Open Swim Harmonie Mutuelle

Join us on the Open Swim Harmonie Mutuelle adventure. The story begins in 2012 when former high-level swimmers, including Stéphane Caron and Laurent Neuville, members of the French team, had the idea to revive The Paris Swimming Traverse 🗼, a legendary race from the early 20th century. Their goal: to bring open water swimming back to the forefront, right in the heart of cities, and to transform rivers, lakes, and seas into natural playgrounds for all swimmers 🌊.

Harmonie Mutuelle has been the title partner since 2016. This partnership perfectly aligns with the Eco-health movement, a preventive and sustainable health approach with the aim of promoting the benefits of physical activity by making it accessible to everyone and raising awareness about water preservation. You too can join/dive into the Eco-health movement and do good for your body while preserving our environment 🤝.

What is open water swimming?

Wondering what makes open water swimming so special? It's not just about time or performance. Your head, your body, and even the planet all benefit. Firstly, in terms of physical fitness, this sport is ideal for keeping fit if you've been injured in running or if you can no longer run. Swimming is a supported activity, meaning you can build muscle while preserving your knees 🦵. Even your heart works and your immune system gets stronger ❤️. Ah, and the water isn't always warm... But trust us, it's very beneficial for you! That invigorating shiver stimulates your metabolism 🌡️. And mentally, it's even better, no more daily stress. When you dive into a lake or elsewhere, your brain releases endorphins, that famous happiness hormone: it's almost like meditation.

Moreover, while swimming, you encounter fish 🐟, observe birds 🦅, brush against aquatic plants, and realize how precious these ecosystems are. And what's beautiful about this sport is that whether you're a beginner or experienced, whether you're 20 or 70 years old, able-bodied or with disabilities, open water swimming is one of the few sports where everyone can find their place by choosing their distance and pace. Admittedly, some still hesitate about water quality, but Open Swims take place in sites with strict regulations and regular controls to reassure and prove that swimming can be done safely.

Finally, contrary to what one might believe, swimming is not a solitary sport. At Open Swims, coaches are there to help you progress, and lifeguard swimmers ensure your safety 🛟.

Your dream open water competition calendar!

Already tried swimming in a lake or the sea? 🌊 Perfect! Here, you'll take on stimulating challenges, swim in exceptional settings, and share moments with other enthusiasts. Open your planner, because these stages definitely deserve to be part of your annual schedule 📔.

Lacanau, kick-off your season with sand underfoot

Need to clear your head 🧘‍♂️, feel the sand under your feet, and listen to the sound of waves? Head to Gironde! This first stage offers several distances: 500 m, 1 km, 2 km, and even a 4×500 m relay if you prefer to take on the adventure with others. The perfect opportunity to start your season with a bang. So, are you coming to take a break by the ocean? 🌞

Cassis, dive into a postcard

Head southeast where the cliffs and turquoise water make you feel like swimming in a postcard. You'll start at the Grande Mer Beach, an ideal spot to warm up. The sea air, the scent of pines, and the lapping waves... Everything is in place to make you dive headfirst into the race!

Agde, step up under the sun

The difficulty level increases! Head to Hérault with its warmer waters and seaside atmosphere. You'll discover the city center and especially its Grau d'Agde Beach 🏖️. It's time to experience distances from 1.3 km to 5.5 km 🏊‍♂️.

Gérardmer, breathe the mountain air

Not yet familiar with the Vosges? Pack your bags, we're taking you to discover this charming department! The east of France hides many beautiful places and it's at the Lake Gérardmer that we have an appointment for you. The program includes varied events with a tour of the lake 🔄, 1 km, 2.5 km, relay… At the foot of the mountains, it's truly a dream spot, isn't it?

Paris, urban swimming in the Seine

Head to the capital for a totally different experience! Here, there are neither mountains nor the waves of Cassis, but you'll be swimming in the heart of Paris, in the Seine. The swimmers' village is located at Paris La Villette 📍. We warn you: it's going to be an urban experience you'll remember!

Prangins, cross the border for Lake Geneva

Goodbye France! We're going international with Lake Geneva, one of the largest lakes in Europe. You'll have the chance to swim in crystal-clear waters, at the foot of the mountains 🏔️. You'll have a choice of 3 routes starting from the Promenthoux Beach 🏖️.

La Baule, enjoy summer on the most beautiful beach

Back in France, the Atlantic awaits you between Le Pouliguen and Pornichet. Yes, it's in La Baule that you'll swim! The large beach you often see on the news during the summer! It's the perfect opportunity to take a few days of vacation. There, you'll discover the ocean and try beautiful courses ranging from 500 m to 5 km 🏊‍♂️. Guaranteed sensations… optional tan! 😄

Lyon, finish strong on the Rhône

And to finish in style, Lyon, the city of lights. It's on the Banks of the Rhône that you'll take the start for a final stage that will make you want to come back even stronger next year 🔥.

The invitation is extended, you just have to choose what suits you 🤔. The Open Swim circuit is an adventure with dream landscapes at the heart of cities!

Tips for open water swimming:

🎥 Open Water Swimming: trying this practice for the first time? Intimidating at first, open water swimming is an activity open to everyone with numerous health benefits. Properly prepared, it is easily accessible and safe. Lucile Woodward gives you some tips to discover and start this practice with confidence.