That's La Plagne
Macot La Plagne Plan d’Eau - a great summer day trip
If you’re planning a summer holiday in La Plagne, the Plan d’Eau in Macot is a must-visit. While many people come to La Plagne for winter sports, the summer months offer a different kind of adventure. For families, the Plan d’Eau is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a day filled with activities.
We spend a huge amount of our time here with our boys, currently 5 and 7. It’s only 25 minutes from the La Plagne altitude villages, so nice and easy to get to. Plus it’s totally free, so it’s a low-pressure, but fun day trip from La Plagne.
Join behind the scenes today and get the insider scoop
What is a Plan d’Eau?
When we first moved to live in La Plagne year-round, I didn’t even know this lake existed! But they’re a common feature in lots of French villages. Basically, a **Plan d’Eau** is a man-made or natural body of water designed for recreational use. Think of it as a local lake or pond where you can swim, kayak, and enjoy various water-based activities. In our area of France, these spots are popular summer destinations, providing a refreshing break from the mountain heat. They are typically very well-maintained and equipped with facilities that make them ideal for families.
Why They’re Great for Families
Plan d’Eau locations are designed with families in mind. They offer safe, supervised swimming areas, plenty of space for picnics, and a variety of activities that cater to all ages. They’re accessible, well-equipped, and provide a great balance between relaxation and adventure. For parents, it’s a stress-free environment where kids can play freely and safely.
Activities at the Macot Plan d’Eau
Here’s a rundown of what you can expect at the Plan d’Eau in Macot La Plagne:
– Swimming and Water Sports: The lake is open for swimming and non-electric water sports. It's a fantastic way to cool off on a hot day. There is a small man-made beach section, and this is where the lifeguards are based. It’s also nice and shallow, ideal for smaller toddlers and kids. There’s a small Rocky island in the middle of the lake which is great to swim to and you'll always see older kids diving and somersaulting off the rocks here.
Typically, we base ourselves at the man-made beach as the kids can play for hours here. It's conveniently close to the bar and restaurant. However, it is busy here, so we have friends who prefer to base themselves near the playground or on the quieter far side of the lake.
–Kayaking: You can rent kayaks for a small fee. It’s a fun way to explore the lake from a different perspective. We haven’t done this as a family (mainly because I hate kayaking!) but the kids have done this with friends and loved it.
– Zorbing: For a unique experience, try zorbing on the water. This paid activity is a hit with kids and adults alike. My boys enjoyed this the first time they did it but haven’t done it since.
– Water Fountains: New in summer 2022, all the kids love the free water fountains, perfect for a bit of splashy fun. It’s a real hit for some smaller children. Plus, they’ve built some seats and benches around the edges so parents can relax whilst supervising.
– Bungee Trampolines: A paid activity that my kids adore. We usually end our day here, with them bouncing away happily. It’s 6€ for 10 minutes and very popular so you might end up queuing up for this one.
– Tree Top Adventure: This “go ape” style activity is another paid option, offering a thrilling treetop course. My youngest boy had his birthday party here last summer which was a huge success. There are courses for younger and older kids with zip lines that also cross the small river. Always popular!
– Playground: The large playground is free and a favorite spot for younger children. Be warned, the slides are made of metal and plastic which heat up fast in summer. We have lots of friends who like to base themselves here as the seating spots are quite shaded and near some of the BBQ pits.
– Outdoor Fitness Gym: For fitness enthusiasts, there’s a free outdoor gym. I have never used this! But friends that have said it’s great.
– Basketball Court: Shoot some hoops at the free basketball court. It is always popular with older kids.
– Cycle Path: The cycle path runs all the way to Bourg St Maurice, perfect for a family bike ride. This is really popular for cyclists, runners, skateboarders and bladers.
Watching the White Water Rafters
One of the great things about the Plan d’Eau in Macot is its that it’s right next to the river Isère. There’s lots of water sports on the river. Last summer they had the French kayaking championships on the river here.
The plan d'eau is a great spot to watch the white water rafters shoot past. Especially as the starting point is just upriver from the lake. It’s fun to watch, especially if you have friends or family doing it.
Food and Drink Options
When it comes to food, you have several options:
– Restaurant: There’s a restaurant with a small but good menu. If you want a seated table, it’s best to book ahead. The prices are reasonable, and they also offer takeaway options like chips, drinks, and ice creams. The ice cream menu includes ice lollies, wrapped ice creams, and scooped ice cream, all reasonably priced.
Towards the end of our day at the lake, we typically treat ourselves to ice creams and drinks from the restaurant. It’s the perfect way to wrap up a fun-filled day.
– Picnics: We almost always bring a picnic with a cool bag packed full of goodies. There’s a water fountain by the toilets leading to the car park where you can refill bottles. The park space is perfect for laying out a blanket and enjoying a meal outdoors.
– BBQs: There are several public BBQ pits. They’re excellent but very popular. It’s quite common to share a grill with another group. Remember, it’s first come, first served.
For your BBQ supplies, you can buy food at the E Leclerc supermarket in Aimé (check out my post about supermarkets) and don’t forget to get charcoal and fire lighters.
That's La Plagne at the Plan d’Eau in Macot La Plagne
The Plan d’Eau in Macot La Plagne is an idyllic spot for a family day out. With a variety of activities and amenities, it offers something for everyone. Whether you’re swimming, kayaking, or just relaxing with a picnic, it’s a wonderful way to spend a summer day in the French Alps.
See you at the lake!
