As you know, with the heat on the way, finding a shady, cool spot won’t be a luxury! And let us tell you, the outskirts of Paris aren’t short on places for that! You can findmagical castleswith sumptuous parks, lakes, and evenwaterfallswhere you can dip your feet on hot days. If you’re looking for nature and a getaway, we’ve found a real gem for you:an idyllic pond, surrounded by nature, just an hour from Paris, where you can sunbathe all day long….
A magnificent pond near Paris with a white sand beach
Who would have thought such a landscape could existjust an hour from Paris? Nestled in the heart of themagnificent Rambouillet Forest, the Étangs de Hollande offer a breathtakingly enchanting setting! Withits crystal-clear water and pristine beach, you’d almost think you were on a paradise island! In this lush green setting, you’ll find not one but six ponds, the largest of which, the Étang de Hollande, is the only one open to swimmers looking to cool off.
But while it’s tempting to go for a swim, this year you’ll have to do without… In fact,the cyanobacteria levels are too high to guarantee safe swimming that meets health standards. This year, the beach club will be part of the festivities. You’ll come here to spread out your best beach towel and soak up the sun, enjoy the chairs and lounge chairs provided, all while taking in the peaceful setting. A refreshment stand will also be on site to keep you cool all day long.
And if you’re the adventurous type and love hiking, we recommend exploring the trails that wind around the six ponds. It’s a particularly pleasant route that stretches all the way to the groundsof Rambouillet Castle. A stunning estate to discover in the summer!
📍 Location: Route des Étangs de Hollande, 78610 Les Bréviaires
🗓️ Info: Free – Open June 26–August 31, 2026
