The Best Wild Swimming in France: 12 Most Beautiful Spots

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At the peak of summer in France, amidst the sweltering heat, the only thing you crave is to plunge into some refreshing cold water! And if that water happens to be sparkling clear, meandering through rock pools and cascading down waterfalls, that’s even better!

From secluded mountain lakes and rocky gorges to azure winding rivers, France boasts an abundance of breathtaking natural spots perfect for a refreshing dip.

Join us as we share practical information and the best wild swimming destinations across this picturesque country, where every plunge promises a moment of pure joy and connection with nature.

The Best Wild Swimming Spots in France

Wild Swimming Map

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Gorges du Verdouble, Duilhac-sous-Peyrepertuse, Aude

Close to Peyrepertuse Castle on the Cathar Trail, Gorges du Verdouble is a stunning slim gorge with beautiful clear water and lots of different areas for swimming and jumping.

Made up of a small lake at the bottom of the Moulin de Ribaute waterfalls, you can swim in the lake or the many potholes created by the force of the water over millennia.

Walk around the large lake for the best spots and find a smooth rock to lay out on. Even on the hottest days, the water is very cold; the best tactic is just to jump in!  

You can also hike 4.9km to the Verdouble waterfalls by taking the marked Moulin de Ribaute trail, and you can even stop to swim on the way!

Gorge de Galamus, Saint-Paul-de-Fenouillet, Aude

One of the best places for wild swimming in the south of France, the Gorge de Galamus is blessed with crystal clear water, plunge pools, waterfalls, natural slides, and even natural jacuzzis. 

The gorge is well maintained but the narrow road to the gorge, with tunnels and overhanging rocks, can get very busy. There is a shuttle bus from Parking no 1 to Parking No 2 if you don’t want to drive the narrow road.

Galamus is a great place for canyoning, offered here in guided organized groups. It’s suitable for those with no experience and so much fun! Local companies offering canyoning trips include Nature Aventure and Oxygen Aventure.

There is also an abundance of hiking in the surrounding area, and the Ermitage Saint-Antoine de Galamus to visit.

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Gorges d’Heric, Mons, Hérault

In the Parc Naturel Regional du Haut-Langeudoc is the stunning Gorge d’Heric. Here the Héric River rises to about 1,000 meters in altitude in the Espinousse mountain, part of the Massif du Caroux, to eventually plunge into the Orb River, creating the Gorge d’Heric as it goes. 

From the car park, it’s a 10 minute walk along the impressive gorge on a paved road until you reach the area with swimming spots, pools, waterfalls, and slides with the occasional small sandy beach.  

The water is clear and cool, but in some places, the water will warm nicely on a hot day.  No matter how busy the gorge is, you will be able to find somewhere private for your swim.  

You can also walk along the gorge for around 5km to reach the Pont d’Heric and the village of Heric. There are wild swimming opportunities along the whole route, some very secluded, meaning a bit of skinny dipping might be in order! In the village is a small café where you can get a cold drink and baguette for lunch.

From the car park, you can also hike the Sentier des Gardes to Col de Bartouyre on the western slope of Caroux. From the car park, you can also hike the Sentier des Gardes to Col de Bartouyre on the western slope of Caroux. It’s a challenging route but well worth the views of vast areas of unspoilt French countryside from the top.

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Pont du Diable, Hérault

As the River Hérault comes rushing through its rocky narrow gorge and under the Pont du Diable (Devil’s Bridge) it slows and forms a small lake before moving on to the flat plains of Occitanie and eventually joining the Mediterranean Sea.   

There is a well-maintained river beach where there are kayaks, stand-up paddle boards and canoe rentals from Canoës du Pont du Diable, based on the beach, or just swim.  

Local youths throw themselves from the bridge (although this is strictly forbidden)and from rocks around the bridge. After watching for a bit, we scrambled up the rocks and did the same! The water is clear and cool …this is the perfect spot for wild swimming in France.

Local youths throw themselves from the bridge (although this is strictly forbidden)and from rocks around the bridge. After watching for a bit, we scrambled up the rocks and did the same! The water is clear and cool …this is the perfect spot for wild swimming in France.

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Pont d’Arc, Vallon-Pont-d’Arc, Ardeche

Flowing through the picturesque Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, the Ardèche River is a popular wild swimming spot. Renowned for clear waters fed by natural springs there are plenty of tranquil river beaches of the Ardèche, but Pont d’Arc is arguably the most famous.

Notable for the giant prehistoric arch that bridges the river, which also provides welcome shade on a sunny day and high canyon walls, this is a picture perfect place for wild swimming.

You can also hire kayaks on the beach (or bring your own) and paddle up or down river to find quieter spots.

If this spot is too busy for you, there are plenty of others along the river, including the Cirque de Gens in the Ardeche Gorges, the Labeaume Gorges, and the Chassezac Gorges.

Pont du Gard, Vers-Pont-du-Gard, Gard

Just beneath the iconic Pont du Gard, an ancient Roman aqueduct bridge near Uzes, lie a few rocky and sandy beaches bordered by the gentle flow of the cool River Gardon.

