boasts a famous artificial surf wave and a water ski lift. So you can take a dip and get your groove on in the same day. The site is open from 12pm to 7pm for €7.

Boucles de Seine lake: peace and quiet on the edge of the forest

Head for the Yvelines for a wilder, greener spot. The base at Moisson remains less crowded than its bigger sisters. So it’s perfect for those seeking peace and quiet during the Paris heatwave.

You can rent a paddle, play a round of golf or just hang out on the sandy beach. The nearby forest provides welcome coolness. The Boucles de Seine leisure island is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for just €5.

These six leisure centers prove that you can escape the heat without having to go far. Each offers a unique atmosphere and affordable rates. The heatwave in Paris is no longer an inevitability when fine sand awaits less than 1h30 away.

• heatwave in Paris