From the Alpine lakes of Haute-Savoie to the volcanoes of the Massif Central, by way of Lyon and the Ardèche gorges, the landscape changes with every valley. Nights stay cool at altitude, even in fine weather. You'll find historic spa towns, palace hotels by the water and lots of houses to rent with heated pools in the south. I've selected 33 places, all rated at least 8/10; the top-rated is Gîte au calme, piscine privée chauffée au sel (4.98/5).
Each city has its own selection, with a page for each type of accommodation.
Places are ranked from highest to lowest rated. The yellow bubble shows the advertised water temperature, when it's known.
33 places shown
The pool. Heated private saltwater pool, according to the listing title.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Get the heating period confirmed before you book.
The pool. Heated outdoor private saltwater pool, open from 1 May to 30 September according to the listing.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature. The pool comes up in 22 guest reviews.
Guide's tip. Outside May to September the pool is closed: check your dates.
The pool. Secure outdoor private pool, heated and available year-round according to the listing, with a cover.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature. The pool comes up in 12 guest reviews.
Guide's tip. If you're coming out of season, get the actual water temperature confirmed.
The pool. Heated private pool, according to the listing description.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Ask about the heating period and whether it's included in the price.
The pool. Heated private pool and spa, according to the listing title and description.
The hot tub. Spa (whirlpool bath) advertised in the title.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Get the heating period confirmed before you book.
The pool. Heated private pool included from May to September; outside that period, heating is a paid extra, according to the listing.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature. The pool comes up in 5 guest reviews.
Guide's tip. Out-of-season heating costs extra: ask for it when you book.
The pool. Heated, self-cleaning outdoor private pool, available in season according to the listing.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature. The pool comes up in 13 guest reviews.
Guide's tip. The opening months aren't given: ask the host.
The pool. 8 x 4 m outdoor private pool, heated from 15 May to 15 September, with a cover, according to the listing.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. For a large group, book early: the house sleeps up to 16.
The pool. 6 x 3 m private pool heated to 28 °C from April to the All Saints' holidays, according to the listing.
Several guests talk of a well-heated pool; one measured 27 °C. Another mentions a pump breakdown lasting a day.
Guide's tip. The gîte only sleeps 4: book early for spring and autumn.
The pool. Voyage Privé advertises a heated outdoor pool in the château grounds.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. The pool is open-air: ask about the opening period before you book.
The pool. Panoramic indoor-outdoor pool, at an altitude of about 600 m, according to Staycation. Heating isn't specified.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. The view is the highlight: ask for a room on the valley side.
The pool. 200 m² villa with a heated private pool, available from May to September according to the listing.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature. The rating is based on only a few reviews.
Guide's tip. Outside May to September the pool isn't available: plan your dates accordingly.
The pool. Glass-roofed aquatic area with a sauna, according to Staycation. Expedia shows a modern indoor pool. Heating isn't specified.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature. Expedia shows 9.2/10 from 1,003 reviews.
Guide's tip. Ask about the opening hours of the aquatic area, which is shared with spa customers.
The pool. Indoor pool, outdoor pool in fine weather and a bubble bath, with access to the 1,700 m² evianSPA, according to Staycation.
The hot tub. Bubble bath in the spa.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. The outdoor pool only opens in fine weather: the rest of the time, rely on the indoor pool.
The pool. Indoor pool and outdoor pool, open from 8 am to 10 pm, and a thermal spa with a whirlpool bath, according to Expedia. Heating isn't specified.
The hot tub. Whirlpool bath in the spa.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature. One guest found the pool closed without warning; another mentions that spa access was charged.
Guide's tip. Check whether spa access is included in your rate or charged by the day.
The pool. Expedia lists an indoor pool and a spa on site; a photo shows a pool under a glass roof. Heating isn't specified.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Small hotel: ask about the pool and spa opening hours before you arrive.
The pool. Staycation describes an indoor pool, with a sauna, hammam and jacuzzi. Heating isn't specified.
The hot tub. Jacuzzi in the wellness area.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Ask whether the wellness area is open access or by reservation.
The pool. Staycation advertises a heated pool at the Spa Quatre Terres, described elsewhere as covered, and a jacuzzi at 35 °C.
The hot tub. Jacuzzi at 35 °C in the spa.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. The jacuzzi is listed at 35 °C: a good option after a swim in Lake Geneva.
The pool. Indoor pool in the Nuxe spa, with a sauna, hammam and jacuzzi, according to Staycation. Kayak and Expedia also mention the indoor pool. A specialist blog says it is heated, without further details.
