Lac Léman (Lake Geneva), France
Freediving school on the Alpine lakes — Léman, Annecy, and Bourget — specialised in cold-water apnea, compensation, and year-round training including under-ice programmes.
Overview
Approved freediving school operating on three Alpine lakes — Lac Léman (Thonon-les-Bains / Evian), Lac d'Annecy (Talloires / Duingt), and Lac du Bourget (Le Bourget). Courses run from beginner discovery sessions to AIDA 4 and Molchanovs 2, with a specialisation in cold-water freediving, compensation, and pranayama. Under-ice apnea programmes at Montriond, Tignes, and Courchevel are available each winter.
Small-group instruction across three lake sites, combining AIDA and Molchanovs frameworks with a strong emphasis on breathing, relaxation, and cold-water adaptation.
Whether you are looking to discover apnea for the first time or earn a recognised freediving certification in Lac Léman (Lake Geneva), France Apnée provides a structured path. The school is well-suited to first-time freedivers and those learning breath-hold technique for the first time. Instruction is available in French.
The people behind it
Master Instructor AIDA, PFI Instructor, and holder of the French state BPJEPS teaching diploma. Specialised in cold-water immersion, compensation, and pranayama.
Molchanovs Instructor and mental coach, with a background in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Focuses on body awareness and mind mastery for freediving performance.
Ideal for
Calm freshwater with no current or swell makes the Alpine lake setting one of the gentlest environments to learn breath-hold diving.
With a maximum depth of 310m, Lac Léman offers virtually unlimited depth for freediving training in a freshwater environment.
Founded by Charlély, a Master Instructor AIDA and PFI Instructor specialised in cold-water immersion and compensation.
Why this school
Coaching approach
Small-group instruction across three lake sites, combining AIDA and Molchanovs frameworks with a strong emphasis on breathing, relaxation, and cold-water adaptation.
Class format
Classes are kept to a small-group format to ensure more personal attention and actual dive time. Equipment rental is available on-site for those traveling light.
Course progression
From a first breath-hold to advanced depth training, the school adapts to where you are. Beginner freedivers start with foundational courses, while certified divers refine technique and progress to deeper certifications at their own pace.
Courses & Pricing
France Apnée lists 6 course options, priced from EUR 90 up to EUR 550.
This represents a visible ladder from first course to more committed progression covering everything from discovery dives to advanced certification levels, all delivered under AIDA and Molchanovs frameworks.
From
~ $98 USD
From
~ $218 USD
From
~ $382 USD
From
~ $491 USD
From
~ $600 USD
From
~ $534 USD
Training environment
France Apnée trains on three Alpine freshwater lakes across Haute-Savoie and Savoie. Summer open-water sessions run from May through September; winter programming shifts to under-ice apnea at mountain sites including Lac de Montriond, Tignes, and Courchevel, giving the school near year-round training continuity. The Saint-Disdille base on Lac Léman has changing rooms, showers, a classroom, boat access, and on-site accommodation.
Lac Léman (Lake Geneva) gives the school a mix of shore and boat-based sessions with up to 310m depth available in the broader destination profile.
At a glance
Certifications
Languages
Facilities
Accommodation on-site (Saint-Disdille), Boat access, Changing rooms, Classroom, Equipment rental, Showers
What you get
Courses at France Apnée include theory sessions, open-water sessions, boat access, classroom, and equipment rental. Equipment rental may be available separately.
Certification fees, transport to training sites, and other costs may be included or separate depending on the course. Book via the website or by phone at +33 6 68 31 70 83. Check the site for current schedule as sessions vary by lake and season.
Dive conditions
Lac Léman (Lake Geneva) offers shore access, boat-based access, and beginner-friendly coaching with a mix of shore and boat-based sessions and sets the water profile for France Apnée.
France Apnée operates across Lac Léman (Lake Geneva), Lac d'Annecy, and Lac du Bourget.
Surface water temperature ranges from 5 to 22 °C year-round, with the best window falling in May–September.
Open-water season May–September on the three lakes. Under-ice apnea runs approximately January–March at Montriond, Tignes, and Courchevel (weather and ice dependent).
Destination
Learn more about the places where France Apnée operates — conditions, best season, depth, and more.
Alternatives
Other freediving schools in Lac Léman (Lake Geneva) with listed courses, certifications, and pricing.
Got questions?
Everything you need to know about freediving, training, and choosing the right destination.
France Apnée offers AIDA and Molchanovs certification courses. Multiple agencies are available.
Prices at France Apnée start from EUR 90 for entry-level courses and go up to EUR 550 for advanced levels. Course duration ranges from 0.5 days to 3 days.
Calm freshwater with no current or swell makes the Alpine lake setting one of the gentlest environments to learn breath-hold diving. The €90 Découverte half-day session is a low-commitment entry point. The school also works well for cold-water training, compensation and pranayama, and under-ice freediving.
France Apnée trains in Lac Léman (Lake Geneva), which offers shore access, boat-based access, and beginner-friendly coaching with a mix of shore and boat-based sessions. The main training sites are Lac Léman (Saint-Disdille, Evian), Lac d'Annecy (Talloires, Duingt), Lac du Bourget (Lido du Bourget), and Nemo33 Geneva (deep pool, on request).
Book via the website or by phone at +33 6 68 31 70 83. Check the site for current schedule as sessions vary by lake and season.
Lac Léman (Lake Geneva) is well-suited to beginners and those looking to earn a freediving certification. The destination offers shore access, boat-based access, and beginner-friendly coaching with a mix of shore and boat-based sessions, making it a practical base for structured apnea training. Open-water season May–September on the three lakes. Under-ice apnea runs approximately January–March at Montriond, Tignes, and Courchevel (weather and ice dependent).
Recent Google reviews
I had an unforgettable time thanks to France Apnée! Benjamin and Emma are welcoming, incredibly friendly, and full of helpful advice, which immediately puts you at ease. The setting of Lake Geneva is simply magical: crystal-clear water, stunning scenery, and a peaceful atmosphere. All of this combined created the perfect environment for freediving ✨ I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to discover or deepen their freediving skills in an exceptional location.
This experience of pushing my limits was made possible by the kindness, patience, and professionalism of the Apnée Léman team. They take the time to adapt to each participant, helping us feel confident and allowing us to experience freediving safely. A heartfelt THANK YOU to Emma and Benjamin, who inspired me to go further.
Incredible experience completing Level 1 with Benjamin! Friendly atmosphere, very diverse exercises to suit all tastes. Highly recommended!
