Plan d'Eau de Plobsheim is a gravel-pit lake repurposed as a watersports and bathing centre located 15 kilometres south of Strasbourg in the village of Plobsheim, Bas-Rhin, in the Grand Est region of France. The lake was formed by former gravel extraction from the Rhine plain and covers approximately 1.5 square kilometres, with depths reaching 5–8 metres in places. The water is clear and cool with a greenish tint, and the shoreline combines a narrow sandy beach zone with larger grassy banks running to the water's edge. A supervised swimming area is marked with buoys and monitored by lifeguards from July through August; outside this period, swimming is permitted but at individual risk. The gently shelving lakebed near the sandy beach zone makes entry accessible for all ages, and water temperatures in peak summer reach 22–24°C. Waves are minimal and conditions consistently calm in the enclosed former gravel pit. Plobsheim is one of the premier inland watersports sites in the Strasbourg metropolitan area. The sailing club operates from May through September and offers courses for beginners as well as racing for experienced sailors. Windsurfing is a speciality of the site — it is exposed to prevailing westerly winds funnelled down the Rhine valley, making it well-suited to intermediate and advanced windsurfers. Kayak and stand-up paddleboard rental is available from the hire concession near the beach entrance. Beach volleyball courts adjacent to the swimming zone are available free of charge. A restaurant on site serves meals and snacks during the summer season, and public toilets are available near the beach entrance. The car park is sizeable and accessible from the Route de la Pisciculture, approximately 2 kilometres from the Plobsheim village centre. CTS bus line 40 from Strasbourg reaches Plobsheim in approximately 35 minutes, with the stop a 10-minute walk from the lake entrance.
Amenities
- Supervised lake swimming (July–August)
- Sailing club
- Windsurfing
- Kayak rental
- Beach volleyball
- Restaurant
Good to know
- Best for
- swimmers, families, surfers, cyclists, sunbathers
Location
Route de la Pisciculture, 67115 Plobsheim
48.4720, 7.7540 View on map
Highlights
- Supervised lake swimming (July–August) in a clear former gravel-pit lake 15 km south of Strasbourg
- One of Alsace's leading inland windsurfing and sailing sites, exposed to consistent Rhine valley westerly winds
- Kayak and SUP hire, free beach volleyball courts, and a lakeside restaurant all on a single site
- Calm, wave-free water with a gently shelving entry ideal for children and beginner swimmers
- Easy access from Strasbourg by CTS bus line 40 (35 min, €1.70)
Tips for visiting
- Windsurfers should check the Météo-France forecast for Bas-Rhin before visiting — westerly winds are strongest in the mid-afternoon.
- Arrive before 11:00 on summer weekends to secure parking in the main lot off Route de la Pisciculture.
- Sailing club courses require advance registration; inquire directly with the base nautique for course dates and availability.
- The supervised sandy beach zone is smaller than the surrounding grassy banks — families with young children should head to the western end near the lifeguard post.
- CTS bus line 40 from Strasbourg takes around 35 minutes; the stop is a 10-minute flat walk from the lake entrance.
When to visit
July and August for supervised swimming and the full hire programme. Windsurfers and sailors also favour May–June and September for consistent winds without peak-season crowding.
Accessibility
The site is largely flat with a paved access road and a sizeable car park. The beach zone has a gently shelving sandy entry. No formal beach wheelchair or adapted ramp is confirmed; contacting the base nautique in advance for specific accessibility requirements is advisable.
Frequently asked questions
Is swimming supervised at Plobsheim?
Yes. A lifeguard-supervised swimming zone is active from July through the end of August. Outside these months, swimming is permitted but is at individual risk with no lifeguard cover.
Can beginners windsurf at Plobsheim?
The open fetch and consistent winds make the site best suited to intermediate and advanced windsurfers. The sailing club offers beginner sailing courses; prospective students should contact the club directly for available dates.
Is there an entrance fee?
Charges apply for supervised swimming access during July–August. Windsurfing, sailing, and kayak activities are subject to separate hire or membership fees. The grassy lakeside areas are generally accessible without charge.
Is it possible to reach Plobsheim without a car?
Yes. CTS bus line 40 from Strasbourg runs to Plobsheim in approximately 35 minutes at a fare of around €1.70. The lake entrance is a 10-minute flat walk from the bus stop.
Are there food options on site?
A restaurant serves meals and snacks during the summer season. Opening hours vary; arriving with food and drink as backup is advisable for early morning visits before the restaurant opens.