The most beautiful swimming beaches in the Ardèche, along the gorges route

There's no other place to start!

• The Pont d'Arc beach is probably the most famous in the Ardèche, and deservedly so.
• Swimming beneath this huge natural stone arch is an unforgettable experience. 
  • Two swimming areas stretch out on either side of the arch, upstream and downstream.
  • They're perfect for a first dip just before setting off into the gorges.

Good to know

• In July and August, the car parks around the Pont d'Arc charge a fee and fill up fast. 
• Leave your car in Vallon-Pont-d'Arc instead and take the free shuttles.
• It's cheaper and kinder to the site.

A little downstream, Châmes serves as a starting and finishing point for several trips.

• The river here is calm and shallow along the edges, making it a pleasant place to ease into the water before entering the heart of the nature reserve.
• This is often where paddlers' mornings begin, before the first rapids.

As you head downriver, the landscape closes in and the beaches grow wilder.

• Gaud beach, tucked into a wide meander, offers a lovely expanse to stop in the shade of the cliffs.
• It's also one of the two set-up bivouac sites in the gorges.
• If you opt for the two-day trip, you can pitch your tent here and enjoy a swim at sunset, far from any hustle and bustle.

Gournier is the other major stop along the route, and the second official bivouac site.

• Its generous beach, fringed with greenery, is perfect for the lunch break.
• You pull the canoes up onto the pebbles, unpack the picnic and alternate between swimming and lazing around.
• The water here is crystal clear, in a spectacular rocky setting.

At the start of the second half of the route stands La Cathédrale, a rock formation emblematic of the gorges.

• It's one of the most beautiful swimming spots on the whole trip.
• You stop here to picnic and cool off in the turquoise water, at the foot of this stone "cathedral".
• A picture-postcard setting, to savour between two sets of rapids.

After a few hours of paddling, Sauze beach marks the end of the great descent.

• A lovely expanse of pebbles surrounded by cliffs and greenery, it's ideal for a last, well-earned swim.
• It's supervised in July and August and flies the Blue Flag, a guarantee of good water quality and a well-preserved environment.
• Toilets and a large car park complete the picture.

Just at the exit of the gorges, the Grain de Sel beach at Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche is well worth the detour.

• Vast, shaded and also Blue Flag-certified, it's supervised in summer and offers a superb view of the perched medieval village of Aiguèze, right opposite.
• The perfect way to round off your day on the water.

A few pointers to turn your trip into a real day of swimming:

Choose the right route

• The shorter the distance, the more time you have to stop.
• On the long 32 km descent, breaks are limited.
• To fit in more swims, go for a shorter route or the two-day option, which leaves time to enjoy every cove.

Protect your belongings

• Slip your phone, dry clothes and picnic into watertight barrels.
• They stay dry even if you capsize and double as a comfortable seat during breaks.

Supervised swimming or not?

• Only the beaches at the entrances and exits of the gorges (Pont d'Arc, Sauze, Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche) are supervised in summer.
• Inside the nature reserve, you swim at your own risk.
• Stay alert to the currents, the varying depth and the water temperature.

Respect the nature reserve

• The Ardèche gorges are a protected area.
• Take your rubbish with you, don't light fires outside the authorised zones, and use the free shuttles to cut down on traffic and help preserve the site.

• Water quality: regular testing throughout the season ensures clean, healthy water.
• Environmental management: waste sorting, beach upkeep and the preservation of natural spaces.
• Safety and services: lifeguarding, rescue equipment and clear information for visitors.
• Awareness: informing the public about environmental issues.

What's the temperature of the Ardèche's water in summer?

• In the height of summer, the Ardèche's water is generally between 20 and 24°C, a comfortable temperature for both swimming and canoeing.
• Late in the season, when the river is calmer, it can reach around 26°C.
• After a storm, the water can temporarily cool down and turn cloudy, until the flow drops back.

When is the best time to swim in the Ardèche?

• From mid-June to early September, you get both warm water and long sunny days.
• July and August are the most pleasant months for swimming.
• In spring, the water stays cool and the flow stronger, which makes swimming less comfortable.
• September is a good compromise, with water that's still mild and far fewer people.
• Read our dedicated article: When to canoe the Ardèche?

Is swimming in the Ardèche suitable for children?

• Yes, as long as you choose the right spot.
• The beaches at the entrances and exits of the gorges, such as the Grain de Sel and Sauze, are ideal for families: a gradual entry into the water, shallow depths for the first few metres, and lifeguarding in July and August.
• Bring water shoes, as the pebbles are slippery, and armbands for young children who can't yet swim.
• Inside the reserve, stay alert to changes in depth and to currents.
• See our guide to canoeing the Ardèche with children.

Are the swimming beaches in the Ardèche free?

• Access to the beaches and to swimming is free, including at supervised beaches like the Grain de Sel and Sauze.
• What you pay for is parking in summer, particularly around the Pont d'Arc.
• To avoid these costs and the difficulty of parking, leave your car in Vallon-Pont-d'Arc and take the free shuttles.

Can you swim anywhere in the Ardèche gorges?

• No. Swimming is unrestricted, but some areas are best avoided or off-limits, notably the strong-current passages and the sensitive parts of the nature reserve.
• Stick to the calm beaches described above, don't swim near the rapids, and give up on swimming in the event of a flood or just after a storm.
• A useful habit: check the river's flow on Vigicrues before you set off.
• Read our article on the Ardèche water level.

• The most beautiful swimming spots in the Ardèche are best discovered by paddle.
• By canoe, you reach the wild coves that the road can't get to, where swimming truly comes into its own.
• At Aventure Canoës, we offer trips to suit every mood, from a half-day to a two-day adventure, so you can make the most of every beach and every rapid.