Northern France runs from the dunes and headlands of the Opal Coast to the Somme Bay, with Lille at the centre of its metropolitan area and, further south-east, the Champagne vineyards around Reims and Épernay. The Channel and the North Sea stay cool almost all year round. The selection relies on the indoor pools of Le Touquet and Reims, Lille's spas and rentals with heated pools. I've selected 41 places, all rated at least 8/10; the top-rated is Villa La Piscine (4.97/5).
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.
41 places shown
The pool. According to the photo descriptions, the villa has an indoor pool.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. This information comes from the listing's photos: get the host to confirm that the pool is covered and heated.
The pool. Gîte with an indoor pool; heating isn't specified.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. The pool is indoors but its temperature isn't stated: ask before you book.
The pool. Shared heated pool from mid-May to the end of September; private spa session for two at extra cost.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Ask the host about the heating period and target temperature before you book.
The pool. House with a pool and spa; a photo in the listing describes a heated indoor pool.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. This comes from the listing photos: get the host to confirm that the pool is covered and heated.
The pool. Large holiday cottage with an indoor pool.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. The pool is indoors but its temperature isn't stated: ask before you book.
The pool. Apartment in a residence with an indoor pool.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. The pool is indoors but its temperature isn't stated: ask before you book.
The pool. House with a pool; one photo in the listing describes it as heated.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. This information comes from the listing's photos: get the host to confirm that the pool is covered and heated.
The pool. Apartment in a residence with an indoor pool and tennis court.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. The pool is indoors but its temperature isn't stated: ask before you book.
The pool. Loft with a fully private indoor pool, advertised as heated to 30, and a sauna.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. A private pool in the city: book early for weekends.
The pool. Apartment in a residence with a pool advertised as heated.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Ask the host about the heating period and the target temperature before you book.
The pool. According to the photo descriptions, the house has an indoor pool.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. This information comes from the listing's photos: get the host to confirm that the pool is covered and heated.
The pool. Apartment in a residence with a pool advertised as heated.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Ask the host about the heating period and the target temperature before you book.
The pool. Apartment with a pool advertised as heated.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Ask the host about the heating period and the target temperature before you book.
The pool. Heated outdoor pool.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Outdoor pool: ask about the heating dates before you book.
The pool. Indoor pool, according to Expedia.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature. Booking, as reported by Routard, shows 9.1/10 from 839 reviews.
Guide's tip. The pool is indoors but its temperature isn't stated: ask before you book.
The pool. Indoor pool and spa area, according to Expedia.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature. Staycation shows 9.5/10 from 29 reviews.
Guide's tip. The pool is indoors but its temperature isn't stated: ask before you book.
The pool. Indoor pool and treatments, according to Expedia.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Handy for a stopover before or after the Channel Tunnel.
The pool. Covered indoor pool heated to 30 °C, with a sauna and hammam.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature. Expedia shows 9.0/10 from 45 reviews.
Guide's tip. Get the heating period and water temperature confirmed before you book.
The pool. Large indoor pool, according to the Expedia FAQ and photos.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. The pool is indoors but its temperature isn't stated: ask before you book.
The pool. 17 m indoor pool.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature. Expedia shows 8.8/10 from 69 reviews.
Guide's tip. The pool is indoors but its temperature isn't stated: ask before you book.
The pool. Covered, heated pool, with sauna.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature. Expedia shows 8.8/10 from 110 reviews.
Guide's tip. Get the heating period and water temperature confirmed before you book.
The pool. Heated stainless-steel pool (“tempered” according to the FAQ), set in a former bank vault, with a sauna.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Get the heating period and water temperature confirmed before you book.
The pool. Heated indoor pool, according to Expedia.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Get the heating period and water temperature confirmed before you book.
The pool. Expedia lists the hotel among those with an indoor pool; one traveller talks about a large seawater pool.
One guest describes a large seawater pool and a hammam that is often very busy. They don't mention the temperature.
Guide's tip. The seawater pool belongs to the thalasso centre: check the access hours included with your room.
The pool. Indoor pool and outdoor pool, according to Expedia.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. The pool is indoors but its temperature isn't stated: ask before you book.
The pool. Indoor pool, according to the FAQ and an Expedia photo.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. The pool is indoors but its temperature isn't stated: ask before you book.
The pool. Indoor pool, according to Expedia and Generation Voyage.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. The pool is indoors but its temperature isn't stated: ask before you book.
The pool. Heated outdoor pool, open in summer.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature. Expedia shows 9.2/10 from 105 reviews.
Guide's tip. Outdoor pool open in summer only: check the dates.
The pool. Covered, heated 18 m pool, reached from the rooms, with ice grotto, sauna and hammam.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. An 18 m pool: one of the longest in the resort for some proper swimming.
The pool. An Expedia photo shows an indoor pool with a view of the beach.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. This information comes from the listing's photos: get the hotel to confirm that the pool is covered and heated.
The pool. Indoor pool, spa and sauna, according to the Expedia FAQ.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. The pool is indoors but its temperature isn't stated: ask before you book.
The pool. Indoor pool and hot tub.
The hot tub. Hot tub.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. The pool is indoors but its temperature isn't stated: ask before you book.
The pool. Indoor and outdoor pools, according to Expedia.
One guest rates the pool as excellent, without mentioning the temperature.
Guide's tip. Ask whether access to the aquatic centre is included in your rental.
The pool. Trip.com mentions an indoor pool, an outdoor pool and a whirlpool bath. The Booking listing reported by Routard only mentions the outdoor pool.
The hot tub. Whirlpool bath.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature. One guest points out that the spa and pool closed at 3 pm during their stay. Booking, as reported by Routard, shows 9.4/10 from 131 reviews.
