Swimming spots between the Cévennes and the Mount Lozère
Summer holidays are made for relaxing and enjoying the warmth of the sun by the water! The Cévennes and the Mount Lozère are home to numerous rivers and mountain streams, offering a refreshing escape. What could be more enjoyable than spreading your towel by crystal clear waters of these picturesque rivers? Whether exploring the Tarn or the Gardon, take a stroll along their banks and you will be sure to find just the perfect natural swimming spot, shaded by leafy trees. Don’t forget to pack your sunglasses, water bottle and a good book as you set out in search of the perfect place to swim*!
*The water in the swimming spots cited below is tested on a regular basis. For the most part, these areas are not supervised by swimming guards, unless specified otherwise.
The Tarn in Pont de Montvert
In the town of Pont de Montvert you will find two great swimming spots : the supervised swimming area beneath the stone bridge, ideal for families (supervision available in the summer), and the Gouffre de l’Oule swimming hole, in a more natural setting (500 meters from town on the road to Vialas, it can be accessed by a staircase that descends from the road). You are going to love these natural swimming spots, surrounded by impressive granite rocks! Parking is available in town.
Photo : Supervised swimming area, Pont de Montvert. ©OTCML
The Gardon Sainte Croix at Martinet
Just a few minutes away from Saint Etienne Vallée Française, you’ll discover numerous natural pools of incredible beauty! This swimming spot is only 1,5 km from the town. Simply take the road to Saint Jean du Gard and park your car on a shaded parking lot, next to a restaurant. You can then access the river directly from the parking area.
/!\ CAUTION /!\ The town hall of Saint Etienne Vallee Française has closed access to the Martinet waterfall via the walking path, for safety reasons.
Photo : Gardon Sainte Croix, Martinet. ©OTCML
The banks of the Gardon River in Sainte Croix Vallée Française
Enjoy the refreshing waters of the Gardon River, which flows right through the charming town of Sainte Croix Vallée Française. The river banks are easily accessible from the town center, just a few minutes walk from parking areas and local shops. Take a relaxing break and unwind in the beautiful Cévennes valleys!
Photo: Sainte Croix Vallée Française ©Thierry Vezon
La Planche in Vialas
The swimming spot La Planche is easily accessible from Vialas, whether you’re traveling on foot or by car. Simply spread your towel on the grass or on the large granite rocks surrounding the Luech River, and enjoy the refreshing coolness of La Planche’s natural pools! The area is equipped with several picnic tables and eco-friendly dry toilets, conveniently located near the small parking lot. Please note that animals are not allowed.
Photo: Swimming at La Planche ©A. Zele – Lozère Tourisme
The Camboux Lake and its water sports center
Just a 10-minute drive from Collet de Dèze and 30 minutes from Alès, the Camboux Lake offers the perfect spot for a day of swimming. Enjoy the lake’s many beaches and its water sports activities. Here you can rent canoes, pedal boats, and stand-up paddleboards. Several picnic tables are scattered around the lake, ideal for a relaxing afternoon picnic. Don’t forget to visit the snack stand, where you can grab refreshing drinks and ice cream.
Photo: The Camboux Lake ©The Camboux water sports center
OUR SWIMMING POOLS
> THE SAINT PRIVAT HOLIDAY VILLAGE POOL IN SAINT PRIVAT DE VALLONGUE (paid entrance, except for residents)
> THE SERRE DE LA CAN HOLIDAY VILLAGE POOL IN SAINT GERMAIN DE CALBERTE (paid entrance, except for residents)
> LE BLEYMARD PUBLIC POOL (free entrance)
> ISPAGNAC PUBLIC POOL (paid entrance)
> SAINT JEAN DU GARD PUBLIC POOL (paid entrance)