The region’s coastline is justly famous and most beaches are excellent for swimming. The local lakes are a delight and the rivers are ideal for splashing around – whether you choose a well-established popular spot or somewhere altogether wilder and more peaceful. The many indoor and outdoor pools provide hours of enjoyment.

Lakes and rivers

From family-friendly lakes packed with attractions and quiet spots ideal for young children, through to the thrilling challenge of leaping from rocks into the deep waters below, the rivers and lakes of the Languedoc provide endless fun.

Lac de Jouarres

Just a couple of kilometres from Azille and great for swimming, sunbathing and windsurfing. Lifeguards are on duty in July and August. Windsurfing tuition and kayak and pedalo hire are available. Part of the lake is reserved for fishing. There’s also a large grassy area perfect for picnics. The café/restaurant is open most of the year – you can dine or simply enjoy a glass of wine or an ice cream overlooking the lake.

Carcassonne Plage

At the Lac de la Cavayère – also known as Carcassonne Plage – there are three beaches. There’s good swimming with lifeguards in attendance. Waterskiing and wake boarding, paddle boarding and pedalos are all available. Parc Aquaviva provides lots of fun, especially for families, with giant inflatables to climb on and jump off, plus a giant slide to send you shooting right across the lake. It’s worth packing a picnic to avoid queues at the refreshment stands.

Bize-Minervois

River swimming in the Cesse in the summer months, in a pretty medieval village. The water is tested by the local authority and lifeguards are in attendance. Perfect for children.

Ribaute

On the way to Lagrasse, on the River Orbier. A small waterfall, little rock pools and lots of rocks to jump off make this spot huge fun for all ages. The bravest leap into the river from the high rocks or even from the ancient bridge! You’ll find a larger swimming area just above the weir.

Lagrasse

The Orbier is dammed in the summer months to create a pool by the 12th-century humpbacked bridge. A lovely place to cool off after exploring Lagrasse’s ancient abbey.

Around the Cathar Castles

There are plenty of opportunities for wild swimming in the breathtaking countryside surrounding the Cathar castles, but the best places are not always easy to find. One good swimming area that’s not too hard to track down is in the Gorges du Verdouble, not far outside the village of Duilhac-sous-Peyrepertuse. A truly lovely spot.
See the Crème de Languedoc website for more wild swimming ideas.

Swimming pools and waterparks

Les Bains de Minerve in Peyriac-Minervois. Just a few minutes’ drive away, with a good pool with a retractable roof – so there is indoor swimming in the winter, with outside pools open in season. There’s also a sauna and pleasant café.

L’ Espace de Liberte in Narbonne. A 25m indoor pool and an Olympic-size outdoor pool heated to 27 degrees throughout the year, plus waterslides open in summer and a paddling pool. Not to mention a whole host of other activities on site.

Le Balneo Ludique, Gruissan. Indoor pool and spa complex with whirlpool, sauna  and steam room, plus outdoor pool with waterslides.

Aquajet Parc Canaima, Narbonne Plage. Large outdoor pool with waterslides and also a paddling pool for younger children.

Aqualand Port Leucate A great day out for kids, with huge waterslides, a lazy river and much, much more besides.