Tour du Lac des Sablons — Belleville

As you descend from the rolling Beaujolais slopes toward Belleville, the landscape shifts from vineyard rows to the alluvial plains defined by the Saône river. Catching the first glimpse of the Lac des Sablons from the road, the water appears as a quiet basin, a stark contrast to the historical intensity of this corridor. For centuries, this exact stretch of the river served as the vital artery for transporting grain, oil, and the region's celebrated wines, connecting local docks to downstream markets. Today, the lake provides a sanctuary for swimmers, but the sediment beneath you carries the weight of a deeper past. Archaeological findings suggest that the banks here once hosted the ancient Roman city of Lunna, and as you move through the water, you are essentially traversing a site where Stone Age artifacts remain embedded in the riverbed.

Historical echoes in the water

The visual anchor of your swim is the Romanesque Abbey of the Assumption. Spanning 63 meters, its massive stone form looms over the horizon, providing a steady reference point for sighting during the 1500m event. While the modern race is hosted by the Triton Club Belleville, the area's history is marked by more turbulent chapters, such as the survival of local Resistance leader Ulysse Gavignet, who found refuge in these surroundings during the Second World War. Further intrigue surrounds the nearby Castle of Arginy, where 20th-century esotericist Jacques Breyer fostered a movement claiming the site as the original home of the Knights Templar. On race day, these narratives fade into the rhythm of your stroke as you pass near the confluence of the Ardière river, where the mountain waters from the Beaujolais hills meet the lake, often causing subtle shifts in temperature that remind you of the river's active, shifting nature.

Race day logistics

The Tour du Lac des Sablons, scheduled for July 5, 2026, balances this deep historical context with a structured, competitive environment. Swimmers can choose between 300m, 500m, and 1500m distances. The event is governed by standard open water protocols, and participants should expect clear, fresh water conditions typical of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in mid-summer. The logistics are managed by local organizers who utilize the lake's sheltered position to ensure a safe, buoyed course that remains protected from the stronger currents often found in the main channel of the adjacent Saône.