Where to swim in the Luberon to escape the summer heat?
Where to swim in the Luberon? Discover the best summer spots: lakes, rivers, water areas, pools... A refreshing and natural guide to escape the heat.
Where to swim in the Luberon? Discover the best summer spots: lakes, rivers, water areas, pools... A refreshing and natural guide to escape the heat.
Sommaire
Looking for a refreshing break in the heart of the Provençal summer? Although the Luberon is best known for its hilltop villages, lavender fields and hiking trails, it also offers wonderful swimming spots where you can fully enjoy the pleasure of the water between two visits. During the summer season, many natural spots and leisure areas are perfect for cooling off with family, as a couple or with friends. Here are some natural and developed places to enjoy a refreshing summer in the heart of Provence.
50 minutes from Cavaillon, 20 minutes from Lourmarin
Located in the heart of the Luberon in the Vaucluse, between Cabrières-d'Aigues and La Motte-d’Aigues, L'Étang de la Bonde charms visitors with its turquoise waters and preserved natural setting.
Before taking a dip, walk along the low wall from the viewpoint opposite the car park to enjoy a stunning view of the Mourre Nègre, the highest point of the Luberon. Then head down to the beach to find a shady spot.
A refreshing swim guaranteed!
Good to know before you go
Opening: all year round, with supervised swimming from 1 July to 31 August.
Access: free, with paid daytime parking from June to September.
On site: food service, picnic area, pets allowed and fishing permitted with a compulsory fishing permit.
Good habit: check the bathing water quality before your outing.
30 minutes from Cavaillon and Lourmarin
The La Riaille Lake, located just a short distance from the centre of Apt, is a must-visit place to cool off and enjoy a day outdoors.
Its two natural basins, converted into swimming pools and accessible free of charge via floating pontoons, are perfect for a summer day with the family. Children will also love the AquaBase and its large inflatable structure on the water.
Summer fun guaranteed!
Good to know before you go
Swimming: supervised in summer by lifeguards.
Opening: every day from 1 July to 31 August, from 1 pm to 7 pm, with free access.
On site: large pool, small pool, picnic area, toilets, snack bar and restaurant.
Paid activity: access to the Aqua Base area.
Good habit: check the bathing water quality before your outing.
35 minutes from Cavaillon, 10 minutes from Lourmarin
The lake at Camping Val de Durance, located below the hilltop village of Cadenet, invites you to relax and cool off across 4 hectares of lush natural surroundings.
Even if you are not staying at the campsite, you can access it by paying an entrance fee. A snack bar, parking, playground and supervised swimming make it easy to extend your day.
A refreshing escape guaranteed!
Good to know before you go
Access: paid in summer for visitors not staying at the campsite.
Swimming: supervised during the summer season.
On site: parking, picnic area, toilets, snack bar, children’s playground and Wi-Fi.
Good habit: check the bathing water quality before your outing.
Looking for a refreshing and unusual experience close to the Luberon? Set off on an adventure with Canoë Vaucluse and let yourself be carried along by the Sorgue, one of the most beautiful rivers in Provence.
Open to everyone from age 6, this canoe or kayak trip is ideal with family or friends. The 8 km route alternates between fun sections and calmer stretches, with equipment provided and return shuttle included.
To extend the fun, don’t miss Parc Nestor le Castor, with water games, slides, zip lines and play areas.
Nature, freshness and memories guaranteed!
Good to know before you go
Departure: Fontaine-de-Vaucluse.
Arrival: L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, with return shuttle included.
Route: 8 km, around 1.5 to 2 hours of paddling.
Minimum age: 6 years old, swimming ability required.
Equipment provided: 2 to 3-seater canoe or kayak, life jacket, paddle and waterproof barrel.
Tips: bring water shoes, a change of clothes and sunscreen.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced swimmer, a child or an adult, Natation PACA offers a wide range of personalised lessons adapted to all levels.
Sessions can take place at home, in partner pools or in lakes, offering maximum flexibility and a calm, reassuring learning experience.
The team also offers additional activities: aquafitness, aquazen, baby swimming, sports coaching and tailor-made water-based activities.
Safety guaranteed!
Good to know before you go
Opening hours: all year round, every day from 8 am to 10 pm.
Services: individual or group lessons, adapted to all levels and all ages.
Certificates: swimming certificates and water confidence certificates.
Indicative prices: individual lesson from €40 to €50, group lesson from €20 to €30 per person.
Activities: aquagym, aquafitness, coastal water walking, children’s courses and water-based activities.
Booking: via the official website natationpaca.com.
30 minutes from Cavaillon, 1 hour from Lourmarin
Wave Island, located in Monteux, is Provence’s 100% waterslide park. With 5 hectares of tropical adventures, it is the ideal place to cool off and have fun with family or friends.
On the programme: water attractions, fun pools, spectacular slides, shaded areas and relaxation zones by the water.
In the evening, Sunset Island extends the experience in a festive, family-friendly atmosphere.
Adventure, laughter and splashes guaranteed!
Good to know before you go
Opening: from 14 June to 31 August 2025, every day from 10 am to 7 pm.
