Indoor pool of the Val-de-Travers Sports Center: family swimming in Couvet (espaceVAL)

A large covered pool open all year round in Couvet

At the entrance of the village of Couvet, the Regional Sports Center of Val-de-Travers (renamed espaceVAL) houses a real indoor pool, open in all weather. Families come here for an afternoon by the water without depending on the sun: rain, snow, or extreme cold, the water remains warm and the atmosphere relaxed. The site features a swimming pool, a learning area designed for the youngest, and a slide that always has its little effect. It is one of the most practical family outings in the Vallon, accessible by train as well as by car, just a stone's throw from the village center.

What your children will discover

Your children will discover a large covered pool of 25 meters and four lanes for those who love to swim and have fun. The highlight for many is the water slide, to be enjoyed again and again. The little ones have their own space: a learning pool with a movable bottom, whose depth adjusts (approximately 40 to 140 cm), as well as a paddling pool for splashing around safely. This reassures parents of both toddlers and children already comfortable in the water.

What to do there and the atmosphere on site

You can easily spend two or three hours on site: swimming laps, sliding down the slide, and taking breaks by the water. The atmosphere is friendly and family-oriented, typical of a village pool where you meet local regulars. Parents appreciate the movable bottom of the learning pool, which allows them to adjust the depth according to the child's age and level. To extend relaxation, the site also offers a wellness area (jacuzzi, sauna, hammam) for adults; inquire on site for access conditions.

Before you go

• Recommended age: all ages, from babies (paddling pool and movable bottom) to teens (large pool and slide).
• Duration: plan for 2 to 3 hours to fully enjoy it.
• Price: paid at the entrance; rates (adults, children, families, subscriptions) to be confirmed on the official espaceVAL website.
• Reservation: no reservation necessary for public swimming; free entry during opening hours.
• Stroller / PRM accessibility: flat site; pools accessible to people with reduced mobility (hoist and adapted chair available).
• Transport: Couvet train station (Val-de-Travers line) about ten minutes on foot; parking on site, at the entrance of the village.
• What to bring: swimsuit, cap (to be checked according to regulations), towel, and some coins for lockers.
• Ideal season: all year round, that's the advantage of an indoor pool; perfect for rainy days and winter.

Parents' tips

• Aim for weekday mornings or early afternoons to enjoy a quieter pool with young children.
• Check the schedule before leaving: it differs between weekdays and weekends, and the pool generally closes for maintenance for a few days in summer (around late June / early July).
• The learning pool with a movable bottom is ideal for first-time experiences in the water: settle in there with the little ones.
• Keep a constant eye on the children: the supervision of lifeguards does not replace yours, especially near the slide.
• Combine the outing with a walk in the Vallon: Val-de-Travers, the birthplace of absinthe, and the nearby Creux du Van are worth a visit.

Useful information

• Address: espaceVAL, Clos-Pury 15, 2108 Couvet (Val-de-Travers).
• Official website: https://espaceval.ch
• Hours: weekdays (Mon-Fri) during the day until evening; weekends, public holidays, and summer school holidays on reduced hours (morning to late afternoon). Details and occasional closures to be checked on the official website.
• Access: at the entrance of Couvet; Couvet train station about 10 min on foot, parking on site.

Want more outings? Find all our activities in Val-de-Travers.

Why we recommend it

Because it is the simplest and most reliable aquatic outing in the Vallon: an indoor pool that works in all weather, with a space dedicated to toddlers and a slide for older kids. Easily accessible by train or car, it brings together everything needed for a successful family afternoon, without depending on the weather.

In two words

A family indoor pool in the heart of Val-de-Travers, with a large pool, slide, and learning pool with a movable bottom: a sure bet for rainy afternoons and winter days.