The south of France is dotted with many beautiful swimming spots. However, you may be surprised that these spots are not always the easiest to find, particularly when you travel away from the sea. Here are some of the best places to take a dip in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (in no particular order).
If you are visiting in late-June to July you should also make sure to take in the lavender fields whilst in the area.
Explore the best of the French Lavender fields
Cascade de Sillans
If you want to immerse yourself in the most magical and secluded wild swimming spots in the south of France, you must head to Cascade de Sillans (waterfalls of Sillans). Located near the commune of Sillans-la-Cascade, in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, this swimming spot is best accessed by car and can be easily visited as a day trip (or a pit stop) from Marseille, Aix-en-Provence, St. Tropez, Nice, or Valensole.
Following a short walk of about half an hour you will reach the heavenly waters of the Bresque. Deep in the forest, a hidden oasis emerges where the sun seeps through the trees to light up the light blue water flowing through the winding tree roots. The calming sounds of rushing water top off the sensory experience.
There are many locations along the south side of the river to find your own space to swim, play or relax. You should be aware that the main waterfall viewed from the north side of the Bresque is not for swimming as it is dangerous.
Taking a dip in the cool waters of the Bresque is an amazing experience. The fresh water is certainly cool, but you will quickly become accustomed to it, and you will come out feeling completely refreshed in body and mind.
Overall, the walk is quite easy and is certainly worth the reward at the end (even Amy would agree)!
For more information on how to find your way to and around this forest oasis please visit this blog post.
Gorges du Verdon
Gorges du Verdon (Verdon Gorge) is an awe-inspiring river canyon located in the heart of Provence-Alpes-Côtes d’Azur. We could not help but marvel at the dramatic white cliffs that rise up on both sides of the bright blue waters that has carved their way through the rocks over millions of years.
At the north end of the Lake of Sainte-Croix, Gorges du Verdon is also not far from and can easily be completed as a day trip from the French Riviera or Valensole.
The gorge is best explored by kayak or paddle boat. There are several vendors located on either side of Pont du Galetas. When we visited a kayak could be hired for 20 euros per hour.
With such beauty and easy accessibility, it is no wonder that the gorge is a very popular destination, particularly in the middle of summer. You should try to avoid the middle of the day (between 11am and 3pm) or be prepared to share your visit with a couple hundred other adventure seekers.
Plage de Bauduen
If you are looking for a less crowded paddle boat experience, head to Bauduen. Not far from Gorges du Verdon, at the south end of the Lake of Sainte-Croix, the beauty of Baduen rivals other towns in Provence such as Gordes or Saignon. But Bauduen has something that they don’t have, a lakeside beach.
At the beach you can relax by on the beach or have a swim in the fresh waters. Alternatively, you can also get a paddle boat, which we will highlight recommend. Or even better, a paddle boat with a slippery slide! For 15 euros an hour, grab a paddle boat and head out on the Lake of Sainte-Croix. Once out on the lake you can have the time your life as you slide into the water and take in the prime view of the commune of Bauduen perched on the lakeside hill.
Plage de l’amour
Plage de l’amour (Love Beach) is an even more off-the-beaten-path swimming spot on the manmade Lake of Saint-Croix. This spot is much more hidden and private than the previous two spots. As a result, it makes for a very relaxing and serene location to hang out for the day. Furthermore, there is plenty of shade provided by the nearby trees to keep cool on those days.
To get to this beach you can park off to the side of the road. There is plenty of space to park, but nonetheless be careful. From the road it is less than 10 minutes to easily walk down to the shoreline.
Calanque d’en vau
In the Calanques National Park, several rocky coves, carve their way out of the Mediterranean limestone coast. Calanque d’en Vau is unrivalled compared to all the calanques located along the French riviera for its grandeur and beauty. Calanque d’en Vau will take your breath away, and not only due to the 2.5 to 3 hour return hike (ask Amy), but because of the crystal clear waters set between towering limestone cliffs.
The calanque can be reached by multiple hiking trails, kayak or boat (however, the boats are not able to go deep into the calanque or to shore). We stayed in and hiked from the charming seaside town of Cassis to Calanque d’en Vau and on the way you will also pass Calanque de Port Pin which is a stunning pit stop to take a dip before continuing your hike. In the middle of summer, it was extremely hot so be sure to bring plenty of water and sun protection.
The destination is so stunning that not even the hike scares off the masses. When you reach the beach, you will likely come across a crowded pebble beach. However, if you safely head out on the rocks to either side of the cove you will find more space to relax and admire the scenery in between dips.
Les Goudes
Not far from the city of Marseille, Les Goudes is the perfect escape from the city, a fun eventful and gorgeous swimming spot within bike riding distance from the city.
Les Goudes is located on a peninsula 12km south of Marseille city centre. You could drive to Les Goudes but there is limited parking, so you are better off doing as we did and riding there by bike (or electric bike). Lime bikes are located all over Marseille and at Les Goudes. Furthermore, the bike ride will take you on an easy scenic path along the coastline.
Located just to the west of Calanque National Park, when you arrive you will be greeted by the same glorious limestone coastline. Only amongst these rocks you will also find a few enchanting beach bars and restaurants. You can hire a bed at one for the day for about 20 euros a day. Alternatively, you can explore the rocks as we did and pick out your own little cove to take a dip and relax on the rocks.
On the west side of Les Goudes the sun puts on a spectacular show as it sets over the ocean. You can enjoy this show from several venues or, like us, grab a takeaway pizza and some beers to enjoy from the limestone rocks.
Port de la Vesse
To the west of Marseille lies the Côte Bleue (Blue Coast) which offers many more ideallic swimming locations outside the city centre. Here you will find a bridge called Port de la Vesse. Although quite modern, the consecutive arches supporting the bridge still give it an ancient roman feel.
Right in front of the bridge you can an enjoy a swim in the ocean while admiring the bridge from the water.
This location is also very popular amongst snorkel and scuba enthusiasts.
You can reach the beach by getting a train from Station Marseille Saint-Charles. Alternatively, you can drive and park on the street near the station. From the station it is a short walk down some stairs to the water.
Menton
Another excellent choice for a swim on the French Riviera is at one of the many beaches of the town of Menton. Located adjacent to the Italian border, this beach is the only ‘main beach’ we have listed here. The reason we have listed this beach is because while it is still quite popular it sees far less crowds than the other main beaches on the French Riviera. Furthermore, the beach is very long so you will find it much more spacious than others.
Like many main beaches the beach is lined with many restaurants and shops which you can enjoy. However, I did not come across any that I would recommend. There are much better food options in town.
Our favourite part of the beach was at Plages des Sablettes. This part of the beach offers the best view of the colourful hilly medieval town.
Plage de l’arène
Although not the most beautiful beach, Plage de l’arène is worth mentioning as it offers a much quieter and roomier atmosphere than the main beach in Cassis. The beach can be reached by foot from the town of Cassis in 15 minutes.
In contrast to the white limestone cliffs of the calanques, a tall orange cliff is the backdrop to this beach.
The beach is very rocky but it should be quiet enough to still find a comfortable spot to sit. The waters are very swimmable but at times seaweed may take over.
Air BnB
Last but not least, there are also many private swimming options in air bnb’s dotted through Provence. Explore the options and enjoy your own piece and serenity while taking in stunning views of the French countryside.
We stayed in an Air BnB located near Apt and had such an amazing experience. The infinity pool was perfect to enjoy all day but particularly in the evening as the sun set over the hills of Provence. We hope to return very soon.
