Covered swimming pool of the Vallée de Joux Sports Center: swimming in the heart of the Vaud Jura

An Indoor Pool in the Heart of the Vaud Jura

Perched at over 1000 meters above sea level, the Vallée de Joux doesn't always have the most clement weather: this is precisely where the indoor pool of the Centre sportif de la Vallée de Joux, in Le Sentier, makes perfect sense. Open all year round, it offers families a warm bath when fog or snow invite themselves outside. The large 25-meter pool delights swimmers, while a shallower area reassures parents of young children. It is one of the few public pools in the valley, easily accessible from Le Sentier and nearby villages. A safe bet for spending half a day with the family, regardless of the weather.

What Your Children Will Discover

Your children will rediscover the simple pleasure of water, in a covered and heated environment. The youngest ones enjoy the shallow pool, where they can stand and splash around confidently under the watchful eye of their parents. The older ones and budding swimmers take advantage of the large pool to practice, race, or simply have fun. It’s also a good place to get accustomed to water, take their first strokes, or gain confidence before summer swims at Lake Joux.

What to Do There and the Atmosphere On-Site

People come here to swim, play, and relax, in the tranquil atmosphere of a village pool. Families gather around the pools, children come and go between the water and the edge, and the atmosphere remains relaxed. It’s a no-fuss outing, perfect for breaking the routine of a rainy weekend or extending a day spent in the valley. It’s easy to follow up with a walk by Lake Joux or a snack before heading home.

Before You Go

• Recommended Age: all ages, including toddlers accompanied (shallow pool for children).
• Duration: plan for 1.5 to 2 hours to fully enjoy the swimming.
• Price: paid, rates to be confirmed on the official site (single entries and subscriptions, reduced rates depending on user).
• Reservation: no reservation needed for open swimming; check the schedule before leaving.
• Stroller / Accessibility for People with Reduced Mobility: sports center at ground level, easy access; inquire on-site about facilities for people with reduced mobility.
• Transport: a few minutes' walk from the center of Le Sentier; accessible by train (Pied du Jura line / Le Sentier-Orient station nearby) and by car with parking at the sports center.
• What to Bring: swimsuits, towels, and coins for lockers if necessary.
• Ideal Season: all year round, especially on rainy, cold, or snowy days.

Parents' Tips

• Aim for off-peak hours (on weekdays, outside of holidays) to enjoy calmer pools with young children.
• Check the opening hours for the day on the official site: they vary by day and school holidays.
• The jacuzzi may be closed for maintenance on certain days: don’t promise it to the children before checking.
• Bring a small snack for after swimming: the air in the valley makes you hungry.
• Combine the outing with a walk by Lake Joux for a true nature and water day.

Useful Information

• Address: Rue du Centre Sportif 1, 1347 Le Sentier (Vallée de Joux, Vaud).
• Official Site: centresportif.ch/piscine.
• Hours: open all year round; hours vary by day and holidays (the pools are cleared 15 minutes before closing). Check on the official site.
• Access: on foot from the center of Le Sentier, by train via the Pied du Jura line, or by car with parking on-site.

Looking for more outings? Find all our activities in Le Sentier.

Why We Recommend It

Because an indoor pool open all year round is a real asset in a mountainous region, where the weather changes quickly. We love the simplicity here: a pool for splashing, a pool for swimming, and a family-friendly atmosphere without pretension. It’s the reliable spot in the Vallée de Joux to move, cool off, and have a good time, even when the Jura sky looks gloomy.

In Two Words

A friendly indoor pool in Le Sentier, open all year round, with a space for little ones: the ideal family outing in any weather in the Vallée de Joux.