In the local area, there are many swimming pools, lakes and water parks for people to relax and cool down. (Courtesy photo)

10 places to cool down in the Benelux 

CHIÈVRES, Belgium -- With warm temperatures and plenty of sunny days, summer in the Benelux is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors. In the local area, there are many swimming pools, lakes and water parks for people to relax and cool down.

1. Lacs de L’Eau d’Heure in Froidchapelle (BE)
The site is comprised of five lakes but swimming is only allowed in two: the “Espace Fun” at the Lac de la Plate Taille, and the Lac de Falemprise. Visitors will find nautical and recreational activities, lodging accommodations, restaurants and more. Water sports remain the main draw, and people enjoy sailing, jet skiing, kayaking, diving, wakeboarding and windsurfing during the summer. The site is open all year. Held on Route de la Plate Taille, 99 in Boussu-lez-Walcourt. For more information about prices and opening hours, visit https://www.lacsdeleaudheure.be.   

2. Belvédère in Dour (BE)
It is the first public natural swimming pool in Belgium. The water is filtered by a biofilter. There are four depths including a paddling pool for children. Open Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Held on Chemin des Croix, 1. Entry is €5 for adults, €3 for children age 12 and 18, and free for children under age 12. For more information, visit www.communedour.be/loisirs/tourisme/le-belvedere.

3. Claire-Fontaine in Godarville (BE)
The lake of Claire-Fontaine is a little paradise with a playground, mini golf, a swimming pool, water slides, fishing and other outdoor activities. Swimming is allowed from June 15 to Sept. 15. Open from Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Friday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Held on Rue Clémenceau, 11. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/DomaineClaireFontaine/

4. Outdoor swimming pool in Mons (BE)
The swimming pool of Mons, called the “Piscine du Grand Large,” is 20 minutes away from Chièvres. The site has a large outdoor swimming pool and a terrace. During summer, the outdoor swimming pool is open from 11:15 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 11:15 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and Sunday from 11:15 a.m. to 17:30 p.m. Entry is €8.60 for adults, €6.40 for children age 5 to 11, €2.80 for children age 3 to 4, and free for children up to age 2. Held on Avenue de la Sapinette, 20. For more information, visit https://lago.be/mons.

5. Doc 79 in Tertre (BE)
Dock 79 offers many outdoor activities. This leisure park is ideal for a family outing. The site features a water ski cableway. This eco-friendly concept is perfect to practice water skiing, wakeboarding, wakeskating, knee boarding and more. There is also over 40  acres of woods, a treetop adventure course, an aquapark with floating structures, and a food truck. Held on Rue de la Hamaide, 79. For more information about prices and opening hours, visit https://www.dock59.be. 

6. Outdoor Swimming Pool in Huizingen (BE)
The site extends around the Huizingen Castle. Visitors can take a dip in the heated outdoor pool or enjoy many activities such as mini golf.  There are also playgrounds, an animal park, and a beautiful garden with more than 1,200 plant species. The outdoor swimming pool is open from May 1 to Sept. 15 every day from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Held on Torleylaan, 100. Entry is €3 for adults, €1.5 for children age 12 and under, and free for children age 3 and under. For more information, visit https://www.vlaamsbrabant.be/fr/visiter/domaine-provincial-huizingen/index.jsp. 

7. MOSAQUE in Gulpen (NL) 
It is a subtropical swimming paradise, both indoors and outdoors, with slides, whirlpools, jet-streamers, baby pool, solarium, steam baths and more. Open from Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Entry is €9 for adults, and €4 for children. Held on Landsraderweg, 11. For more information, visit https://www.mosaqua.nl.

8. Thermae 2000 in Valkenburg (NL)
Located from 20 minutes away from Schinnen, Thermae 2000 is a health resort. The spa features indoor and outdoor basins with hot water from local sources, a sauna landscape, facilities for external body treatments, facilities for physiotherapy and hydrotherapy, various forms of hospitality and a hotel. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Entry is €32.50 for a day ticket, €21.50 for the morning (from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.), and €21.50 for the evening (from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.). Held on Cauberg, 25-27. For more information, visit www.thermae.nl.

9. Fun Valley in Eijsden (NL)
It is a recreation park with indoor and outdoor swimming and other activities. Open during summer from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day. Entry is €8.50. Held on Oosterweg, 5. For more information, visit https://www.funvalleymaastricht.nl.

10. Amici Beach "Am Effelder Waldsee" in Wassenberg-Effeld (GE)
The lake, surrounded by forests, is home to the Amici Beach, a beautiful day beach. There is also the Aquapark with slides, water skiing and more. Both venues are open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Entry is €4 for Amici Beach, and €10 for Aquapark. Held on Bruchstrasse, 32. For more information, visit https://www.amicibeach.com.

Story by Christophe Morel, USAG Benelux Public Affairs