Where to swim in the Ardèche: 8 family swimming spots

The Ardèche is full of places to take a dip without spending a cent. Between crystal-clear rivers and mountain lakes, there’s plenty of choice for the whole family. Most of these spots remain free, often with lifeguard-supervised swimming in summer. Before booking, take a look at our cheap campsite comparison site to sleep right by the water.

Here are our 8 favourite spots for knowing where to swim in the Ardèche, from well-known beaches to quieter corners.

Plage du Pont d’Arc: the great classic of the Ardèche

The Pont d’Arc stands out as the département’s star swimming spot, in Vallon-Pont-d’Arc. This natural arch spans the river, in a site classified as a Grand Site de France. People swim here, jump off rocks, and hire canoes right next door.

Visitors’ favourite: swimming under the great stone arch, a memory that stays with you for a long time.

Practical info:

• Access is from Vallon-Pont-d’Arc, in southern Ardèche.
• The pebble beach runs directly alongside the river.
• A car park and canoe hire are available on site.

Plage de Sauze: supervised swimming near the gorges

In Saint-Martin-d’Ardèche, Plage de Sauze reassures families with its lifeguard-supervised summer swimming. It stretches out downstream of the gorges, facing the cliffs of la Garde. The ground is a mix of sand and pebbles, so water shoes come in handy. A water-sports area completes the site.

Visitors’ favourite: the wild setting of the gorges, right after the buzz of the Pont d’Arc.

Practical info:

• The beach is located in Saint-Martin-d’Ardèche, downstream of the gorges.
• The ground mixes sand and pebbles along the river.
• Lifeguards supervise swimming in July and August, from 1pm to 7pm.
• A car park and a leisure centre make the day easier.

Pont du Diable in Thueyts: beaches at the foot of the basalt cliffs

To find out where to swim in the Ardèche away from the crowds, head for the Pont du Diable in Thueyts. This bridge crosses a basalt gorge with beautiful jade-green water. Below, pebble beaches invite you to take a break beneath the volcanic organ pipes. The listed site belongs to a “Village de Caractère”.

Visitors’ favourite: the basalt columns plunging into the water, an almost surreal setting.

Practical info:

• The site is located in Thueyts, in southern Ardèche.
• The pebble beaches run along a deeply carved river.
• Picnic tables, showers and toilets are available on site.

Lac d’Issarlès: the mountain-altitude beach in a crater

Perched at 1,000 metres, Lac d’Issarlès occupies a former volcanic crater. Its sandy beach slopes gently down into clear, cool water. It’s one of the deepest lakes in France, at 138 metres. Supervised swimming and a water-sports centre reassure young and old alike.

Visitors’ favourite: the deep blue water, surrounded by dormant volcanoes.

Practical info:

• The lake is located in the commune of Issarlès, in the Haute Ardèche.
• A sandy beach lines this crater lake.
• Lifeguards supervise swimming throughout the summer.
• A water-sports centre offers pedal boats, canoes and paddleboards.

Lac de Devesset: the full-scale leisure centre

In the north of the département, Lac de Devesset stretches over 51 hectares amid the forests. This vast expanse of water attracts families for both swimming and water sports. Its leisure centre offers sailing, catamaran, kayak, paddleboard and pedal boats. The coolness of the plateau makes it a pleasant stop in summer.

Visitors’ favourite: the large shaded lawn, perfect for picnicking between two swims.

Practical info:

• The lake spreads across the commune of Devesset, in the “green” Ardèche.
• A beach gives access to a 51-hectare body of water.
• Swimming is supervised from 1 July to 31 August, from 1.30pm to 6.30pm.
• A water-sports centre hires out plenty of equipment for getting out on the water.

Mazet-Plage: the calm waters of the Chassezac for children

The Chassezac is among the most beautiful places to swim in the Ardèche, especially around Les Vans. At Mazet-Plage, the river widens into a large, very calm body of water. Children play there safely, in shallow shoreline waters. Parents appreciate this peaceful spot, away from crowded sites.

Visitors’ favourite: the calm, mild water, ideal for a first swim in a river.

Practical info:

• Mazet-Plage is located near Les Vans, in southern Ardèche.
• The river forms a calm, shallow stretch of water.
• The flat banks are well suited to young children.

La Beaume in Labeaume: the family river par excellence

The Beaume flows through the charming village of Labeaume, listed among France’s beautiful villages. Its river combines all the pleasures of family swimming. Swimmers dive from the rocks into deep areas. The little ones splash about in calm, current-free side channels.

Visitors’ favourite: the stroll through the old village before or after swimming.

Practical info:

• The river flows at the foot of Labeaume, in southern Ardèche.
• The site combines deep areas and shallow, current-free channels.
• Natural beaches welcome bathers along the water.

Lac de Coucouron: the peaceful lake at altitude

On the Montagne ardéchoise plateau, Lac de Coucouron offers simple, reassuring swimming. This body of water welcomes families, couples and groups of friends in a peaceful setting. A lifeguard supervises swimming during the summer. Young children enjoy calm water, with no unpleasant surprises.

Visitors’ favourite: the mountain atmosphere and the welcome coolness during hot spells.

Practical info:

• The lake is located near Coucouron, in the Haute Ardèche.
• A developed body of water allows for freshwater swimming.
• A lifeguard provides supervision in July and August.
• The altitude guarantees cool water on fine days.

Fancy discovering these lakes and rivers this very summer, without weighing down your holiday budget? Discover our cheap campsites in the Ardèche and book your pitch or mobile home!