The best swimming spots in the countryside, in the Provence-Alpes Côte d'Azur region.

Summer is approaching and who knows, it might be a memorable one with southern temperatures and lots of sun! Are you an adventurous type and would you like to exchange your holiday home with private pool in the South of France for other refreshing alternatives? The beaches on the Côte d'Azur are often crowded and a bit of a drive away, so we sought out the best swimming spots 'en plein nature' for you. Here you will not only find the necessary refreshment, but you will also be surrounded by beautiful nature!  

1. Lac de Sainte Croix (Var).

After a visit to Lac de Sainte Croix in the Var, you will not take pounds of sand back to your country house in Provence. This beautiful lake is definitely worth a visit. The water always has fantastic temperatures. When you have had enough of swimming, you can rent a pedal boat and sail straight into the Gorges du Verdon! Pure Provence. 

2. La Chute du Grand Baou, Le Val (Var).

A fantastic place surrounded by greenery. A short walk along a small path will take you to this idyllic waterfall. The water is quite cold, but great for a splash in warm temperatures! Try to come in the morning, because at lunchtime there are often very sociable French people here. 

3. The River Argens (Var).

Near Vallon des Carmes you can also come and swim in the river Argens. After a quiet morning in your holiday home on the Côte d'Azur, this is a nice day out. The river Argens is surrounded by lots of green. There are several picnic tables in the woods, but you can also just picnic at the water's edge. Do you rent a holiday home in the Var? Then come and have lunch here, instead of in your holiday home with private swimming pool. 

4. Le Vallon des Carmes, Barjols (Var).

Le Vallon des Carmes is a nature reserve of 3 hectares. A marked walkway through the forest leads to the natural swimming pool with a waterfall as cherry on the cake. A lesser known spot, but certainly not less beautiful! 

5. Lac du Paty in Caromb (Vaucluse).

Close to Malaucène, and therefore to the Mont Ventoux, is the Paty reservoir. A magical place, in the woods, ideal for cooling down on a sunny day.  Lac du Paty in Carom is a beautiful spot that lends itself perfectly to a pleasant picnic and an enjoyable afternoon. The barrage itself dates back to the 18th century. TIP: From here you can make a beautiful walk to Chapelle du Paty. 

6. Pont Roman, Entrechaux (Vaucluse).

Renting a holiday home in Malaucène? Then Pont Roman is only ten minutes away by car, or half an hour for those on a cycling holiday in the Provence. A fantastic place where the children will never get bored. Still and running water, sun and shadow spots, ... You can easily spend a whole day here. You can slide down the rocks or even jump off certain cliffs into the water. With children who are a bit tired, it is of course all the nicer to come home to your holiday home in Provence ;) 

7. Lac de Saint-Cassien (Var).

Lac de Saint-Cassien is a very large reservoir with many different small beaches where you can relax. Are you a bit more active? You can go fishing, swimming, canoeing... Everything is surrounded by beautiful greenery. In the summer, it can be a bit crowded here, but if you are prepared to take a nice walk, or even sail to the other side of the reservoir, you can still find very nice and quiet spots! 

8. Gorges du Toulourenc (Vaucluse).

Are you also a fan of nature? Gorges du Toulourenc is a beautiful river, on the border of the Drôme and the Vaucluse. Rent a holiday home with private pool in Provence and make a day trip to these Gorges. Walking through the Gorges is guaranteed to be the highlight. But beware: do not take this walk when it starts raining. Then the water can rise very quickly and before you know it you are swimming instead of walking. Also discover our other top attractions in the Vaucluse! 

9. Plan d'eau des Salettes, Mormoiron (Vaucluse).

A very idyllic little lake, with a beautiful view of the Mont Ventoux. Are you on a cycling holiday in France and renting a holiday home near the Mont Ventoux? Then a visit to Plan d'eau des Salettes is worthwhile. It is situated next to a forest where you can make beautiful walks, go mountain biking or do an adventure course. A beach has been created where you can picnic freely, but there is also a beach bar on site for lunch, drinks or if you fancy an ice cream. 

10. Pont du Gard, Vers-Pont-du-Gard (Gard).

A visit to Pont-du-Gard is almost a must-do if you rent a holiday home in Languedoc-Roussillon. The Roman aqueduct is not only a Unesco World Heritage Site, it is the highest Roman bridge in the world and simply a very special place in the south of France! You can visit the site itself, but you can also go for a swim or kayak around it. Swimming in pleasant temperatures under a Roman monument, that is not something you do every day! 

Are you a nature lover, water rat or do you have an adventurous soul? Then these places are guaranteed to appeal to you! Would you rather stay with your book in your holiday home with private pool in the South of France? Of course, that's totally fine too! ;)