The Tour du Roc Swim

Open water swimming race

See you in July for this famousopen water swimming race. Every year, seasoned swimmers embark on a spectacular sporting challenge: Le Tour du Roc à la Nage! It’s a sporting, festive and friendly event that takes place every July in Granville.

On the occasion of the 61st Tour du Roc à la nage – Etape de Coupe de France Eau Libre – professional and amateur swimmers will launch from the outer harbour slipway towards the Pointe du Roc and the Haute Ville, to complete a 5km open water race, as far as Plat Gousset. Created in 1953 by Max AVENEL and Jean FICHPOIL, this competition is a real test of endurance as the swimmer, alone in the sea, has to deal with the elements. There was no swimming pool at this time of year, and the playground for the swimmers was of course the sea, as one of the organisers pointed out.

A unique show

This original event, organised by ESPERANCE VAILLANTE GRANVILLE NATATION, has been running for over 60 years. Since 2001, the Tour du Roc has been one of the stages in the Fédération Française de Natation’s French Open Water Cup circuit. Today, some 170 swimmers of various nationalities take part in the race, which attracts around 2,500 spectators.

A human event that combines competition and personal challenge

While some swimmers are competing in the Coupe de France, others are coming for the pleasure of reaching the finish. All the swimmers present are ready to prove themselves with regular training sessions, and the Tour du Roc remains a real test for everyone, according to one of the organisers. The all-time record for the 5km proof is 49 minutes and 54 seconds. It is held by Julien Coudevelle.

Events for the general public to get started

Younger swimmers and less experienced amateurs will meet up on Sunday for the general public trials (see programme below). We are expecting around 200 swimmers for the Sunday trials, according to the organisers.

We are expecting around 200 swimmers for the Sunday trials, according to the organisers. We are expecting around 200 swimmers for the Sunday trials, according to the organisers.We are expecting around 200 swimmers for the Sunday trials, according to the organisers.

And a great atmosphere

The atmosphere at this original event is particularly friendly. At the start points, families, curious onlookers or members of swimming clubs cheer on the runners by clapping or singing, depending on the recommendations of the announcer. And on the promenade du Plat Gousset, named after the beach near the casino in Granville, the Tour du Roc village welcomes participants, families, supporters and alumni to cheer and share Tour du Roc stories : The shop to take home souvenirs of these festive days and the refreshment area for convivial moments of sharing between Tour du Roc swimmers of all races.

All day long, in the heart of the Tour du Roc Village, this is the best place to experience the races among the competitors, supporters and fans of the Tour du Roc!

Advice from one of the organisers