Swimming in the rivers of the Cévennes: the best spots

A paradise for whitewater swimming

A paradise for river swimming

The Cévennes are a wonderful place for river swimming. The Gardon and its tributaries form clear pools, pebble beaches and natural swimming spots where you can cool off on hot days. Away from crowded swimming pools, these wild places offer a setting of rocks, pines and cliffs typical of the Cévennes. They are among the region's summer treasures and our guests' favourite outings.

What makes swimming here special is the variety: a broad family beach with shallow water, a secluded pool of clear water, or a quiet spot reached by a short walk beneath the oaks. Choose your spot according to the day, the crowds and the river level.

Our favourite swimming spots

Around Anduze and Saint-Jean-du-Gard, the Gardon offers lovely beaches accessible to families. Further south, the Gardon gorges alternate between deep pools and gentle currents in spectacular scenery. Towards Mialet and along the Gardon valley, quieter corners are ideal for a peaceful swim.

A spot for every preference

Some sites suit families, with shallow areas and pebble beaches. Others require a short walk, which helps keep the crowds away. Ask locally: when you arrive, we are happy to suggest places according to the season and river level, which can change from week to week.

Swimming with children

Many Cévennes sites have shallow areas and pebble beaches where you can spread out your towels. Always supervise young children and choose calm pools away from currents. Water shoes help prevent slips on rocks and make swimming more comfortable. Afternoons spent swimming and picnicking in the shade are often among a family's best memories of the Cévennes.

Safety: sensible precautions

River swimming requires care. Check the depth before diving, do not overestimate your ability in currents, and watch the weather. The region can experience intense Cévennes storms that cause rivers to rise very quickly. If heavy rain is forecast upstream, avoid gorges and riverbeds, even in sunshine: floodwater can travel from far away. Respect these fragile places, take your rubbish home, and do not use soap or light fires.

Exploring from Mas Saint Laurent

Several swimming spots are less than 20 to 25 minutes from Mas Saint Laurent in Les Salles-du-Gardon. In high summer, leave early to find space and enjoy the cool morning, or go in the late afternoon when the light softens and the beaches empty. Back at the Mas, relax by the pool or on the terrace, then enjoy a well-earned meal of local produce at La Table Cévenole.

Why choose Mas Saint Laurent

Set in a historic building in Les Salles-du-Gardon, in the heart of the Gard Cévennes, the Mas combines easy access to the region's rivers with peaceful accommodation. Restful rooms, a pool overlooking the hills and personal advice on the best places at the time help you plan swimming days as a family or a couple. If you prefer to stay in, the Mas swimming pool is just a short walk from your room.

Swimming and canoeing: another way to enjoy the river

Swimming is not the only way to enjoy the Gardon. In summer, canoeing or kayaking from Anduze is one of the region's popular activities, combining gentle paddling, small rapids and swimming stops on beaches only accessible from the water. Local providers adapt their routes to the water level and the ages of participants, making this a lovely outing with family or friends. You can also walk along the river, explore its pools or spend the day on a pebble beach. We are happy to help you choose an outing that suits you.

When to go

The swimming season generally runs from late spring to early autumn, once the river water has warmed up. Midsummer is ideal but also busy: visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the light softens and the heat eases. June and September are quieter, and the water is often pleasant after a sunny day. Always check the weather. Intense storms, including rain far upstream, can cause rivers to rise suddenly. If in doubt, avoid the gorges and choose the Mas swimming pool.

Practical tips

Bring water shoes, a hat, sunscreen and plenty of drinking water. Arrive early in high season for parking and peace. Never leave a child unattended by the water. Check the forecast and avoid gorges if thunderstorms are possible, even far away. Ask us about current swimming spots: river levels and access vary from week to week.

Frequently asked questions

Where can you swim in rivers in the Cévennes? The Gardon and its tributaries offer many spots around Anduze, Saint-Jean-du-Gard and Mialet. Some require a short walk, keeping them quieter.

Is river swimming suitable for children? Many sites have shallow areas and pebble beaches. Always supervise children and bring water shoes.

Is river swimming dangerous? It requires vigilance: check water depth and, especially, the weather, because Cévennes storms can cause rivers to rise quickly.

Are there swimming spots near Mas Saint Laurent? Yes, several are less than 20 to 25 minutes away. We can suggest our favourites according to the season and water level.

When is the best time for river swimming in the Cévennes? From late spring to early autumn, once the water has warmed up. Summer is the main season; choose early morning or late afternoon.

Book your stay

Enjoy a refreshing summer in the heart of the Cévennes: book your room at Mas Saint Laurent and discover the region's beautiful rivers, with the Mas swimming pool as an added pleasure.

Internal links: Home · Our rooms · Canoeing on the Gardon · Summer activities in the Cévennes · The Cévennes with children · Blog article “7 hidden swimming spots in the Cévennes”.

Image ALT text:

• baignade-riviere-cevennes-gardon-vasque.jpg → “A clear pool on the Gardon for swimming in the Cévennes”

• baignade-riviere-cevennes-plage-galets.jpg → “A pebble beach on the Gardon for family swimming in the Cévennes”

• baignade-riviere-cevennes-gorges.jpg → “The Gardon gorges, a river swimming spot near Anduze”

• mas-saint-laurent-piscine-cevennes.jpg → “The Mas Saint Laurent swimming pool after a day of river swimming”

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