The Pont du Gard is a favored destination for wild swimming enthusiasts. The river offers a shallow depth, and during summer, its waters are a lovely temperature for a refreshing dip.

Against the breathtaking backdrop, one can effortlessly float toward the river’s center, marveling at the colossal Roman engineering masterpiece towering above as it reaches 50 meters over the River Gardon.

You’ll need to buy a ticket to access the beaches around the bridge as the whole place is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It would be a shame not to visit the bridge after your swim!

River Cèze, Montclus, Gard

Deep in Languedoc-Roussillon, Montclus is a beautiful spot, one of France’s Plus Beau Villages. Surrounded by vineyards and lavender fields, the village and its river are a tranquil place to spend the day.

The River Cèze passes the village as it burbles over rocks and through deep pools, clear and inviting. There are a number of small pebbled river beaches from which you can swim, dip, and cool off on a hot day.  

Exploring Montclus won’t take too long! The village centre is made up of steep cobbled alleys lined with traditional stone houses and pretty views out across the countryside and river valley. In the centre is a 13th century castle with a square keep and high stone walls that’s well worth visiting.

Lac de St Croix, Var & Alpes-de-Haute-Provence

France has many artificial lakes, to store water and generate electricity and the Lac de St Croix in Provence is one of its largest. 

Head for the village of St Croix and follow the signs to the lake. There are a few river beaches and places for launching your kayak or SUP below the village. Another popular spot is Les Salles sur Verdon on the opposite side of the lake, or to get closer to the gorge, head for the beach at the foot of Galetas Bridge.

For a quieter experience, Bauduen Plage is on the lake’s southeast shore and has some good boulders for jumping and a good beach.

If you want to get into the Gorge du Verdon, which hosts the Verdon River, you’ll need to hire a kayak, canoe, paddleboard, or day boat. Once in the gorge, with its steep-sided walls, you can take a dip from your craft.

Wherever you look, the scenery is simply stunning, and the water is a sparkling turquoise, warm and welcoming.

Lac de Gaube, Cauterets, Hautes-Pyrenees

The distinctive Lac de Gaube in the Parc National des Pyrenees is one of the most beautiful lakes in France, surrounded by towering mountains and alpine meadows.

It is hikeable or accessible by cable car and chairlift and has plenty of great places where you can get in for a dip. The lake is gorgeous shades of emerald and turquoise, with the rocks visible well into the deep. But be warned, it’s cold even in summer – you are at 1725m above sea level!

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Lac d’Ilay, La Chaux-du-Dombief, Jura

Well off the beaten track in the Jura region lies a chain of glittering azure lakes. Hidden gems in their own right, they offer serene settings ideal for a refreshing swim.

Lac d’Ilay is the largest and shallowest, boasting warm waters and a grassy shore leading to a sandy beach. Adjacent, Lac de Narlay has a lakeside campsite and a secluded cliff spot perfect for daring jumps and dives.

We would recommend the northern end of the lake as a good spot, where you can park and take a short walk along a track to a chain of small beaches that line this end of the lake. Many of the spots are just big enough for a few people, so get there early if you’re planning on spending the day.

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Lac d’Annecy, Annecy, Haute-Savoie

Lake Annecy, the second largest lake in France, has a reputation as being the cleanest lake in Europe which makes it a great spot for wild swimming.

During the peak summer months of July and August, the water temperature of Lake Annecy can reach around 24° Celcius | 75° Fahrenheit, and the water stays warm well into September and October.

There are too many beaches around Lake Annecy to list here, but suffice to say, whatever your needs there’s a beach here that’s perfect for you!

River Tarn, Cevennes

In the mountains of the Cévennes, you are in the wild heart of Southern France. The Tarn River flows through breathtaking gorges and around river beach bends providing many opportunities for wild swimming.  There are an abundance of good places to get your toes into the water, but these are our favorites:

Castelbouc: Perched precariously against the cliffside of the Tarn gorge, this quaint village offers proximity to the river beach.

Cocurès: A stunning stretch of deep water river gorge awaits, complete with opportunities for exhilarating jumps and flat rocks perfect for sunbathing.

Cascade de Runes: Nestled in a beautiful setting along the upper Tarn, this picturesque double waterfall cascades into inviting pools, creating a serene retreat.

Le-Pont-de-Montvert: Near the heart of the village lies a gouffre, or chasm, brimming with emerald waters, beckoning visitors to its tranquil depths.

Les Détroits: Within this narrower section of the gorge, towering cliffs cast shadows over deep waters, providing a dramatic backdrop to your swimming session.

Cascade de Tapoul: Tucked away, this remote waterfall unveils its beauty through deep plunge pools, offering a peaceful spot for a wild swim.

Bonheur Pools: Emerging from underground caves, the deep-blue waters of these polished granite pools provide a refreshing oasis on a hot day.

If you’re looking for more wild swimming spots in France, the second edition of Wild Swimming France: 1000 Most Beautiful Rivers, Lakes, Waterfalls, Hot Springs and Natural Pools of France by Tania Pascoe and Daniel Start is a brilliant buy!

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