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The summer sun beats down on the Périgord, and the urge to cool off starts to build. Where can you swim in the Dordogne? The department, with 19.6 million tourist overnight stays in 20231, is packed with natural sites for a refreshing dip. Its main artery, the Dordogne river, has been designated a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, a mark of environmental quality. Pebble riverbanks, landscaped lakes or secret ponds – there’s a wide range of options for a waterside camping stay. This guide brings you the best spots.
To help you choose quickly, here’s a summary table of the most popular sites.
| Name of the spot | Type of site | Nearest town | Supervised swimming |
| Plage de Limeuil | River | Le Bugue | Yes, in July-August |
| Plage du Pont de Vitrac | River | Sarlat-la-Canéda | Yes, in July-August |
| Grand Étang de La Jemaye | Pond / Leisure centre | Ribérac | Yes, in July-August |
| Lac de Gurson | Lake / Leisure centre | Villefranche-de-Lonchat | Yes, in July-August |
| Plan d’eau de Tamniès | Water body | Sarlat-la-Canéda | Yes, in July-August |
Swimming in the Dordogne river is a unique experience. The water is refreshing, and the setting, often at the foot of castles or cliffs, is spectacular.
Plage de Limeuil: located at the confluence of the Dordogne and the Vézère, this pebble beach is one of the most beautiful. The view over the village of Limeuil is superb. It’s a well-known starting point for canoe trips.
Plage du Pont de Vitrac: right by Sarlat, this beach is very easy to reach. You can hire canoes and kayaks here for a trip down the river before relaxing in the sun. It’s the perfect spot for a family picnic.
La Roque-Gageac: less a beach than a river access point, this spot at the foot of the listed village is memorable. It’s one of the most beautiful spots in the Dordogne, with a direct view over the traditional gabarre boats sailing on the water.
For a full day of activities, the lakes for swimming in the Dordogne are an excellent option. They often offer supervised swimming and plenty of leisure activities.
Grand Étang de La Jemaye: in the heart of the Forêt de la Double, this Blue Flag-awarded site is a model of its kind. It offers:
Lac de Gurson: also a Blue Flag holder, this 15-hectare lake is a major leisure hub. Its water sports centre lets you try sailing or paddleboarding. Its large beach is ideal for children.
Plan d’eau de Tamniès: near Sarlat, this water body is much loved by families for its calm and safety. Swimming here is supervised during the summer, and water quality is constantly monitored. For more getaway ideas, check out our guide to France’s most beautiful lakes.
Bathing water quality is a major concern. The ARS (Regional Health Agency) publishes interactive maps and reports. According to the 2023 report from ARS Nouvelle-Aquitaine2, 97% of the department’s swimming sites had water quality meeting standards, guaranteeing health safety for swimmers.
While the term can be misleading, there are no “natural pools” formed in rock as found in other regions. However, many water bodies and calm stretches of river, such as the Tamniès water body, come close, thanks to their unspoilt natural setting and water quality.
Absolutely. Canoe routes on the Dordogne or the Vézère are designed with stops along the way. Many small beaches and coves are accessible only by river, making them perfect spots for a refreshing break away from the crowds.
Yes, for those looking for thrills, the Dordogne has several water parks. Jacquou Parc and Les Étangs du Bos offer slides, wave pools and plenty of water games for a guaranteed day of fun.
The Périgord is a top destination for nature lovers and fans of water activities. To make the most of these spots, a waterside holiday rental in France is the perfect solution, combining comfort with direct access to the most beautiful swimming spots in the Dordogne.
