If you love camping in nature, you'll particularly appreciate the many establishments located just a stone's throw from the most beautiful water spots.
What are the main supervised lakes in the Lot?
Lac du Tolerme: a breath of fresh air
Nestled at an altitude of 500 metres in the Ségala Lotois, Lac du Tolerme is a vast 40-hectare lake with a supervised beach in summer, equipped for young and old alike with water slides, a water sports centre (canoeing, paddleboarding) and children's games.
The 5-kilometre trail around the lake allows you to alternate between swimming and walking. Here, the calm and the quality of the water make it a sure bet when the temperature rises.
Lac Vert de Catus: eco-friendly swimming in a peaceful setting
Just 15 km from Cahors, the 7-hectare Lac Vert de Catus is a popular spot with its sandy beach and lifeguards in July and August. Awarded Blue Flag status in 2025, it focuses on the environment and accessibility, with an easy-access pontoon, tiralo beach wheelchairs and shaded footpaths.
It is a very popular spot for families thanks to its facilities, which include a playground, pedal boat and paddleboard hire.
Montcuq Lake: a friendly place to swim in the heart of Quercy
Equipped for summer swimming, Montcuq Lake in Quercy offers a pretty, supervised beach that is ideal for families. There are also picnic areas, children's games and a leisure centre for a variety of activities.
The most beautiful river beaches in the Lot
Between the Dordogne, the meandering Lot, streams and lakes, the department is full of places to swim in the heart of nature. Some sites are supervised in summer, others are more secluded, but all invite you to relax by the water.
Swimming at the foot of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, on the banks of the Lot
This is one of the most beautiful spots in the department. The beach at Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, located just below the medieval village and bordered by trees and cliffs, offers supervised swimming in a spectacular setting.
Relaxation and water sports in Cajarc
In Cajarc, the Lot becomes a leisure centre. There is a grassy beach with lifeguards and a wide range of water activities, including pedalos, paddleboarding, water skiing and surf bikes. It's the perfect place to alternate between swimming, picnics and family games.
Nature and relaxation in Vayrac, on the banks of the Dordogne
Very popular with families, Vayrac offers a supervised pebble beach bordered by a large lawn. The area is quiet and well equipped (children's games, toilets, picnic area) and also offers the chance to try your hand at canoeing or paddleboarding.
Gluges: peaceful swimming beneath the cliffs
Between Martel and Creysse, Gluges beach offers a spectacular setting with white cliffs plunging into the Dordogne. It is easy to access, has lifeguards in summer and a peaceful atmosphere, making it a popular spot to cool off away from the crowds.
Douelle and Cahors Beach, more urban stops
In Douelle, a small beach on the banks of the Lot offers unsupervised swimming in a peaceful atmosphere. In summer, "Cahors Plage" brings the banks of the Lot to life with deckchairs, games and entertainment, just a stone's throw from the Valentré bridge.
The secret corners of the Célé Valley
Less crowded, the Célé river offers pretty swimming spots in Sauliac and Marcilhac. These little havens of freshness, often unsupervised, appeal to lovers of peace and nature. You can also swim at the Cabrerets mill.
Souillac, between the Dordogne and greenery
On the northern border of the department, Souillac offers a few places to swim in the Dordogne, particularly around the Lanzac bridge park.
Lakes and leisure centres: family swimming and activities
In addition to river beaches and large lakes, the Lot offers leisure centres where you can swim safely in a green setting.
Gourdon leisure centre: ideal for young children
1.5 km from the town centre, the Écoute s'il Pleut leisure centre offers free supervised swimming in summer, with a grassy beach, children's games and shaded areas. Awarded the Blue Flag label, the site is very popular with families.
Vayrac lake: between beach and activities
Located on the banks of the Dordogne, this developed site offers a supervised beach, a lawn, games and paddleboard and canoe hire.
Caïx water sports centre: a pleasant stopover on the Lot
In Luzech, the Caïx water sports centre has a small beach on the riverbank, ideal for a swim in the heart of nature.
Where to camp near the swimming spots?
If you want to enjoy swimming during your camping holiday in the Lot, several campsites have direct access to the river, allowing you to swim without leaving the campsite.
We particularly recommend La Plage*** campsite in Meyronne with its natural beach on the Dordogne. It's the perfect setting for swimming just a stone's throw from your pitch or mobile home. You can also choose La Rivière*** campsite in Lacave, with direct access to the Dordogne, in a peaceful, shaded setting, or L'Eau Vive**** campsite in Carennac, where you can reach the river on foot in just a few seconds.
Although there is no direct access, the Rivière de Cabessut*** campsite in Cahors is within walking distance of a swimming area, 1 km from the campsite. In Rocamadour, the Les Cigales**** campsite is less than 2 km from the Dordogne.
See the list of all campsites near a lake or river in the Lot.
Is it possible to swim in Rocamadour?
There is no beach in Rocamadour itself, but there are several natural swimming spots nearby on the Dordogne, including Gluges beach, Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne beach and Rocher de la Cave, which offer pleasant places to swim in the river in unspoilt surroundings.
Practical tips for swimming in the Lot
To avoid the crowds in summer, go during off-peak times such as in the morning or late afternoon on weekdays. Bring a hat, water bottle, eco-friendly sunscreen and water shoes, and be sure to follow the signs and leave no litter behind.