Triangle des Eaux Bleues 2026 — Miribel

The morning at the plage du Fontanil is defined by the steady, rhythmic preparation of the FFESSM AURA community. As club members arrive to set the course, there is a palpable sense of focused energy that has become a staple for those returning to the Lac de Miribel year after year. This annual event serves as a critical qualification stage, drawing competitive fin swimmers who navigate the 2km triangular loop with precision. The lake itself, a product of intensive gravel extraction in the 1970s, now functions as a vital flood-control reservoir for the Rhône river and remains a strategic safeguard for Lyon’s water supply. Swimmers often find the water surprisingly tranquil, a stark contrast to the historical volatility of the river it protects.

Navigating the island landscape

As you round the buoys, the perspective from the water reveals the unique geography of the Miribel-Jonage Island. This landmass was carved out during the 19th century through the engineering of the Miribel and Jonage canals, a project designed to tame the seasonal flooding that once plagued the region. While pushing through the laps, you might spot the 'Ici' sculpture by Ugo Rondinone, which stands as a contemporary landmark near the park’s edge, occasionally catching the light as you sight your line. The surrounding environment is protected as a Natura 2000 site, and it is not uncommon to observe the rich ornithological life that thrives in this specialized wetland ecosystem. For those building their season, this race offers a technical challenge that pairs well with the broader regional calendar, including the Open Swim Stars Lyon held in September.

Heritage and competition

The history of the area goes far deeper than the modern park infrastructure. The nearby town of Saint-Maurice-de-Beynost represents a sudden industrial evolution; in the 1920s, the establishment of an artificial silk factory caused the local population to explode fivefold in just five years, forever changing the character of this landscape. Further into Miribel, the Saint-Romain fountain stands as a somber monument, originally a mission cross before being converted in 1832 to address a devastating drought. Every stroke across the Eaux Bleues carries this context, moving through a space that has been engineered, industrialized, and reclaimed by nature. Whether you are tackling the 2km, 4km, or 6km distance, the course demands consistency against the backdrop of this layered human and environmental history.