sans_titre-_c_lot_tourisme_-_p._soissons.jpgpiscine, plages, baignade en rivière, parc aquatique
©piscine, plages, baignade en rivière, parc aquatique

Swimming and Beaches

Beaches, Waterfalls, Lakes, Water Parks...

From creeks and beaches to waterfalls and water parks, discover some of the Dordogne Valley’s best spots to throw down your towel and have some Fun in the Sun. Beach bums, take note!

Sparkling waters

 

Whilst Spring brings pleasant, mild temperatures to the Dordogne, Summers can get pretty toasty often reaching the 30 degrees mark. Even though the Dordogne is only few hours drive from the coast, its rather large supply of beach and water activities generously compensate for the region’s inland position.

The rivers, lakes and waterfalls are some of the cleanest in Europe with reliably warm water especially in July and August. So if you’re looking to beat the heat, occupy the kids or catch some Zs in the sun between visits, anything’s possible in the Dordogne Valley!

Much as a dip in the pool is nice and refreshing, nothing beats a swim in the sparkling waters of the Dordogne (or one of the other rivers in the region).

A thousand ways to get wet

Winding through the magnificent landscapes of Southwest France, the river entices visitors with its lazy swims between mighty cliffs and picturesque villages and castles.

With some popular supervised river beaches disposing of a carpark and/or bar, the wilder beaches and creeks offer no more than sandy islands and ferny caves to swim into and explore…

Although the Dordogne Valley’s impressively high waterfallsaren’t swimmable, they do make great paddling material. Visitor’s looking to get more than their feet wet can head along to the smaller ones for a jump in the pools and down the natural slides. An afternoon of canyoning is a great way to explore forest streams, scramble through canyons and shoot down waterfalls with the help of a guide.

Rivers and waterfalls aside, many of the region’s leisure lakes or plans d’eau boast family fun activities with beaches, playgrounds, restaurants, picnic areas, fishing facilities and water sports often up for grabs. If these don’t do the trick, head to one of the Dordogne’s outdoor swimming pools or even better, water parks!

On aime aussi...

baignade-enfants.jpgBaignade Enfants.jpg
©Baignade Enfants.jpg

Supervised Beaches

Year in, year out, the Dordogne Valley’s rivers and leisure lakes promise visitors the chance to take a refreshing break from cultural visits and hit some of the finest beaches in South-West France. A welcoming alternative to the busy Mediterranean coast, its sweeping sandy beaches and pebble creeks provide out-of-the-way places to paddle, swim and dive under the supervision of a lifeguard. Whether it be on a secluded creek or a shady beach by a lake, there is a multitude of spots to put up your brollie without having to worry about the kiddies splashing around by the water’s edge. Take a look at a few of the Dordogne’s monitored beaches and swimming hubs to visit this summer!

Read more
sans_titre-_c_malika_turin.jpgSans Titre C Malika Turin.jpg
©Sans Titre C Malika Turin.jpg

Wild Beaches

What could be more refreshing than slipping into the cool, clear waters of the Dordogne river on a hot summer’s day? The beauty of the region’s natural beaches and swimming opportunities always make for the perfect afternoon (with the added bonus of never being too far away from a great campsite, medieval castle or terraced café). Take a look at a few of our faves!

Read more
Close