Where to swim in Aveyron for a refreshing break?
The large supervised lakes of Aveyron
Lake Pareloup, the largest body of water on the Lévézou plateau, offers several supervised beaches during the summer season. The Vernhes beach in Salles-Curan is popular for its fine sand, supervised swimming and water activities such as paddleboarding and canoeing. A large enclosed pool welcomes swimmers under the watchful eye of lifeguards.
The Cisba Lake, built in a former quarry, offers supervised swimming in summer and a peaceful natural setting with shaded beaches that are perfect for relaxing in the forest.
At an altitude of 800 metres, Lake Pont-de-Salars reveals the magnificent Rousselleries beach. Families particularly appreciate its playground and inflatable water structures.
The Villefranche-de-Panat lake completes this list of refreshing destinations with its Mayrac and Granouillac beaches. In summer, water sports punctuate the sunny days.
The small Lac des Galens, near Soulages Bonneval, offers supervised swimming in summer (usually from early July to late August), with sandy beaches, shaded picnic areas and paddleboard hire, all in an authentic Aubrac setting.
River swimming: the designated spots on the Tarn and Dourbie rivers, passing through the Aveyron valley
The Tarn Gorges reveal several natural beaches that are accessible and equipped for swimming. In Saint-Rome-de-Tarn, the beach is supervised in summer and offers a pleasant setting at the foot of the cliffs. A picnic area and children's games complete the site.
Further south, the Dourbie river winds its way near Saint-Jean-du-Bruel, where the Roque lake welcomes families in a preserved setting with lifeguards in July and August.
In Viala-du-Tarn, the Mas de la Nauc attracts visitors with its large sandy beach and paddleboard hire in the heart of the Tarn valleys.
In the west of the department, the beach at Saint-André-de-Najac offers supervised swimming in summer in the calm waters of the Aveyron, in an idyllic setting that is perfect for a refreshing break with the family.
Leisure centres along the water
For fun-filled family days out, the Val de Lenne leisure centre in Baraqueville offers a supervised swimming area and a water park that is very popular with children. Further south, the La Cisba water sports centre near Lapanouse is a peaceful spot with clear water and shaded beaches. At the Saint-Gervais leisure centre, families can enjoy supervised swimming and try out unusual water sports such as solar-powered pedalos. Finally, the Masnaut leisure centre in Coupiac, which has been awarded the Blue Flag label, combines a sandy beach with summer entertainment.
Where to camp near the swimming spots?
Campers naturally prefer accommodation in Salles-Curan or the campsites in Canet-de-Salars, which stand out for their direct access to the beaches of Lake Pareloup. Just a stone's throw from the pitches, families can enjoy inflatable water structures and water sports. We particularly recommend the Le Caussanel**** and Soleil Levant*** campsites.
In the Tarn Valley, the campgrounds in Saint-Rome-de-Tarn are appealing for their proximity to the riverbanks. Holidaymakers can walk to the supervised swimming areas, which are ideal for children.
Discover the La Cascade**** campsite, which has direct access to the beach on the riverbank. Mostuéjouls, a little further downstream, also boasts some very well-located campsites between the river and the cliffs: a superb setting for swimming and outdoor activities. Choose to rent a mobile home at the Les Bords du Tarn*** campsite or Les Prades**** campsite. To enjoy the Tarn Gorges, you can also choose the Gorges du Tarn canoe**** campsite.
The campsites in Pont-de-Salars complete this selection with their pitches overlooking the lake. Less than a 10-minute walk away, the Rousselleries beach welcomes swimmers when the temperature rises.
Find all the campsites near lakes and rivers in Aveyron
Practical tips for safe swimming
Swimming in the natural environment in Aveyron requires a few essential precautions. Choose areas supervised by lifeguards, such as the beaches on the large lakes of Lévézou, where flags indicate the swimming conditions.
Before each outing, check the information boards for water quality and any restrictions. Summer storms can quickly change watercourses, making swimming dangerous even in the usual spots.
Help preserve these beautiful natural sites by taking your rubbish with you and keeping your dogs on a leash on the banks. These small gestures will ensure that everyone can enjoy unforgettable moments of relaxation by the water.