The Dordogne Valley: river beaches and swimming in the heart of the Périgord Noir
The Dordogne Valley has many developed beaches, ideal for families and holidaymakers. These areas offer a safe environment and exceptional views of the villages and castles typical of the Périgord Noir.
Limeuil beach
At the confluence of the Dordogne and Vézère rivers, Limeuil offers a natural beach at the foot of the village, which is listed among the "Most Beautiful Villages of France". A place much loved by families.
Vitrac Beach
Located on the banks of the Dordogne, Vitrac Beach is one of the most popular in the area. In addition to swimming in front of the cliffs, this sandy beach is home to many canoes.
La Roque-Gageac Beach
In an exceptional setting at the foot of the cliffs and the picturesque village, this beach is ideal for combining swimming and sightseeing.
Rocher de la Cave Beach (Carsac-Aillac)
This beach on the Dordogne offers supervised swimming and canoe hire. It is very popular for its friendly atmosphere.
Groléjac Beach
Built around a lake, this site combines supervised swimming, children's games and water sports.
Cazoulès Beach, near Souillac
Located in the south of the Dordogne, near the border with the Lot, Cazoulès Beach offers a natural setting on the banks of the Dordogne.
Coux-et-Bigaroque Beach
A family beach on the banks of the Dordogne, supervised in summer, perfect for peaceful swimming.
Tamniès lake
The Tamniès lake is a popular summer destination: sandy beach, supervised swimming, children's games and fast food available on site.
Aquaparc du Coucou (Hautefort)
Water park with inflatable structures, beach and fun activities for children.
Étangs du Bos (Saint-Chamassy)
Located in the Vézère Valley, this natural water park features slides, inflatable structures and swimming areas, perfect for children.
The Périgord Vert: unspoilt nature, lakes and ponds in the Dordogne
The more wooded north of the department is home to lakes and ponds ideal for swimming in the heart of nature.
The Grand Étang de Saint-Estèphe
The big pound of Saint-Estèphe is one of the most beautiful sites in the Périgord Vert: sandy beach, supervised swimming in summer, water sports and on-site catering.
The lake at Rouffiac
A veritable leisure centre, Lake Rouffiac is a must-see in the area, offering swimming, water skiing and wakeboarding. Other small communal lakes around Périgueux complete the offer for more peaceful swimming.
La Jemaye pound
La Jemaye pound is must-see site with a beach, supervised swimming and hiking trails.
Saint-Saud-Lacoussière beach
A lake with a developed beach and supervised swimming, in the heart of the Périgord-Limousin Regional Nature Park.
Busserolles lake
The Busserolles lake is a popular spot for swimming (unsupervised), fishing and outdoor activities.
Les Grésilles (Nantheuil Pond)
The family-friendly Nantheuil lake has a beach and a leisure area, perfect for a day out with the family.
Saint-Aulaye Beach
The Saint-Aulaye leisure centre has a supervised beach on the Dronne river, with games and activities for the whole family.
Brantôme beach
The "Venice of Périgord" has a water sports centre and beaches on the Isle, perfect for relaxing after visiting the village.
Lisle Beach
A natural beach on the Dronne river, equipped and supervised in summer, in the heart of a charming Périgord village.
Périgord Blanc – lakes and ponds for the whole family
In the heart of the department, Périgord Blanc offers several leisure centres with beaches and supervised swimming areas, ideal for family outings in summer.
Neufont lake leisure centre (Saint-Amand-de-Vergt)
The Neufont lake leisure centre is one of the most popular swimming spots in central Dordogne. This vast lake has a sandy beach with lifeguards in summer. There are also games for children, pedalos and water sports. Surrounded by greenery, the site offers a relaxing setting.
Chandos leisure centre (Montpon-Ménestérol)
A vast stretch of water with a beach, supervised swimming and numerous summer activities.
The Périgord Pourpre: swimming among vineyards and bastides
Around Bergerac and the south of the Dordogne, several lakes have been developed for summer swimming.
Lake Gurson
This lake Gurson in the Périgord region has a supervised beach, ideal for family swimming.
Lake Pombonne (Bergerac)
A popular swimming spot at Bergerac with a beach, walking trails and summer activities.
Bardoulets Beach (Port-Sainte-Foy)
Located on the banks of the Isle, Bardoulets Beach attracts families and swimmers.
Chandos leisure centre (Montpon-Ménestérol)
A vast stretch of water with a beach, supervised swimming and numerous summer activities.
Stay at a campsite to enjoy swimming in the Dordogne
There is a wide choice of campsites located near rivers and lakes in the Dordogne, allowing you to fully enjoy the pleasures of the water, including natural swimming, canoeing and relaxing by the river.
In the Périgord Noir, the Domaine de Soleil Plage***** and La Bouysse de Caudon*** campsites are just a few minutes' drive from Vitrac beach. The Beau Rivage*** campsite in La Roque-Gageac has direct access to a beach not far from the village. In Carsac-Aillac, the Aqua Viva**** campsite is just a few minutes from Rocher de la Cave beach. The Le Rocher de la Granelle*** campsite (Le Bugue) has direct access to the Vézère river and is located about 4 km from the Bos lake. Les Pialades*** campsite (Nabirat) is 2 km from Groléjac beach, while Le Moulin de Paulhiac **** campsite (Daglan) is about 5 km away.
In Périgord Vert, campsites are located near lakes and ponds that are ideal for swimming. Le Repaire*** campsite (Thiviers) is located just a 1 km walk from the Nantheuil lake. Slow Village Séveilles***** campsite allows you to swim in its private lake, although there is no lifeguard on duty, and provides access to Coux-et-Bigaroque beach.
In the Périgord Pourpre region, we particularly recommend the Pomport Beach**** campsite, which has a private lake for swimming on site, or the La Cigaline*** campsite (Montpon-Ménestérol), close to the Chandos leisure centre.
Practical advice for enjoying swimming in the Dordogne
Before you go swimming, it is advisable to check the water quality in lakes and river beaches to ensure that it is suitable for swimming. Also remember to follow local rules: supervised areas, opening hours, safety instructions and areas dedicated to children. Finally, make sure you have everything you need, including towels, sun cream and life jackets for the little ones, so you can enjoy your time by the water with peace of mind.
Conclusion
From the heart of the Périgord Noir to the lakes of Bergerac, via the rivers Dronne and Isle, the Dordogne is full of places to swim. Whether you prefer a natural beach on the edge of a listed village, a large family lake or a lively leisure centre, you will always find a site to suit your summer desires.