The best wild swimming spots in France

With some of the largest and most beautiful lakes in Europe, France is a haven for wild swimming enthusiasts. Whether you’re dipping your toes in for the first time, an experienced outdoor swimmer or looking for some family fun, there is a refreshing spot for every kind of swimmer to dive into.

While it may take between 7 and 27 hours to swim across the channel, with LeShuttle you can drive across it in just 35 minutes. So pack your swimsuit, swim cap and goggles and get ready to make a splash.

What is wild swimming?    

Wild swimming is swimming in natural bodies of water, like lakes, rivers and the sea, instead of in chlorinated pools. It’s a great way to connect with nature and enjoy France from a whole new perspective.

Best regions in France for wild swimming

Whether you head north or south, you’ll find plenty of wild swimming spots to wade into.

Normandy

Known for its coastline, white-chalk cliffs and D-Day beaches, Normandy, in north France, is also home to some of the best wild swimming opportunities.

The River Orne

Running through northwest France, the River Orne winds through the Suisse Normande – a region named for its likeness to the rugged landscapes of Switzerland. The clear, gentle water is perfect for every kind of swimmer and with breathtaking scenery all around, it’s easy to see why this peaceful spot is so popular. 

The river is accessible through walking trails and picnic spots along its length. Head to Clécy, Thury-Harcourt or Pont-d’ouilly to jump in. But don’t forget to bring water shoes to protect your feet from the rocky riverbed!

Discover the refreshing wild swimming spots along the River Orne

Dordogne

Throughout this, one of the most picturesque regions in France, you’ll find prehistoric caves, medieval castles and stunning natural beauty. With the Dordogne River flowing down the heart of the valley, past cliffs and castles, swimmers are privy to some of the most unforgettable views of the region.

The Dordogne River

You’ll find countless swimming spots along the Dordogne River including supervised beaches, wild beaches and leisure lakes. Families may enjoy splashing into one of the supervised swimming areas where they can enjoy wild swimming with the added peace of mind of knowing lifeguards are nearby. The wild beaches are perfect for visitors who want a quieter, more secluded swim.

Wherever along the river you decide to jump in, you’ll be met by crystal-clear waters and spectacular views. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the river is one of the cleanest in Europe.

The Vézère River

Flowing into the Dordogne River, the Vézère River is another unmissable wild swimming spot in the region - head to La Roque St Christophe, near the cliff-side Troglodyte caves, to cool off.

Fun for the whole family – spend an afternoon on one of the beaches along Dordogne River

Jura

Named after the Jura Mountains, this department in east France is known for its unusual wines, artisanal cheeses and outdoor activities. Now that’s a winning combination!

Lac d'Ilay

The stunning Lac d'Ilay is close to the Swiss border. It takes just over six hours to drive to Lac d'Ilay from our Calais terminal, but it is a truly beautiful drive that you're unlikely to forget in a hurry. The lake is relatively large, and with the water being slightly shallow and warm, it makes for perfect conditions for a long-distance swim - plus, you won't have to worry about any unwanted cold shocks as you jump in.

The lake itself is surrounded by vast forestry and sandy shores and makes for a great place to camp out overnight. If you're feeling peckish, then take the 15-minute drive to Saint-Laurent-en-Grandvaux to fuel up on yummy French delights from the café, Pastry Marconot.

Crystal-clear and crowd-free, wild swim in Lac d'Ilay

Haute-Savoie

With snow-capped peaks, national parks and thermal baths, this mountainous region in southeast France is another must-swim destination.

Lac d'Annecy

The Lac d'Annecy is a deep pool of aqua-blue, surrounded by striking mountains and dense forest. The drive takes around 7 hours and a half to get there, so be sure to take the time to enjoy the scenic landscape on your way down.  It's also the third largest lake in France, making it the perfect place for a day of wild swimming in the summer sun.  The lake is surrounded by campsites, hotels and wooden lodges, so be sure to spend a night or two there to enjoy the atmospheric silence of the area at dawn.

On top of swimming, the lake also caters to a number of other sports enthusiasts; so when you're taking a break from swimming, why not try something new, such as learning how to paraglide, snorkel or even wakeboard? If you're in need of some food or just want somewhere to explore, make the quick trip to Acacias Bellevue, where you can dine out with panoramic views of the lake.

Discover the crystal-clear waters of Lake Annecy from the charming village of Talloires

Provence

This region in southeast France turns purple in the summer when the lavender fields burst into colour. With a Mediterranean climate and a sun-soaked landscape, Provence is packed with stunning places to cool off. 

Lac de Sainte-Croix

The Lac de Sainte-Croix is one of the most beautiful lakes in France, and with the Mediterranean climate of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, it's a great place to cool off during your summer holiday. It takes ten and a half hours to drive to Sainte-Croix from Calais, so make sure you take plenty of breaks - Dijon  is around halfway, so why not enjoy a day or two of exploring the city's sights?

Known for its turquoise water and rugged white cliffs, Lac de St. Croix is a sublime pool to dip into when the Mediterranean heat of southern France becomes too much. If you're with your kids, how about giving the paddle boat a go? Alternatively, if you're feeling a little more daring, give kayaking a try along the lake's tail, towards the tumbling Verdon gorges.

Verdon Gorge

The largest canyon in Europe, Verdon Gorge is perhaps one of the most spectacular places to wild swim in France. With bright turquoise waters framed by dramatic white cliffs, the canyon is postcard-perfect. Head to Lake Sainte Croix, near the mouth of the gorge, to access the supervised beaches. 

Swimming is not permitted in the main gorge, but for a wild experience of a different kind, you might consider going on an Aqua Trek – a guided ‘float’ through the heart of the canyon.

Grab your swimsuit and dive into the crystal waters of Lake Sainte-Croix

Drive to France for a wild swimming trip

Driving to France for a wild swimming trip is easy with LeShuttle. With crossings taking just 35 minutes, you might just be tempted to wear your swimsuit under your clothes so you can jump right in! 

Check the approximate time and distance for getting to each place from our Calais terminal:

Water you waiting for? Book a wild swimming trip with LeShuttle

Pack your swim cap, hop into your car, and hit the road – time to book your next wild adventure!

Book your trip today.