At the foot of the majestic Mont Ventoux or in the unspoilt landscapes of the Luberon, there are many opportunities for swimming in Vaucluse.
Whether you enjoy lazing around on a supervised beach or are looking for an unspoilt natural spot for your summer swims, Vaucluse will surprise you with the diversity of its aquatic spots. Discover our suggestions for must-see places and nearby campsites for an unforgettable holiday by the water.
Swimming in lakes and water sports in Vaucluse
Lake Monteux (Beaulieu)
Lake Monteux is a must-visit leisure centre with supervised swimming and numerous water sports such as paddleboarding, pedal boating and canoeing.
Lake Paty (Caromb)
A small lake nestled in a pine forest, Lake Paty is a popular spot for swimming in summer, offering a peaceful and natural setting.
Étang de la Bonde (Cabrières-d'Aigues / La Motte-d'Aigues), in the Luberon
A true gem of the Luberon, the Bonde lake offers turquoise waters and several beaches equipped for supervised swimming in summer.
La Riaille lake (Apt)
The Riaille lake has a supervised summer swimming area and facilities for windsurfing and water games.
Salettes lake (Mormoiron)
The Salettes lake is popular with families thanks to its fine sandy beach, shaded areas and supervised swimming.
Étang des Girardes (Lapalud)
The Girardes lake is a calm stretch of water with supervised swimming and a water sports centre offering pedal boats and paddleboards.
Sablière lake - Val de Durance (Cadenet)
The Sablière lake, adjacent to the Val de Durance campsite, offers supervised swimming in a natural setting. It is accessible to visitors from outside the campsite for an entrance fee.
Revestidou lake (Caderousse)
The municipal Revestidou lake is a family-friendly spot popular for its supervised swimming and green spaces.
Li Piboulo (Piolenc)
The Li Piboulo leisure centre offers supervised swimming, floating structures and water sports.
River swimming in the Vaucluse
Toulourenc Gorges and the hamlet of Veaux in Malaucène
The Toulourenc is a crystal-clear river with natural pools that are ideal for swimming in summer. Swimming is not supervised and caution is advised.
Roman bridge at Saint-Léger-du-Ventoux, on the Toulourenc River
A wild spot popular with swimmers, without supervision, swimming at the Roman bridge is ideal for cooling off in a natural setting.
Saint-Michel Bridge in Entrechaux on the Ouvèze River
The Saint-Michel bridge is a popular spot among locals for swimming in the Ouvèze, easily accessible in summer.
Bédarrides beach on the Ouvèze river
This small beach on the riverbank is a family swimming spot near the village, popular with locals.
Iconic sites to discover, but swimming is prohibited
Partage des eaux (L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue)
A picturesque spot where the river divides into several branches, much loved by walkers, but swimming in the Sorgue is strictly prohibited in the municipality.
Fontaine-de-Vaucluse
This remarkable natural site with crystal-clear waters is very popular with visitors, but swimming is strictly prohibited for safety and environmental protection reasons.
Chapelle Sainte-Madeleine in Mirabeau (Durance)
This beautiful heritage site on the banks of the Durance does not have an authorised swimming area.
Where to swim in Avignon?
There are no authorised swimming areas in the Rhône in Avignon itself. However, there are several sites nearby. The closest is the lake at the Pontet leisure centre, where swimming is permitted in summer. You can also quickly reach the Monteux lake or the Li Piboulo leisure centre in Piolenc, both about 12 km from Avignon.
Which campsite should you stay at to enjoy the swimming spots in Vaucluse?
The campsites in Vaucluse are an excellent base for exploring the lakes and lakes in Vaucluse while enjoying comfortable, family-friendly accommodation.
Some campsites even offer direct access to swimming spots. The Val de Durance**** campsite in Cadenet offers direct access to the Sablière lake for easy swimming. In Cabrières-d'Aigues, the L'Étang de la Bonde*** campsite offers direct access to the lake, ideal for families and water sports enthusiasts.
For lakes that are a little further away, Le Jantou**** campsite in Le Thor is about 12 km from the Revestidou lake in Caderousse, while the Beauregard***** campsite in Mornas is about 18 km from the same lake.
Neither is located in the immediate vicinity of supervised or natural rivers, such as the Toulourenc or the Ouvèze, and – remember – swimming is rarely permitted in the Sorgue.
Practical advice for swimming in the Vaucluse
Before heading to a swimming spot, remember to check the water quality and access conditions, which may vary depending on the season or local regulations. Some rivers, such as the Sorgue, may seem suitable but are actually off-limits for swimming. Be particularly vigilant on the Toulourenc, as the river can rise rapidly after heavy rain, making swimming dangerous. Always obey the signs for your own safety.