Open Swim Harmonie Mutuelle

Join us in the Open Swim Harmonie Mutuelle adventure. The story begins in 2012 when two former champions, Stéphane Caron and Laurent Neuville, had the idea to revive The Paris Swim 🗼, a mythical event from the early 20th century. Their goal: to bring open water swimming back into style, right in the heart of cities, between France and Switzerland. The idea is to transform rivers, lakes, and seas into real playgrounds for all swimmers 🌊.

With Harmonie Mutuelle, the title partner for 10 years, Open Swim supports a genuine movement around Eco-health. The idea? Get moving for your physical and mental health while raising awareness of the importance of protecting our bodies of water 🤝.

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 find balance. First, physically, this sport is clearly ideal for staying in shape if you were injured in running or if you can no longer practice it. Swimming is a supported sport, which means you can build muscle while preserving your knees 🦵. Even your heart works, and your immune system strengthens ❤️. Ah, and the water isn't always warm… But trust us, it’s very beneficial for you! This invigorating shiver stimulates your metabolism 🌡️. Mentally, it's even better, goodbye to daily stress. When you dive into a lake or elsewhere, your brain releases endorphins, the famous happiness hormone: it's almost like meditation.

Additionally, while swimming, you encounter fish 🐟, observe birds 🦅, brush past aquatic plants, and realize how precious these ecosystems are. What's beautiful about this sport is that whether you are a beginner or experienced, aged 20 or 70, able-bodied or with a disability, open water swimming is one of the few sports where everyone can find their place by choosing their distance and pace. Sure, some are still hesitant about water quality, but Open Swims are held at sites with strict regulation and regular checks to reassure you and prove that you can swim safely.

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

Your dream open water competition calendar!

Have you already tested swimming in a lake or sea? 🌊 Perfect! Here, you'll take on stimulating challenges, swim in exceptional settings, and share moments with other enthusiasts. Open your calendar, because these stages definitely deserve to be marked in your annual program 📔.

Lacanau, kick off your season with your feet in the sand

Need to clear your head 🧘‍♂️, feel the sand under your feet and listen to the sound of the 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 adventure with others. The perfect opportunity to start your season strong. So, will you take a break by the ocean? 🌞

Cassis, dive into a postcard

Head southeast where cliffs and turquoise water make it feel like you're swimming in a postcard. You'll start from Plage de la Grande Mer, an ideal spot for warming up. The sea air, the sweet smell of pine trees, and the lapping of the waves… Everything is there to make you want to dive headfirst into the race!

Agde, step up under the sun

The difficulty ramps up! Head to Hérault with its warmer waters and beachy ambiance. You'll explore the city center and especially its beach at Grau d'Agde 🏖️. It's time now to test the experience on distances between 1.3 km and 5.5 km 🏊‍♂️.

Gérardmer, breathe in the mountains

Not yet familiar with the Vosges? Pack your bags, we’re taking you to discover this charming department! Eastern France hides many beautiful things, and it’s at the lake of Gérardmer where we'll meet. On the agenda are varied events including a lake tour 🔄, 1 km, 2.5 km, relay… At the foot of the mountains, it's clearly a dream spot, isn't it?

Paris, urban swim in the Seine

Head to the capital for a completely different experience! Here, you have neither mountains nor the waves of Cassis, but you'll swim right in the heart of Paris, in the Seine. The swimmers' village is located at Paris La Villette 📍. We warn you: it will 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 choose between 3 routes starting from Promenthoux beach 🏖️.

La Baule, enjoy the 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 will swim! The large beach you often see in the news during the holiday period! It's the perfect chance to take a few days off. There, you'll discover the ocean and test beautiful courses ranging from 500 m to 5 km 🏊‍♂️. Guaranteed sensations… tan optional! 😄

Lyon, finish grandly on the Rhône

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

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