The hot tub. Jacuzzi in the spa.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature. Kayak shows 8.9/10 from 2,296 reviews.
Guide's tip. Spa access may be time-limited depending on the offer: check what your rate includes.
The pool. Bright indoor pool, hammam and sauna, according to Staycation. Heating isn't specified.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Handy by car, away from the centre: allow for the journey if you're visiting Lyon.
The pool. Staycation advertises a heated indoor pool and a Sothys spa. A specialist blog talks of a large heated indoor pool.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. If you'd like a Sothys treatment, book it at the same time as your room.
The pool. Staycation describes a heated pool facing the lake. Neither the opening period nor the temperature is given.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Get the heating period confirmed before you book.
The pool. Kayak advertises a heated open-air pool with a sun terrace. The opening season isn't given.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. The pool is open-air: if you're coming late in the season, ask how long it stays open.
The pool. Staycation advertises a 25 m heated outdoor pool, plus a jacuzzi and hammam in the spa.
The hot tub. Jacuzzi in the spa.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. The pool is open-air: ask about its opening period before you book.
The pool. Staycation describes an indoor pool with a lake view, saunas and a hammam. Expedia, for its part, talks of a seasonal outdoor pool: the two sources don't match.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. The sources contradict each other on the type of pool: ask the hotel to clarify whether it's covered and heated.
The pool. Large heated pool with a view of the forest, jacuzzi and hammam in a 900 m² spa, according to Staycation.
The hot tub. Jacuzzi in the spa.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Ask whether the pool is covered or open-air.
The pool. Stone house dating from 1872 with a heated pool shared between two houses, according to the listing.
Guests appreciate the pool and its setting during the heatwaves, without mentioning its temperature. One regrets that it isn't private and that the noise carries in the evening.
Guide's tip. The pool is shared with another house: ask who will be staying there on your dates.
The pool. Staycation advertises access to a heated pool set up in a former shepherd's hut. The type of pool and the period aren't specified.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Get the heating period confirmed before you book.
The pool. The Expedia listing shows a large indoor pool set against a natural rock wall. Heating isn't specified.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Only the listing photo shows the pool: get confirmation that it's open on your dates.
The pool. Vaulted indoor pool in a 350 m² spa inspired by Roman baths, with a hammam, according to Staycation. Heating isn't specified.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. The pool is intimate: ask for the quietest time slots.
The pool. Indoor pool heated to 30 °C year-round and an outdoor pool in summer, with a 1,500 m² spa, according to Staycation.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature. One guest was unable to use the pool during their stay. Kayak shows 8.0/10 from 2,494 reviews.
Guide's tip. When booking, ask whether the pool and hammam will be open on your dates.
The pool. 10 x 5 m heated outdoor private saltwater pool, available in season; the description presents it as an optional extra.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature. The pool comes up in 6 guest reviews.
Guide's tip. The pool is an optional extra: check that it's included in your booking.
The pool. Accor advertises a heated indoor pool and a fitness room; Staycation also mentions the indoor pool.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature. Accor shows 4.5/5.
Guide's tip. This is the most affordable city-centre address with a covered pool: book early for weekends.
These places don't have a confirmed heated pool, but they do have a hot tub: the water is hot all year round. A good way to relax in the warm.
The hot tub. Greco-Roman spa with a pool, sauna, hammam and whirlpool bath, according to Staycation. The type of pool and its heating aren't specified.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. If you plan to swim, ask whether the spa pool is heated.
The hot tub. Expedia mentions a whirlpool bath and a sauna; a photo shows a jacuzzi under a glass roof.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Ask whether the jacuzzi is open access or by reservation.
The hot tub. Expedia mentions a whirlpool bath, a hammam and hydrotherapy; residents get a discount at the Aïga thermal spa, whose water is rich in magnesium.
One guest enjoyed the hammam. I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Access to the thermal spa isn't automatically included: ask about the residents' discount.
The hot tub. Outdoor jacuzzi in the summer season, hammam and sauna, according to Staycation. No heated pool is mentioned.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. The outdoor jacuzzi is only open in summer: check your dates.
The hot tub. Staycation offers one hour of access to the jacuzzi and spa. No heated pool is mentioned.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Jacuzzi access is limited to one hour in the Staycation offer: book your slot when you arrive.
The hot tub. Spa with treatments and a whirlpool bath, according to Expedia and Ebookers. No pool is mentioned.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Here the warm water means the spa: book treatments in advance.
The hot tub. Outdoor pool and whirlpool bath, according to Kayak. Pool heating isn't specified; Kayak also mentions hot pools in the spa.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. For warm water, rely on the spa and its whirlpool bath rather than the outdoor pool.