Guide's tip. Get access to the indoor pool and its opening hours confirmed before you book.
The pool. Pool with hydromassage jets in a two-level spa (Staycation), listed as an indoor pool by Expedia.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. The pool is indoors but its temperature isn't stated: ask before you book.
The pool. Heated indoor pool, open from 7 am to 9 pm, and a whirlpool bath in the spa.
The hot tub. Whirlpool bath in the spa.
According to the Hotels.com review summary, several guests praise the pool, its heating and its setting. One guest mentions a smell of chlorine reaching the upper floors. Booking, as reported by Routard, shows 8.7/10 from 739 reviews.
Guide's tip. Formerly the Hostellerie La Briqueterie: search under that name too.
The pool. Large heated indoor pool and hammam, according to Staycation; Expedia also mentions a spa.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature. Staycation shows 8.8/10 from 474 reviews.
Guide's tip. Get the heating period and water temperature confirmed before you book.
The pool. Outdoor pool heated to 28 °C.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature. The rating is based on only a few reviews.
Guide's tip. Ask the host about the heating period and target temperature before you book.
The pool. Heated private pool (20 °C advertised) and jacuzzi.
The hot tub. Jacuzzi.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. 20 °C is still on the cool side for a long swim: ask the host whether the temperature can be raised.
The pool. Shared indoor pool, open from 7 pm to 10 am, and a hammam.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. The pool is shared on a timetable: check that the hours suit you.
The pool. An Expedia photo shows an indoor pool.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. The pool is indoors but its temperature isn't stated: ask before you book.
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. Spa with sauna and jacuzzi; pool and natural pond, with no details on heating.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. The whirlpool bath is the highlight here: check whether it's private and included in the price.
The hot tub. Apartment in a residence with a pool, jacuzzi and sauna; neither heating nor a covered pool is specified.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. The whirlpool bath is the highlight here: check whether it's private and included in the price.
The hot tub. Jacuzzi as an optional extra. No pool.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. The jacuzzi is an optional extra: book it along with your stay.
The hot tub. An Expedia photo shows a room with a glass-walled whirlpool bath. No pool.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Ask which rooms have the whirlpool bath before you book.
The hot tub. A traveller's review mentions a jacuzzi. No pool advertised.
One guest mentions the jacuzzi. The rating is based on few reviews.
Guide's tip. The hot tub is the highlight here: check whether it's private and included in the price.
The hot tub. Hot tub. No pool advertised.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. The hot tub is the highlight here: check whether it's private and included in the price.
The hot tub. Whirlpool bath and spa area. No pool advertised.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. The whirlpool bath is the highlight here: check whether it's private and included in the price.
The hot tub. Hot tub. No pool advertised.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. The hot tub is the highlight here: check whether it's private and included in the price.
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 Villa La Piscine (Villa for rent · Airbnb), with 4.97/5 (64 reviews · Airbnb). Next come Gîte Étable avec piscine intérieure (4.97/5) and Heliconia – appartement boutique, piscine et spa (4.94/5).
None of the places selected in northern France and Picardy clearly advertises a pool heated all year round. At Heliconia – appartement boutique, piscine et spa and Manoir Hôtel Le Touquet, heating is seasonal (mid-may to end of september). Villa La Piscine, Gîte Étable avec piscine intérieure and L'Intermède – grand gîte, jardin et piscine have an indoor pool, sheltered from the wind. Either way, ask for the heating dates before you book.
Advertised temperatures: 30 °C at SWIMCASALILLE – loft avec piscine intérieure, 30 °C at Hôtel & Spa Armes de Champagne, 28 °C at Grande maison avec piscine and 20 °C at Villa spa, piscine et vue sur lac. For the other places the temperature isn't published: ask the property.
Yes: Manoir Les Feuillantines – piscine et spa, Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa and Villa spa, piscine et vue sur lac also have a hot tub in addition to the heated pool. No confirmed heated pool, but a hot tub: Domaine Caloin – Spa, Les Suites and Les Secrets de la Baie – La Jimbaran.
Yes, 10 villas and holiday homes are selected: Villa La Piscine, Gîte Étable avec piscine intérieure and L'Intermède – grand gîte, jardin et piscine. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Center Parcs Le Lac d'Ailette (Aisne) · Champagne | Indoor and outdoor pools, Aqua Mundo at extra cost | 6,4/10 | Rating too low (42 Trip.com reviews); one traveller describes worn pools |
| LOISIUM Wine & Spa Hotel Champagne · Champagne | Outdoor pool | 9,0/10 | Heating not confirmed (outdoor pool only) |
| Pierre & Vacances Les Jardins de la Côte d'Opale · Opal Coast | Indoor pool | 7,2/10 | Rating too low (145 Expedia reviews) |
| ibis Le Touquet Thalassa · Opal Coast | Indoor pool under a glass roof (photo) | 7,8/10 | Rating too low (151 Expedia reviews) |
| Goélia La Belle Époque (Mers-les-Bains) · Somme Bay | Heated indoor pool | 7,0/10 | Rating too low (2 Gites.fr reviews) |
| Gîte 6 personnes, Maisons de la Plage (Fort-Mahon) · Somme Bay | Outdoor pool open in July and August | 7,2/10 | Rating too low (15 Gites.fr reviews) and heating not confirmed |
| Novotel Lille Aéroport · Lille | Seasonal outdoor pool | 10/10 | Heating not confirmed and only one review |
Sources: Expedia (liste), Gites.fr (liste), Staycation (liste), Trip.com, Avygeo, Routard Hôtels / Booking (liste).
Get it listed in the guide: a listing in four languages and a direct link to your website, for commission-free bookings.