Swimming in Ardèche
Wonderful, refreshing, relaxing
One of the biggest pleasures of a holiday in the Ardèche in swimming in the wild river, in intimate spots… Wonderful, refreshing, relaxing… We’ll tell you about you some of our favourite spots for swimming. But what we really recommend is to set off on an adventure, walk alongside the water and stretch your legs. You will most certainly discover some amazing things along your way…
In the Ardèche Gorges
Without seeming too biased, we have to admit that it’s not easy to find another swimming spot quite like the Ardèche Gorges…
At the heart of the canyon, in a protected natural reserve, surrounded by 200 m high limestone cliffs and in the midst of vegetation with the soft scents of the garrigue, there are worse places to be!
But you need to make a bit of an effort to get there! Due to its sheer depth, there are no quick and easy ways to access the canyon. It’s up to you, you can either row into the Gorges and find a pretty beach, or walk along the yellow and white marked footpath.
But, it’s really worth the effort!
Under the Pont d'Arc arch
The Pont d’Arc beach is probably the most well-known beach in the Ardèche, and for good reasons!
You can’t come on holiday to the Ardèche without going for a swim under this magnificent natural stone arch.
There are 2 beautiful sandy beaches upstream and downstream of the arch. Whichever one you choose to stop off at, you won’t be disappointed!
In July and August, you will have to pay to park at the car parks around the Pont d’Arc. But you could also leave your car in Vallon-Pont-d’Arc and use the free shuttle buses.
At the heart of the Cirque de Gens in Chauzon
A beach in the middle of the countryside, surrounded by stunning cliffs, just 30 minutes’ walk away, it sounds perfect doesn’t it? Well, it’s possible!
To get there, you need to leave your car at the Grazel Car Park in Ruoms, cross the hamlet on foot, and take the yellow and white marked footpath, towards the “Cirque de Gens“.
First you will see the river down below and from the large rocks you can admire the superb view.
A little bit further on, you’ll find a very pretty beach and you can go for a swim whilst watching the canoes passing by!
Still at the Cirque de Gens, but on the other side of the Ardèche river, is the Isla Cool Douce Leisure Park. There, you can enjoy the swimming pools and snack bar, the private beach with lifeguard, and why not hire a paddle boat or canoe (even with children under 7 years old, on a marked-out section of the water). Entrance requires a fee.
In the Labeaume Gorges
It’s pretty amazing to go for a swim at the foot of one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France.
In Balazuc, under the Bridge, you will find a beach with a lifeguard.
You can also walk along the footpath which leads to Viel Audon hamlet (signposted on the left after crossing the bridge).
The footpath will lead you along the river and you can choose the perfect spot to stop off at!
At the foot of the village of Balazuc
It’s pretty amazing to go for a swim at the foot of one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France.
In Balazuc, under the Bridge, you will find a beach with a lifeguard.
You can also walk along the footpath which leads to Viel Audon hamlet (signposted on the left after crossing the bridge).
The footpath will lead you along the river and you can choose the perfect spot to stop off at!
The picturesque village of Vogüé
The beach under Vogüé bridge is very easy to access and near big car parks. It’s difficult not to stop off here when you come to this village, classified one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France.
In the Ardèche in Ruoms
Next to the municipal campsite in Ruoms, you can go for a swim in the Ardèche and relax on a beautiful stony beach.
There is also a picnic area and playground there.
You are so close to the village from here, it’s the perfect opportunity to go and explore the old town and the ramparts, get an ice cream, and enjoy the entertainment along the main street.
In Ibie Valley
As you drive through Ibie Valley between Vallon-Pont-d’Arc and Villeneuve de Berg, you will most certainly be impressed by the beautiful pools and crystal-clear waterfalls.
Under the Bridge in Salavas
Not far from Vallon-Pont-d’Arc, you will find a beautiful beach with a lifeguard under Salavas bridge.
