Stade Nautique Olympique Île-de-France
A private lake venue known for Olympic rowing and recreational sports, offering a peaceful lakeside setting with some facility challenges.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Stade Nautique Olympique Île-de-France
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A private lake venue known for Olympic rowing and recreational sports, offering a peaceful lakeside setting with some facility challenges.
"Nice place to hangout in the summer, but be prepared for potential communication and facility access issues."
🚗 Parking & Shuttles
Use RER station shuttles if driving; parking can be limited. :car:
🗣️ Language Barrier
Be patient with staff; some may not speak English. :speech_balloon:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Olympic Rowing Course
Main lake area
Witness elite athletes compete on a challenging course known for its crosswind conditions.

Pickleball Courts
Sports facilities
Enjoy a game of pickleball in a well-maintained and clean environment. Friendly staff may even offer extra courts.

Summer Lakeside Hangout
Lake perimeter
A peaceful spot to relax by the water, often with fewer crowds during the summer months.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating to the Venue
Understanding Access & Fees
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
VAIRES-SUR-MARNE NAUTICAL STADIUM-where to park?
🚗 Parking & Shuttles
Use RER station shuttles if driving; parking can be limited.
:car:🗣️ Language Barrier
Be patient with staff; some may not speak English.
:speech_balloon:💰 Private Lake Fees
Expect to pay a fee, even with your own equipment.
:moneybag:💧 Facility Updates Needed
Some facilities may require updates before major events.
:construction:Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking & Shuttles
Use RER station shuttles if driving; parking can be limited.
:car:🗣️ Language Barrier
Be patient with staff; some may not speak English.
:speech_balloon:💰 Private Lake Fees
Expect to pay a fee, even with your own equipment.
:moneybag:💧 Facility Updates Needed
Some facilities may require updates before major events.
:construction:🚻 Toilet Access
Toilet access can be restricted, even for competitors.
:toilet:What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Stade Nautique Olympique Île-de-France offers a pleasant lakeside environment and well-maintained sports facilities like pickleball courts. However, visitors have noted significant issues with aggressive security, language barriers for non-French speakers, and restricted access to essential facilities like toilets, which detract from the overall experience.
"Had a great time playing pickle ball. The manager was very kind and gave our group an extra court to play. Also everything was very well maintained and clean. Will definitely go back to play again."
Parker Reid
"WARNING DON’T GO HERE IF YOU NOT A FRENCH SPEAKER=>VERY AGGRESSIVE/ UNFRIENDLY SECURITY
We went to this lovely lake with our own SUP Paddleboard, parked next to the Squash place. When we left the lake a security guy came running to us and shouted aggressive at us. Several times I asked him friendly what was the problem and told him I unfortunately don t speak French. He told me i dont want to speak english with you/ i don t want to speak with you. You need to come with me you need to pay. I asked for what. He was still very aggressive towards me and didnt answer my question and i was close to call the police.
In the end I went with him to the reception and the person there was very friendly and explained that it is a private lake and you have to pay a fee even if you bring your own stuff. After knowing this I happily paid my fee.
I explained that as a non french speaker that was not obvious that this is private and there are no signs put up to direct you in the right way. I feel you should put up a sign at the area where you launch a boat or a SUP that tells you pls go to our webpage or walk to the nautical place on the other side of the lake and buy a day ticket.
I found the whole situation was terrible handled by your security person and he totally harassed me, threatened to take my possession (a 1200 EURO SUP Board.) and physical threatened me.
I think such a person should not work at a venue that is supposed to be family friendly.
I dont feel that i deserved to be treated so aggressive and badly. As foreigner and non-French speakers we felt terrible discriminated and physical threatened. Not a great experience to consider to come here for the Olympics or anything else.
It’s a real pity as the venue and area is nice but I will take my customs most likely to another place and so should you if you are worried about your safety!"
J Rodrr
"Looks like it may need some updating of facilities before the Olympics next year."
cee doubleyou
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Driving to the venue can be challenging due to limited parking. A recommended alternative is to park at the RER station Bussy St Georges and utilize the event shuttles.
Yes, public transport, particularly the RER, is a viable option. Consider using shuttles from RER stations like Bussy St Georges for convenient access to the event site.
