Swim in the top 4 rivers in the French Southern Alps

Here are the best rivers for an authorised dip in white Alpine water with just the melody of the river to keep you company! In the summer, these natural swimming pools so loved by bathers promise an exceptionally fresh break with a view of the peaks.

A spectacular bathe in the Cascade de la Lance

The Cascade de la Lance, a waterfall just a stone’s throw from the famous fortified town of Colmars-les-Alpes, is a magical place and a must in the region. In the middle of this cool oasis surrounded by a forest setting, you’ll be swept off your feet by the enchanting decor of the site, characterised by its rocky circus and mineral environment. After just a few minutes walk along the path, you’ll be able to see the waterfall falling from a height of 20 metres. And you’ll breathe in the heady scent of moss and lichen as you walk through the forest with its exceptional view. At the end of your walk with its blocs of limestone scattered around the landscape, indulge in a little swim under the waterfall.

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Une publication partagée par Jérémie Sahler (@jerem.shr)

A dip in the Gorges du Guil

The Queyras, a hot spot for white water sports and fishing, is crossed by a torrent, the Guil, a sort of thread which connects all the places along the valley. The river runs around 14 kilometres between Château-Queyras and the Maison du Roy dam lake, with a key part: the Gorges du Guil. These narrow, deep and picturesque gorges are cut into black rocks which set off the colour of the water flowing through them. Admire them on a wild bathe or at a family picnic in the Queyras Naturel Regional Park.

A refreshing break in the Ubaye

The Ubaye rises at 2,655 metres in a little lake with the same name on the Col du Longet and flows into one of the arms of the Lake of Serre-Ponçon 83 kilometres further downstream. Rhythmed by its rapids which are caused by the natural flow which has earned it a reputation all over Europe, the Ubaye is the ideal river for white water swimming, but you have to keep pace! Along the river, there are professional guides available to teach you how to dive into the currents and surf on the rapids. For all those of you who get bored on the beach, the Ubaye guarantees refreshing cool while you make the most of leisure activity. Thrills for kids and parents.

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Jump into the Estéron

There’s a wild, protected river In the Alpes-Maritime: the Estéron. It runs through the Préalpes d’Azur, down the valley from the Montagne du Teillon, to finish its course in the river Var. It also dominates the departmental natural Park to which it has given its name, offering a unique panorama in a setting of green hills, forests of pine trees, willows and poplars. But the incredible transparency of the emerald green waters does not make the river a forbidden treasure: swim in the river nestled in a landscape with multiple colours and discover its natural swimming holes, which are also known as “launes”. Adventure lovers, this is the ideal place to admire the Estéron from all angles: discover hiking, canyoning and climbing on the site.