Mélèzes Pool: the large outdoor swimming area for families in La Chaux-de-Fonds

A breath of fresh air and water above La Chaux-de-Fonds

Perched at over a thousand meters above sea level, the Piscine des Mélèzes is one of the great summer meeting spots for families in the Jura Arc. People come for the large swimming pool, but also for everything around it: a three-lane slide, a designated area for little ones, diving boards that reach ten meters high, and a vast green space to lay down a towel. Just a stone's throw from the ice rink and the forest, the site breathes fresh air. It's the kind of place where you arrive in the morning with a picnic and leave at the end of the day, the children exhausted and delighted. A classic Chaux-de-Fonnier that is well worth the detour.

What your children will discover

The highlight for many children is the three-lane slide: you race down side by side and do it again until you're satisfied. The youngest have their own area with a wading pool and water games, away from the larger pools, to splash around in peace. More confident swimmers head to the large swimming pool, while the daring test the diving boards, from the one-meter springboard to the ten-meter platform. Between swims, there’s plenty to do: mini-golf, beach volleyball, ping-pong, and games for children.

What to do there and the atmosphere on site

The atmosphere at the Mélèzes is that of a large neighborhood pool where everyone gathers as soon as the nice weather arrives. You spread your towel on the vast lawns, alternate between swimming and sunbathing, and extend the afternoon with a game of mini-golf on the adjacent 3000 m² course. Teens find their fun between the slide and diving boards, the little ones stay close to the wading pool, and parents keep an eye on all the little ones from the grass. A snack bar allows you to eat without having to pack up. It's family-friendly, relaxed, and definitely focused on the outdoors.

Before you go

• Recommended age: all ages; area dedicated to toddlers with a wading pool.
• Duration: plan for half a day, or even the whole day with a picnic.
• Price: paid (reduced rates for children, students, and AVS/AI); rates to be confirmed on the official site, which is authoritative.
• Reservation: no reservation, entry on site.
• Stroller/Accessibility: outdoor site at ground level, accessible; inquire for details on site.
• Transport: accessible by bus from the center (stop near the ice rink); parking on site.
• What to bring: swimsuits, towels, sunscreen, caps, and picnic supplies; a light sweater for the end of the day at altitude.
• Ideal season: summer, during the summer opening period (generally from late May to mid-September).

Parents' tips

• Arrive early on hot days to find a shady spot on the lawn.
• At altitude, the sun is strong: sunscreen, caps, and breaks in the shade are essential.
• Immediately spot the wading pool and set a meeting point with the older kids.
• Slip a few coins into your bag for a game of mini-golf in the late afternoon.
• Keep a light sweater handy: in the evening, the air cools quickly in the Neuchâtel heights.

Useful information

• Address: Chemin des Mélèzes 2, 2300 La Chaux-de-Fonds (Neuchâtel)
• Official site: chaux-de-fonds.ch
• Hours: seasonal opening in summer (generally late May to mid-September); daily hours to be confirmed on the official site.
• Access: by bus from the city center (stop near the ice rink); parking on site.

Looking for more outings? Find all our activities in La Chaux-de-Fonds.

Why we recommend it

Because the Mélèzes condense in one place everything we love about a summer day with family: a large body of water to cool off, facilities that delight both children and teens, a quiet corner for the little ones, and a mini-golf to extend the fun once out of the water. All in the great outdoors, in a green setting that is easy to access. It's hard to find a more complete outing in the canton of Neuchâtel.

In two words

A large outdoor pool with a slide, diving boards, a children's pool, and an adjacent mini-golf: the sure bet for family summers in La Chaux-de-Fonds.