The most beautiful river swimming spots on the Côte d'Azur

Summer is here and the sun weighs heavily on the Côte d'Azur. To cool off while avoiding the crowds on Mediterranean beaches, locals have their own solution. Like them, opt for about thirty streams, lakes and rivers waiting for you in the heart of nature! Multiply your freshwater escapes with our selection of the 5 most beautiful natural swimming spots on the Côte d'Azur.

1. Vallée de la Vésubie, les Marmites de la Bollène

photo credit Paulumusic

Dive headfirst into this superb emerald water basin. It gets its name from its shape of a "large cauldron" carved in the rock. Besides refreshing you, a visit to this site will reconnect you with your inner child. Indeed, the waterfall there transforms into a giant 15-meter slide. Let yourself glide down, 1 time, 2 times, 15 times... It's up to you to play.

2. Vallée de la Vésubie, l'Aune de l'éléphant

photo credit Le Journal des petits coins de paradis en France

This idyllic site combines abundant nature and crystal-clear water. Once there, you'll notice how the shape of the rock draws an elephant whose trunk plunges into the natural pool. It must be said, the setting is charming. You'll relax at length in this intimate setting where romance hangs in the air.

3. L'oasis de Planfae

photo credit L'internaute

Canyoning and wild nature lovers, this natural site is made for you. Here, you'll infiltrate a bucolic setting adorned with a beautiful pebble beach. The atmosphere of the place will give you the feeling of being in the middle of nowhere. Watch the clear water of this stream of the same name pour down and fully enjoy the relaxation.

4. Vallée du Loup, les Rives du loup

photo credit Département des Alpes-Maritimes

Succumb to this magnificent swimming site located in a 55-hectare natural park. You'll find a small coastal river where torrents are frequent. This river has its source in the Préalpes de Grasse. At the exit of the village of Bar-sur-Loup, you'll enjoy a pebble bank where the water flows gently.

5. Les Gorges de la Roudoule

photo credit Destination Côte d'Azur France

Join this ideal site to rest on the Côte d'Azur. Head to the outskirts of Puget-Théniers to discover a multitude of water bodies. The area is bordered by smooth slabs bathed in sunlight. These have the mission of slowing the descent of water from the Roudoule gorges. The place is perfectly suited for a refreshing dip when the heat of the Côte d'Azur is overwhelming.