Les Bains de la Gruyère in Charmey: thermal relaxation with the family

A warm bath at the foot of the Fribourg Pre-Alps

Perched at 900 metres above sea level in the heart of the village of Charmey, in the Gruyère valley, Les Bains de la Gruyère is a great oasis of thermal well-being. Families come here to relax in water heated all year round, whether it is snowing outside or the sun is beating down on the terrace. The establishment spreads over about 5000 m² between pools, rest areas and treatment spaces, with an open view of the mountains. It is the kind of place where you take your time: you splash, you float, you warm up, and you come out soothed. An ideal outing for a rainy day or to round off a day's walking in the region.

What your children will discover

Your children will first love the feel of the warm water, winter and summer alike. The big 400 m² outdoor pool, heated to around 34°C, is crossed by waterfalls, massage jets, bubble beds and built-in jacuzzis: plenty to enjoy moving from one fizzing corner to the next. Indoors, two heated pools extend the fun, sheltered from the cold. For the youngest, it is above all a big, reassuring, lukewarm bath, where they float against mum or dad. Babies are welcome, provided they wear a waterproof nappy under their swimsuit.

What you do there and the atmosphere on site

The atmosphere is calm and hushed, designed for relaxation rather than excitement. You alternate between the indoor pool and the outdoor pool, settle on the rest areas with loungers, and enjoy the jets and waterfalls. The large bay windows let in the light and the view of the Pre-Alps, and the openness of the place lets you keep an eye on the children from the cafeteria. This is not a slide-filled water park: here, you come for the warmth of the water and family lazing. Good to know: the Nordic area (saunas), the Oriental area (hammam), the fitness room and the stainless-steel pool are reserved for visitors aged 16 and over.

Before you go

• Recommended age: all ages, from babies to teenagers (and parents).
• Duration: allow 2 to 3 hours to enjoy it without rushing (tickets are often calculated over 3 hours).
• Price: paid entry; free for children under 5, reduced rate for 6-15 year-olds, with family packages. Rates change: check the up-to-date amounts on the official website.
• Booking: not essential for access to the pools; treatments and massages are booked in advance.
• Stroller/wheelchair accessibility: the establishment is on one level and has a large car park; for specific accessibility needs, ask at reception.
• Transport: large free car park in front of the establishment; by public transport, you reach Charmey by bus from Bulle station (check the CFF timetables).
• What to bring: swimsuits, towels (or to rent), bathing sandals, and a waterproof nappy for babies.
• Best season: all year round. Particularly welcome in cold, rainy or snowy weather.

Tips from parents

• Aim for early morning or the mid-afternoon lull on weekdays to enjoy quieter pools with young children.
• Settle on the cafeteria side: the openness of the place lets you take a breather while keeping an eye on the children.
• Alternate the warm pool and the rest area: water at 34°C tires toddlers quickly, so plan breaks and drinking water.
• Remind children who cannot swim that they always stay within arm's reach of an adult.
• Keep in mind that the saunas and hammam are reserved for ages 16 and over: plan to take turns if you want to enjoy them.

Useful information

• Address: Gros-Plan 30, 1637 Charmey (canton of Fribourg).
• Official website: bainsdelagruyere.ch
• Opening times: open every day, generally from 9 am to 9 pm (until 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays), with a short annual technical closure in June. Check the day's times on the official website.
• Access: large free car park on site; by bus from Bulle station.

Want other outings? Find all our activities in Charmey.

Why we recommend it

Because it is a safe bet for days when you are after warmth and calm: a big family bath, open to toddlers, available all year round and free for under-5s. The view of the Pre-Alps, the gentleness of the water and the option of combining it with an outing in the Gruyère make it a relaxing getaway that pleases children and parents alike.

In a nutshell

A big bubble of warm water in Charmey, indoor and outdoor, to relax as a family all year round, free for under-5s.