2025 prices: adult €33, child €26, free for children under 1 m tall.
Reduced rates: €30 for seniors, students, pregnant women and people with disabilities, upon presentation of proof.
Services: restaurant, refreshment bar, free Wi-Fi, lockers, sun loungers, Balinese beds, deckchairs and straw huts.
Parking: paid municipal car parks immediately next to the park.
30 minutes from Cavaillon, 1 hour from Lourmarin
Monteux Lake is a perfect place to enjoy a variety of activities with family or friends. Set in pleasant surroundings, it offers a developed beach for swimming, picnic areas and shaded spots ideal for relaxing.
You can also enjoy pedal boating, paddleboarding or kayaking. Children will love the water games and activities offered during the summer.
For thrill-seekers, Wave Lake, a wakeboarding cable park, completes the experience.
Adrenaline guaranteed!
Good to know before you go
Opening: 7 days a week, from 11 am to 7 pm in July and August.
Access: free, with paid parking.
On site: picnic area, children’s games, table tennis tables, fitness area and bar.
Activities: pedal boat, paddleboard and kayak rental, plus inflatable water park in summer.
Good habit: check the bathing water quality before your outing.
45 minutes from Cavaillon, 1 hour 15 minutes from Lourmarin
Les Salettes Lake, a little green paradise located in Mormoiron, between Mont Ventoux and the Monts de Vaucluse, welcomes you in an exceptional natural setting. Lined with pine trees and surrounded by vineyards, this swimming spot offers a panorama made for switching off.
Under the azure sky of Provence, between children’s laughter, the song of cicadas and the softness of the water, a simple day by the lake becomes a nature escape.
In addition to swimming, enjoy the walking and mountain bike trails starting from the site, or test your agility at Ventoux Aventure park, located right next door.
A complete escape guaranteed!
Good to know before you go
Access: free parking nearby.
Swimming: supervised beach during the summer season.
On site: picnic area, toilets, food service and fishing permitted, with fishing permits available on site.
Nearby: walking trails and Ventoux Aventure park.
Good habit: check the bathing water quality before your outing.
Between 1.5 and 2 hours from Cavaillon and Lourmarin
Pointe de l’Aiguille Beach, Théoule-sur-Mer
If you are staying in the Luberon and feel like spending a day by the sea, several beautiful beaches are easily accessible by car.
Head towards Marseille, Cassis, La Ciotat, Martigues or even the Camargue for a sea-scented escape between wild coves, large family beaches and Mediterranean landscapes.
A beautiful seaside break from the Luberon!
Choose your escape according to your starting point
From southern Luberon
1h30 La Ciotat beaches
Large family-friendly beaches with easy access.
1h45 Cassis calanques
Coves between cliffs and turquoise waters. Access is regulated in summer.
1h45 Pointe de l’Aiguille
Wild cove and red rocks of the Estérel.
From northern Luberon
1h45 Plage Napoléon
Large wild beach in the Camargue, very extensive and uncrowded.
1h45 Piémanson Beach
Large open beach in the heart of the Camargue.
2h Grau-du-Roi or La Grande Motte
Seaside resorts with facilities, ideal for families.
Practical tips before you go
Plan ahead: arrive early to avoid peak crowds.
Protect yourself: bring hats, sunscreen, fresh water and a parasol.
Respect the area: leave no waste behind and follow local rules for swimming and water activities.
Whatever your preference, you will always find a place to cool off and enjoy the region’s natural beauty.
Also discover our ideas for refreshing summer activities and outings.
So, have you planned your next refreshing escape? Enjoy your swim :)
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Practical information on Where to swim in the Luberon to escape the summer heat?
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Frequently asked questions
Swimming in the Durance: is it allowed?
The Durance River, an emblematic waterway of southeastern France, runs alongside the Luberon and crosses some remarkable landscapes. Although it’s a prominent feature in the Vaucluse landscape, swimming in the Durance is strongly discouraged due to the risks associated with unpredictable currents and sudden water level changes caused by hydroelectric dams.
If you’re wondering where to swim in the Durance, be aware that no official site allows bathing in the river for safety reasons. It’s best to choose designated and supervised spots nearby.
Where to swim in Cavaillon?
For a safe swimming experience in Cavaillon, head to the city’s open-air pool, open during the summer and offering pools suitable for all ages.
It’s the perfect place to cool off on hot days while enjoying well-maintained facilities.
Can you swim in the Sorgue?
In L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, swimming in the Sorgue River may be tempting, but it is not allowed. The water remains at a chilly 13°C (55°F) year-round, which poses a real risk of cold shock.
It’s also a fragile ecosystem that can be damaged by repeated trampling.
Where to swim in and around Lourmarin?
There is no designated swimming spot directly in Lourmarin, but there are several nearby options.
About 15 minutes away, the Etang de la Bonde, located between Sannes and Cabrières-d’Aigues, is one of the few official bathing spots in the southern Luberon.
Another option is the Val de Durance lake in Cadenet, part of a campsite but accessible to external visitors, featuring a family-friendly sandy beach.
Both sites are great options to cool off in nature while staying close to Lourmarin.
