France is a spectacular destination for wild swimming. Its rivers, lakes and waterfalls are some of the cleanest in Europe and the summers are reliably warm – in the south at least. Lac d’Ilay is in the Jura region, a remote and empty land with countless lakes and waterfallsPhotograph: Daniel Start/wildswimming.comThe river Loue is one of many rivers that emerge from huge underground springs. Here at Mouthier-Haute-Pierre in Franche-Comté in eastern France glows luminous with minerals, and is still very coldPhotograph: Daniel Start/wildswimming.comLac d’Annecy is warmed by thermal springs, and surrounded by the peaks of the Alps, making it one of the most famous natural swimming lakes in FrancePhotograph: Picasa/wildswimming.comFrance has many artificial lakes, to store water and generate electricity. The Lac de St Croix in Provence is one of its largest. The limestone geology of the area gives the lakes an azure hue and it remains warm for swimming right through to late OctoberPhotograph: Daniel Start/wildswimming.comUpstream of Lac de St Croix are the Gorges du Verdon, Europe’s grandest canyon. A journey into its heart reveals extraordinary rock formations and swimming opportunities on the Sentier de l’Imbut Photograph: Daniel Start/wildswimming.comThe Ardèche is one of France's best-loved rivers. Here it has formed a spectacular meandering gorge downstream of the Pont d’Arc. The area is a nature reserve and the only way to explore it is on foot or by canoe – a journey of at least two days. A bivouac camping area allows adventurers to camp overnight alongside the riverPhotograph: Daniel Start/wildswimming.comIn the Massif Central, source of many of France’s greatest rivers, the landscape is characterised by balsalt from ancient lava flows. Here at the Pont du Diable, near Thuyets, deep green pools have formed, perfect for swimming and snorkellingPhotograph: Daniel Start/wildswimming.comIn the Corbières region south of Narbonne ruined hilltop Cathar castles overlook a wild rugged landscape. Hidden within are beautiful waterfalls and gorges, such as these at TermesPhotograph: Daniel Start/wildswimming.comThe Pyrenees are home to thousands of tarns and lakes, set among idyllic alpine meadows and scenery. Lac de Gaube is one of the more accessible and can be reached by cable car. It has excellent rocks for diving and a wonderful colourPhotograph: Daniel Start/wildswimming.comThe far western Pyrenees, close to the Atlantic coast, become increasingly remote. At Kakuetta a huge gorge system can be explored via ropeways and ladders, and a large pool has formed at the base, perfect for a swimPhotograph: Daniel Start/wildswimming.comThe Dordogne is one of France best known lowland rivers, yet it is still has many undeveloped stretches. At the Cingle de Trémolat a great meander has formed and the water is silky and calmPhotograph: Daniel Start/wildswimming.comQuieter than the Dordogne, the Lot also enjoys many impressive chateaux and fine villages. Once a working river, at Chemin de Halage the old tow path, cut from the cliff, is an excellent place to access the river, with good jumps for the bravePhotograph: Daniel Start/wildswimming.comThe Célé is a tributary of the Lot, and with shallows and beaches it is perfect for families. This is a wooded bay near Marcilhac, a beautiful village with ruined monasteryPhotograph: Daniel Start/wildswimming.comFinally, La Loire is France’s longest and greatest river. Although the region is well developed the actual river remains an oasis of calm. The river has remained undeveloped – from navigation or hydroelectricity – and if you are careful of its shifting sandbanks and currents, it is a truly wild place to swimPhotograph: Daniel Start/wildswimming.com
