Advice for swimming in the Ardèche and the Ardèche gorges.
Maëlle, from the Académie des gorges de l’Ardèche, gives us her advice on swimming in the best conditions and in complete safety.
Swimming in the Ardèche.
In the Ardèche, and particularly in the Gorges de l’Ardèche, there are plenty of opportunities for swimming thanks to its rivers and natural lakes. Here are just some of the popular places to swim in the Ardèche
The infinity pool at Mas de la Fontenette, Gorges de l’Ardèche.
Our guests can enjoy the crystal-clear waters of their private heated pool and, after their swims, relax in a haven of tranquillity in the heart of nature. Rated 4 stars, this gite also has a wellness area with spa, sauna, exercise bike, table football and petanque pitch.
Swimming in the Ardèche Gorges
The River Ardèche and the Ardèche Gorges offer many good places to swim along its spectacular gorges. There are several pebble beaches and swimming areas at different points along the river
Swimming under the Pont d’Arc in the Ardèche gorges
This famous natural arch of the Pont d’Arc marks the entrance to the Ardèche Gorges and is a popular swimming spot with sandy beaches. This iconic spot attracts many visitors, especially in summer. It is advisable to arrive early to avoid the crowds and to respect the natural environment of this exceptional site.
Bathing at Vallon Pont d’Arc upstream from the Ardèche gorges
As well as the famous natural arch of the Pont d’Arc in the Ardèche Gorges, there are several places to swim in Vallon Pont d’Arc. These include the area around the road bridge over the Ardèche between Vallon and Salavas, Les Mazes, as well as several other places not listed
Swimming in Vogüé (Ardèche)
The River Ardèche flows through the village of Vogüé , which is listed as a “Village of Character”. Swimming spots upstream and downstream from the village
Swimming in Balazuc (Ardèche)
The River Ardèche flows through the magnificent village of Balazuc. It has been awarded the “Village de caractère” and “Plus beaux villages de France” labels. Swimming spots upstream and downstream from the bridge
Swimming in Ruoms (Ardèche)
The best places to swim in Ruoms start just outside the Ruoms gorge. This is a magnificent cliff into which a narrow road has been cut. These bathing spots extend into a long beach of sand and pebbles on the left bank.
Swimming at Labeaume (Ardèche)
This is the Baume, a tributary of the Ardèche, which flows past the foot of the village, spelt Labeaume. A submersible bridge crosses from one bank to the other of the village
Swimming in the Chassezac gorges in Ardèche
The Chassezac flows into the Ardèche. It is fed by the Villefort dam, located in the commune of Villefort in the Lozère region of southern France. Its water is cooler than that of the Ardèche. This is very welcome during the heatwave. There are plenty of places to swim, particularly in the gorges above the small town of Les Vans
Frequently asked questions about swimming in the Ardèche.
There are many places to swim in the Ardèche. Those relating to the southern Ardèche are listed earlier in this page.
Beaches are not supervised. Children are the responsibility of their parents
The Ardèche is very hot, almost too hot. Temperatures in excess of 28 degrees are common. The water of the Chassezac is generally cooler than that of the Ardèche.
Only some of them are. It has to be said that the various gorges in the Ardèche are very steep. This is why it is particularly difficult, if not impossible, to make the appropriate arrangements
Yes. Avoid jumping from the banks. Some rocks that are not visible due to the turbidity of the water are almost flush with the surface
It would be highly desirable if they were not, given the noise pollution, health problems and disturbance to local wildlife that they cause