Base de Plein Air de Vaires-sur-Marne is a multi-sport outdoor leisure complex set on purpose-built lakes in the Seine-et-Marne department, approximately 23 kilometres east of Paris. The site gained international recognition as the venue for rowing and canoe-kayak sprint events during the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games, with the competition infrastructure remaining in place as a lasting legacy. The Olympic rowing basin stretches over two parallel 2,000-metre courses flanked by wide grassy banks and former spectator areas that now serve as informal sunbathing lawns in summer. A sandy lake beach on the northern recreational lake provides a supervised freshwater swimming area separate from the Olympic competition channels, with a gently sloping sandy entry that is suitable for children and non-confident swimmers. Lifeguards operate the designated swimming zones from June to September. Rowing, kayaking, and canoe hire are available from the on-site water sports centre, giving visitors the opportunity to paddle the same Olympic-standard channels used during the 2024 Games. Cycling paths thread through the complex and connect to the wider Seine-et-Marne cycle network and surrounding forest routes. Picnic areas with benches are distributed across the site, and a restaurant near the main entrance serves full meals and lighter snacks throughout the day. Entry is approximately €4.50 for adults and €2.50 for children; water sport rentals are priced separately. The most direct access from Paris is by train from Gare de l'Est to Vaires-sur-Marne station in approximately 25 minutes, followed by a short bus transfer or a 15-minute cycle to the complex entrance; on-site car parking is available for those arriving by road. The combination of Olympic heritage, calm lake swimming, accessible cycling, and a manageable journey time from the capital makes Vaires-sur-Marne one of the more distinctive day-trip options for visitors exploring the Île-de-France region.
Amenities
- 2024 Paris Olympics rowing/canoe-kayak venue
- Sandy lake beach
- Supervised swimming
- Rowing and kayaking
- Cycling paths
- Picnic areas
- Restaurant
Good to know
- Best for
- families, swimmers, sunbathers, couples, photographers
Location
Boulevard Pierre de Coubertin, 77360 Vaires-sur-Marne, France
48.8710, 2.6527 View on map
Highlights
- Venue for rowing and canoe-kayak events at the 2024 Paris Olympics, with Olympic-standard 2,000-metre courses still in place
- Supervised sandy freshwater beach with lifeguards, separate from the Olympic competition channels
- Rowing, kayaking, and canoe hire from the on-site water sports centre on Olympic-standard water
- Cycling paths connecting the complex to the wider Seine-et-Marne cycle network
- 25-minute train ride from Paris Gare de l'Est — one of the most accessible suburban leisure bases from central Paris
Tips for visiting
- Train from Gare de l'Est to Vaires-sur-Marne takes approximately 25 minutes and is the simplest way to reach the complex
- Arrive before 10:00 on summer weekends to secure a spot on the sandy beach; sections fill quickly after 11:00
- Bring a bicycle or rent one locally — the cycling paths through the complex are a highlight and link to nearby forest routes
- The restaurant near the main entrance closes by approximately 18:00; plan an early dinner or bring food for late afternoon visits
- Kayak and canoe rentals are busiest on Saturday mornings; weekday visits offer shorter waits at the water sports centre
When to visit
June through September for the supervised beach and all water activities; weekday mornings offer the best experience with lower crowds and shorter waits for kayak and canoe hire at the water sports centre.
Frequently asked questions
Was Vaires-sur-Marne used during the 2024 Paris Olympics?
Yes. The Base de Plein Air de Vaires-sur-Marne served as the venue for rowing and canoe-kayak sprint events during the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Olympic courses and infrastructure remain in place and are visible from the leisure complex.
Is there a supervised swimming area at Vaires-sur-Marne?
Yes. A supervised sandy beach on the northern recreational lake operates with lifeguards from June to September. Swimming is restricted to the designated buoyed zone, which is separate from the Olympic competition channels.
How much does entry cost at Base de Plein Air de Vaires-sur-Marne?
Entry is approximately €4.50 for adults and €2.50 for children, covering access to the beach, walking areas, and cycle paths. Water sport rentals are charged separately at the water sports centre.
How do visitors reach Vaires-sur-Marne from Paris?
A train from Paris Gare de l'Est to Vaires-sur-Marne station takes approximately 25 minutes. From the station, a bus connection or a 15-minute cycle ride reaches the leisure complex entrance. On-site parking is available for those arriving by car.