Les Bains de Lavey: the large thermal bath for families in the Chablais

The largest thermal center in French-speaking Switzerland, nestled in Chablais

In Lavey-les-Bains, at the end of a road that runs along the Rhône, Les Bains de Lavey form the largest thermal center in French-speaking Switzerland. Here, a naturally hot spring rises from the depths and feeds large pools where one relaxes facing the mountains of Chablais. Families come here for a warm break, summer or winter: while the children splash around, the parents unwind. The site was renovated in 2025, making it a place to (re)discover. It's one of those simple outings that please everyone, and from which you emerge relaxed and a bit softened.

What your children will discover

Your children will discover an amazing thermal water here: naturally warm (about 33 to 36°C depending on the pools), it invites them to stay in the water much longer than at the usual pool. They move from the large outdoor pool, where one swims with their nose in the fresh air facing the peaks, to the indoor areas where they splash around sheltered. The sensation of floating in warm water, even when it's cold outside, is part of the magic of the place. It's a beautiful way to let them experience the benefits of a real thermal spring, without leaving the canton of Vaud.

What to do there and the atmosphere on site

One alternates between calm laps, games in the warm water, and breaks by the poolside. The atmosphere is rather calm and relaxing: it's more about unwinding than seeking thrills, which suits families looking for a gentle moment. Children enjoy moving from one pool to another, inside and then outside, and feeling the steam rise from the water on cool days. However, be careful: the relaxation areas, saunas, Turkish baths, and hammams are reserved for adults and are not accessible to children. People come here to splash around together, not for the most intense wellness experiences.

Before you go

• Recommended age: access to the baths from 4 years old (proof of age required); children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult over 18.
• Duration: plan for half a day to enjoy without rushing; tickets often vary by duration (to be confirmed on the official site).
• Price: rates to be confirmed on the official site; also inquire about possible family packages before leaving.
• Reservation: not mandatory, but highly recommended during weekends, holidays, and school vacations.
• Stroller / Accessibility for disabled persons: modern thermal center renovated in 2025; for specific needs (stroller, disabled access), inquire in advance with the establishment.
• Transport: CFF train station of Saint-Maurice nearby (approx. 2.5 km), then postal bus (CarPostal); free parking on site for those coming by car.
• What to bring: swimsuit (mandatory), towels (not provided, for sale on site), ID; in summer, sunglasses and sunscreen for the outdoor pool.
• Ideal season: year-round, with heated outdoor pools being particularly pleasant in cold weather.

Parents' tips

• Prefer a weekday or early morning to enjoy quieter pools with the children.
• Remember the proof of age: access is reserved for children from 4 years old, and it is checked at the entrance.
• Bring something to dry off: towels are not provided (they are for sale on site).
• Keep in mind that saunas, hammams, and relaxation areas are not open to children: organize your visit around the large pools.
• Consider the combined RailAway offer from CFF if you come by train: it may entitle you to a discount on access to the baths.

Useful information

• Address: Rte des Bains 48, 1892 Lavey-les-Bains (Vaud)
• Official site: https://www.bains-lavey.ch/
• Hours: open every day (annual maintenance closure from June 22 to July 3); detailed hours to be confirmed on the official site.
• Access: CFF train station of Saint-Maurice about 2.5 km away, then postal bus (CarPostal); free parking on site.

Looking for more outings? Find all our activities in Lavey-les-Bains.

Why we recommend it

Because it's one of the few outings that brings everyone together in warmth, even in the middle of winter: children splash in naturally warm water, parents relax, and the mountain scenery of Chablais does the rest. As the largest thermal center in French-speaking Switzerland and freshly renovated, Les Bains de Lavey offers this rare mix of swimming and true family relaxation, just steps from the Saint-Maurice train station.

In a nutshell

A large warm thermal bath, indoors and outdoors, at the foot of the mountains: the ideal family outing to warm up and relax all year round, from 4 years old.