Direct parking at the stadium itself is often unavailable. Travelers suggest parking at nearby RER stations and taking advantage of event shuttles.
During major events like the Olympics, relying on public transport and designated shuttle services is highly advised to avoid parking issues and congestion.
Yes, you can bring your own paddleboard, but be aware that a fee is required for access to this private lake.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, it is a private lake, and there is a fee for entry, even if you are bringing your own equipment.
Some visitors have noted a lack of clear signage at launch points, making the fee requirement less obvious to international visitors.
Specific opening hours for recreational use are not widely detailed, but summer mornings are generally recommended for fewer crowds.
While not explicitly stated, it's advisable to inquire directly with the venue about booking pickleball courts, especially during peak times.
You can bring personal sports equipment, but be prepared to pay an access fee for using the private lake facilities.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The venue hosts Olympic rowing events and also offers facilities for recreational activities like pickleball. It's also a nice spot for a summer lakeside hangout.
While the area is described as nice, some experiences suggest potential issues with aggressive security and restricted facilities, which might impact a family-friendly atmosphere.
The lake area is generally described as nice and peaceful, with not many people around during off-peak times.
During past events, competitors have reported issues with limited toilet facilities, which may need improvement for larger events.
The rowing course itself is noted for its challenging crosswind conditions, and the surrounding area lacks grass and trees, which were present in the past.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The cafe offers some food and drinks, but access to toilets may be restricted unless you are a paying customer.
Reports suggest that toilet access might be restricted even after purchasing items, which has been a point of frustration for visitors.
While the area is nice for a hangout, specific picnic areas are not mentioned. Visitors have noted issues with toilet access, which could impact a picnic experience.
During major events, food and drink options might be limited, and facility access, including toilets, can be restricted for participants and spectators.
The venue's policy on bringing outside food and drinks is not explicitly stated, but the cafe does offer some options.
📸 📸 Photography
The lake itself offers scenic views, especially during calmer weather. Capturing the action of rowing events can be dynamic, though the lack of surrounding greenery might limit some landscape shots.
No specific restrictions on general photography have been mentioned, but it's always wise to be mindful of event participants and staff.
You can capture images of the rowing course, athletes in action, and the general lakeside environment. The crosswind conditions can add a dramatic element to photos.
Drone usage policies are not specified, but it's generally advisable to check local regulations and venue rules before flying drones.
Morning light can be ideal for softer lighting on the water. However, the open nature of the venue means good light can be found throughout the day.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If planning a visit, consider focusing on recreational activities like pickleball, which have been described as well-maintained and enjoyable. It might be wise to visit during off-peak hours when crowds are thinner and staff interactions may be less pressured. Ensuring you have clear communication tools and understanding the fee structure beforehand can help mitigate potential issues.
💰 Budget Travelers
While the cafe offers some food and drinks, be mindful of potential restrictions on toilet access, which could mean needing to find alternative facilities. Planning to pack your own snacks and water might be a good strategy to manage expenses and ensure convenience.
🏅 Competitors and Event Attendees
It's important to be aware of the reported issues with facility access, particularly regarding toilets, which have been a point of contention in past events. While the rowing course is a professional venue, the surrounding amenities might require some adjustment. Familiarize yourself with the venue's specific rules and regulations prior to your arrival.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Transportation and Parking
For those relying on public transport, the RER system is generally efficient. However, communication can be a hurdle for non-French speakers. Visitors have shared experiences of aggressive interactions with security personnel when language barriers were present. Therefore, having a translation app or learning a few basic French phrases can be beneficial. It's also worth noting that during large-scale events like the Olympics, public transport and shuttle services are usually enhanced to manage the influx of visitors, making them the most reliable way to reach the stadium.
Understanding Venue Access and Fees
For recreational users, it's advisable to check the venue's official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on access fees and any specific rules regarding personal equipment. While the venue and its surroundings are described as nice, these access policies and the clarity of their communication are important factors for visitors to consider to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Facilities and Event Experience
However, some aspects of the facility have drawn criticism. Reports from past events mention inadequate toilet facilities for a large number of participants, raising concerns about comfort and hygiene during major competitions. Additionally, there have been instances where toilet access was restricted even for paying customers or competitors, which is a significant drawback. The surrounding environment has also seen changes, with trees and grass being removed, altering the landscape from what it was years ago.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit