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Summer in Provence, the song of the cicadas, the rising heat… and an irresistible urge to find a spot of water to cool off in! Looking for somewhere to swim near Avignon? You’ve come to the right place. The City of the Popes is the perfect starting point for discovering a variety of swimming spots, ideal for rounding off a stay at a waterside campsite. Whether you’re after wild rivers or water parks, let us be your guide!
Here’s the essential information to help you choose quickly.
| Place | Type | Distance from Avignon | Ideal for… |
| Pont du Gard | River (Gardon) | ~ 30 min | Historic setting and water activities |
| Fontaine de Vaucluse | River (Sorgue) | ~ 68 min | The setting, canoeing (very cold water) |
| Lac de Monteux | Landscaped lake | ~ 30 min | Families and supervised swimming |
| Plan d’eau des Salettes | Landscaped lake | ~ 45 min | Natural setting and tree-top adventure course |
| Wave Island | Water park | ~ 27 min | Thrills and fun |
| Municipal pools | Public pool | In Avignon | Swimming and convenience |
For those seeking authenticity, a river swim near Avignon and the surrounding area is an experience not to be missed. The Gard and Vaucluse departments are true treasures for a natural swim near Avignon.
The quality of their waters is subject to rigorous health monitoring. According to the 2024 report from the Occitanie Regional Health Agency (ARS), based on data from the past four years, water quality is excellent. In the Gard department, 95% of monitored river swimming sites rate “good” or “excellent” for water quality1. These figures reflect the quality of the natural settings awaiting you.
Fancy swimming in the Gardon river with a breathtaking view of a 2,000-year-old Roman aqueduct? That’s the experience on offer at the Pont du Gard site, awarded Grand Site de France status.
The Sorgue, which has its source at Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, is famous for its incredibly clear water… and its constant temperature of around 13°C!
The Vaucluse is full of lakes for swimming near Avignon. These water bodies are perfect for a family day out, with activities for all ages and swimming that’s often supervised.
Also known as Lac de Beaulieu, this is the ideal spot for a quick, easy outing from Avignon.
Nestled at the foot of Mont Ventoux, this lake stands out for its fine sandy beaches and pine-lined waters.
Right next to the lake, Wave Island is the largest all-slides amusement park in Provence, and a brilliant answer to the question of where to swim near Avignon when you’re after thrills.
For an easy swim without leaving the city, Avignon’s swimming pools are an excellent option. They’re perfect for swimming lengths or simply cooling off. Avignon has several, including:
Good to know: the opening hours and days of the municipal pools vary considerably depending on the time of year (school term or holidays). It’s strongly advised to check the information on the official Avignon town hall website before heading out.
The Avignon region is a top destination for swimming enthusiasts. To make the most of these various water spots, the best option is to stay at a lakeside campsite. It’s the perfect base for exploring and discovering somewhere new every day.
Since you love a good swimming spot, our guide to France’s most beautiful lakes might give you ideas for your next adventures.