These places were suggested to us directly by their owners. The heated pool is declared by them; they don't yet have enough guest reviews to join the selection.
In my selection, the top-rated is Gîte au calme, piscine privée chauffée au sel (House for rent · Airbnb), with 4.98/5 (61 reviews · Airbnb). Next come Mas ardéchois avec piscine chauffée (4.93/5) and Gîte de charme en sud Ardèche (4.93/5).
Yes at Gîte de charme en sud Ardèche: the pool is advertised as heated all year round. At Mas ardéchois avec piscine chauffée, Maison à Nyons, piscine privée et bien-être and Grande maison provençale, piscine et climatisation, heating is seasonal (1 may to 30 september). L'Ermitage Hôtel Cuisine-à-Manger, L'Impérial Palace and Hôtel Royal Evian Resort have an indoor pool, sheltered from the wind. Either way, ask for the heating dates before you book.
Advertised temperatures: 28 °C at Un Brin d'été and 30 °C at Hôtel Evian-les-Bains by Leonardo Hotels (ex-Hilton). For the other places the temperature isn't published: ask the property.
Yes: Mas au cœur des lavandes, piscine chauffée et spa, Hôtel Royal Evian Resort and Célestins Spa Thermal & Hôtel also have a hot tub in addition to the heated pool. No confirmed heated pool, but a hot tub: Les Trésoms Lake and Spa Resort, Hôtel Beauregard, The Originals Relais and Hôtel Princesse Flore.
Yes, 11 villas and holiday homes are selected: Gîte au calme, piscine privée chauffée au sel, Mas ardéchois avec piscine chauffée and Gîte de charme en sud Ardèche. Heating is sometimes charged extra: check the listing.
The word "heated" on a booking page isn't enough. Every place must have a rating of at least 8/10 (or 4/5) and carries one of these four levels.
Guests mention the heated water in their reviews, with the season when they say so.
A journalist or guide who stayed there describes the heated pool.
The hotel or the platform says so, but I haven't yet found a review that confirms it.
Heating isn't specified, but the water is sheltered from the wind and cold air. Ask for the temperature before you book.
I left these out because guests report water colder than advertised, or because no heating or indoor pool is mentioned.
| Place | What the sources say | Rating | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hôtel Mercure Annecy Sud · Lake Annecy | Pool listed by Kayak | 7,8/10 | Rating too low (Kayak) |
| Hôtel Les Muses · Lake Annecy | Indoor pool and sauna according to Expedia | 7,9/10 | Rating too low (Kayak) |
| Abbaye de Talloires · Lake Annecy | Outdoor pool according to Expedia | 9,7/10 | Heating not confirmed |
| The Originals Boutique, Hôtel Alizé · Évian and Lake Geneva | Seasonal outdoor pool | 8,8/10 | Heating not confirmed |
| Evian Les Terrasses du Lac, Ascend Collection · Évian and Lake Geneva | Seasonal outdoor pool and sauna | 8,2/10 | Heating not confirmed |
| The Originals Boutique, Hôtel Le Panorama · Auvergne | Indoor pool, water found nice and warm by travellers | 7,4/10 | Rating too low (Expedia) |
| L'Intemporelle · Ardèche | Pool from May to the end of September | 5/5 | Pool not heated, according to the listing |
| Sowell Hotels Ardèche · Ardèche | Seasonal outdoor pool at the Domaine du Rouret | 7,8/10 | Rating too low (Orbitz) |
| Sowell Family Le Vallon · Ardèche | Outdoor pool | 8,2/10 | Heating not confirmed |
| Sublime gîte sud Ardèche · Ardèche | Private pool open in summer | 4,92/5 | Heating not confirmed |
| Gîtes LydiL Le Figuier · Drôme | Pool from May to the end of September | 5,0/5 | Water only warmed by the sun |
| Hôtel Villa Alexandre · Lyon and the Beaujolais | Outdoor pool and sauna | 9,7/10 | Heating not confirmed |
| Novotel Lyon Bron Meeting & Events · Lyon and the Beaujolais | Outdoor pool | 4,2/5 | Heating not confirmed |
| Hôtel Mercure Villefranche-sur-Saône · Lyon and the Beaujolais | Rooftop pool, from June to September | 4,0/5 | Heating not confirmed |
Sources: Kayak (liste), Expedia (liste), Expedia (liste), Gîtes de France, Orbitz, Kayak, Airbnb, Expedia, Staycation, Accor (liste), Airbnb.
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