France’s 1,000 most magical wild swimming locations revealed in stunning travel guide, from secret azure-blue pools to idyllic rivers
- Wild Swimming France, written by Daniel Start, takes the reader on an ‘aquatic voyage’ to ‘beautiful locations’
- And to make sure you can pinpoint them, each entry contains detailed directions and even map co-ordinates
- Top spots revealed include tranquil river beaches in the Ardeche and the secret canyons of the Languedoc
- Scroll down for MailOnline Travel’s pick of some of the book’s eye-catching finds – as well as 10 safety tips
Fancy a refreshing dip?
Then head to France and dive in, because the water there is particularly lovely – as a stunning travel guide reveals.
Wild Swimming France, written by Daniel Start, reveals 1,000 of the country’s most magical wild swimming spots, taking the reader on an ‘aquatic voyage into the wild heart of one of Europe’s most beautiful countries… from the tranquil river beaches of the Ardeche and the secret canyons of the Languedoc, to the shimmering aquamarine pools of Corsica and the Alps’.
The book, the author states, documents some of the most beautiful traditional swimming locations in France, covering well-known classics and hidden local spots.
And what’s more, to make sure you can pinpoint them, each entry contains detailed directions and even map co-ordinates.
Scroll down for MailOnline Travel’s pick of some of the book’s most eye-catching finds – as well as 10 crucial safety tips…
BRANTOME, PERIGORD VERT: Behold the picturesque island town of Brantome – the Venice of the Perigord region, Daniel points out. The waters here are shallow and clear and best explored by canoe he says, but there is swimming from the town beach or several river spots close by, such as Puy Joubert or Valeuil. Co-ordinates: 45.3638, 0.6528
ANGLES-SUR-L’ANGLIN, NOUVELLE-AQUITAINE REGION: This beautiful French village is overlooked by a romantic ruined chateau, notes Daniel, ‘while below it, the old mill and lily-pad strewn pools seem unchanged since medieval times’. Fancy a dip? ‘Follow the footbridge over the shallows to the little island, and swim in deeper water from the roots of trees,’ says Daniel, ‘or head downstream to the main pool below the island – a popular spot with space for picnics on the riverside.’ Co-ordinates: 46.6942, 0.8808
1. Never swim alone and keep a constant watch on weak swimmers
2. Cold water can decrease swimming ability, create cold shock and cause drowning through panic. Know your limits, enter slowly and stay close to the shoreline.
3. Avoid strong currents, such as those directly under large waterfalls or weirs.
4. Be aware of changing water levels downstream of dams and in canyons after rainfall.
5. Stay well clear of boats.
6. Never jump into water you have not first checked for depth and obstructions.
7. Always make sure you know how you will get out of the water before you get in.
8. Wear suitable footwear.
9. Be wary of water quality in lowland areas during drought and heavy rain.
10. Avoid contact with blue-green algae.
Source: Wild Swimming France
For French-language Wild Swimming books, click here.
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