In the bleak midwinter, our minds can take us basking in the sun by a warm sea, but it may be more difficult to picture yourself swimming in the cool waters of our “Douce France”. However, you don't have to go very far to find heavenly places ideal for swimming. Whether you dream of lakes to cover the miles, a pool to float in, or waterfalls to play in, France has it all. For athletes, the flat and freshwaters of the lakes are particularly suitable for open water training, but rivers should not be excluded. Here is a non-exhaustive list of the most beautiful swimming spots in the country, romantic, wild or colourful, more or less cool, each one will conquer you in its own way.
Lake
The Bourget lake in Haute-Savoie
Considered the largest natural lake in France, the fabulous Lac du Bourget will dazzle you with its turquoise waters and the mountain peaks that surround it (Mont du Chat, Belvédère du Mont Revard). The latter offer a panorama as far as the eye can see. The lake stretches over 18 km, which leaves you spoiled for choice for your swimming spot. For a wellness treatment, Aix-les-Bains will welcome you on the banks of the lake.
Lake Gaube in the Pyrenees
South of Lourdes, bordered by snow-capped peaks, Lake Gaube is located at an altitude of 1,725 metres. To dive into its waters, you need to be motivated a little since there is no equipped beach and the water temperature, even in summer, is enough to cool down the most daring. Nature lovers will find what they are looking for and a swim in the purity of the mountain water will have its beneficial effects. Surrounded by the majestic peaks, the lake is dominated by the Vignemale (3,298 m), the highest peak in the French Pyrenees!
The Serre-Ponçon lake in the Hautes Alpes
From an intense turquoise blue to emerald green, it is one of the most famous lakes in the Alpine massif. Located on the border of the Hautes-Alpes and the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, it owes its origin to the construction of a dam on the Durance, inaugurated in 1961. It has 9 beaches along its 90km of banks, all supervised during the summer holidays.
The Thau lagoon in Hérault
A true symbol of the Occitanie region, the Thau lagoon stretches from Sète to Marseillan. It is the largest of its kind in Languedoc with a length of 19km. Only a thin strip of land separates it from the Mediterranean Sea. Although it is known for its shellfish and crustaceans, the north of the pond offers pretty beaches with waters suitable for swimming, calmer and warmer than the neighbouring Mediterranean.
Lake Salagou in Hérault
Surrounded by hills with red or black rocks and lush vegetation and even a few vineyards, Lake Salagou is a must-see swimming spot in the region, Lake Salagou leaves no one indifferent. The ruffe, this red earth, offers a dramatic contrast with the waters of the lake and, it must be said, a little air of planet Mars.
The biotope lake of Combloux in Haute-Savoie
A first in France, this 100% ecological swimming pool opened in 2002. Without chlorine, its filtration system is done by plants for clear and pure water. Located in Combloux in Haute Savoie, this lake is over 1,000m above sea level and offers an incredible panorama of Mont Blanc.
White lake in the Alpes de-Haute-Provence
Set in the flowery grass of the alpine pastures, Lake Blanc is a small natural mirror in which the peaks of the Mont-Blanc massif and the Aiguilles Rouges massif are reflected. Limestone rocks and clay give it its milky appearance although the waters are clear. This gem is perched at an altitude of 2,307m, at the foot of the Gébroulaz glacier, which gives you an indication of the water temperature. Access is via a hiking trail from the Bellecombe car park (another lake) in Val-Cenis or from the Prioux car park in Pralognan.
River
The Pont du Diable
In the heart of the Hérault gorges, the Pont du Diable or Devil’s bridge is scary only by name. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it towers 20 meters above the Ardèche and is a legendary swimming spot. The Pont du Diable beach near Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert is a supervised swimming area during the summer months. But be warned, to get into the water you’ll have to cross the pebble beach as diving and the like are prohibited, safety first!
The Verdouble Gorges
In the Mediterranean hinterland, you will find the Verdouble Gorges. Also called "Moulin de Ribaute" due to the old watermill, the Gorges offer dynamic swimming in a picturesque setting. Clear water flows into a succession of waterfalls, water holes and small natural lakes dug into the rock. If swimming is more fun, some natural pools are big enough to do lengths.
The tarn
At the foot of the cliffs of Méjean, Saint-Chély-du-Tarn offers a swimming spot the likes of a fairy tale. The village overlooking the Tarn is decorated with natural beaches of immaculate white and sandy bottoms that highlight the emerald waters of the river. Waterfalls gush from between the houses. A beautiful setting for a swim in total osmosis with the natural heritage!
The lot
Less dramatic, the Lot has dug valleys through the hillsides and is among the largest rivers in France. There is a beach at the foot of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie but you can follow the towpath dug into the cliffs while admiring its bas-reliefs by Daniel Monnier between the port of Bouziès and Saint-Cirq-Lapopie and jump into the water whenever you feel like it. The bravest can swim this path like the barges of yesteryear.
The Loir
Sprinkled with mills, each more romantic than the last, the Loir offers a succession of spillways with water heated by the sun and a gentle swimming route. Visit the Moulin de Mervé in Luché-Pringé in Sarthe.
Between sea and pool
You don't feel quite ready to leave the pools? No problem, head to the natural swimming pool of Granville. On the Plat Gousset beach, overlooked by Christian Dior's family home at the top of the cliff, there is a swimming pool dug into the rocks that lives to the rhythm of the tides. It even has starting blocks for diving into the deep end of the invigorating saltwater of the English Channel.
Inspired by all these places? Feeling like taking on a challenge? The Open Swim Stars organize open water events in 7 French and Swiss cities in the heart of summer. The opportunity to swim in unusual places, like in the Seine in the heart of Paris.