This week we’ve been day dreaming at Loco2, thanks to Daniel Start’s book Wild Swimming in France. It’s filled with photos to tempt those who’ve enjoyed outdoor swimming before and inspire those who haven’t.

The book showcases our continental neighbour’s best wild water destinations and as usual we wanted to know which ones we could reach by train. We’ve organised our favourites by region and worked out how to get there. So get your swimming kit, hop on a train and explore the beautiful rivers and lakes France has to offer!

Dive into Ardéche

Pont Du Diable, Thueyts, Ardéche

The Ardèche boasts several glorious swimming spots, with natural pools, gorges and sandy beaches dotted throughout the region. Pont Du Diable at Thueyts, Ardéche, is just one of many, but its spectacular geology makes it stand out from the crowd. The natural arch at the Devil’s Bridge is so named because our superstitious ancestors thought the rock formations were the devil’s work. If you’re feeling brave try dipping your toes in Gouffre de l’Enfer – Hell’s Abyss, or forget the devil all together and swim over heart shaped pebbles.

Nearest train station: Aubenas | Search for trains to Valence Ville and take a local train from there. One-way from Paris £23

Make a splash in Jura

Lac D’ilay, Ilay, Jura 

Lac D’ilay is the largest and shallowest of the lakes in Jura region, close to Switzerland. The shallow water makes it perfect for kids, or adults who want a warm outdoor swimming experience. The grassy shores surround the lake make it an ideal place to relax and meditate in astonishing natural beauty. There are more lakes at the nearby village of Ilay, and a campsite at Lac de Narlay with a small cliff for jumping and diving.

Nearest train station: Champagnole | Search for trains to Mouchard and take a local train from there. One-way from Paris £44

Wild swimming in Languedoc

Pont Du Diable-Large river pool below bridge and long gorges above, Languedoc, The Hérault

Same name, different place, another Devil’s Bridge, this time in Languedoc near the famous medieval village of St- Guilhem-le-Désert. This huge pool has bridges overhead and deep gorges for long swims and high dives. If you’re a lover of caves check out the stalactites of the Grotte de Clamous, which can be reached by a subterranean river.

Nearest train station: Millau or le Bousquet D’Orb | Search for trains to Montpellier and take a local train from there. Paris to Montpellier £23

Skinny dipping in Annecy

Roc De Cherie, (Lac d’Annecy), Central Alps, Annecy

A little bay with cliffs, this is the place to go if you like snorkelling, leaping off cliffs or skinny dipping! Lac d’Annecy is located in the Central Alps which has beautiful white-water rivers and lakes surrounded by alpine meadows and mountains. Lac d’Annecy is France’s most famous swimming lake due to the beautiful turquoise hue and warmth of the water, but for these same reasons it can get busy.

Nearest train station: Annecy | Search for trains to Annecy

Rope swinging in Corbières

Gorges De Gouleyrous, Corbières

Here in Corbières you have the opportunity to channel your inner Tarzan (or Jane) and enjoy a rope swing, something we’ve always dreamed of at Loco2! There are waterfalls above you and a sinkhole below – the “bottomless” lake is connected by deep subterranean tunnels to the sea north of Narbonne. Cave lovers and historians among you should visit the caves at nearby Gorges De Gouleyrous, as these were once home to a Prehistoric man (a 450,000 year old skull was found nearby).

Nearest train station: Narbonne | Search for trains to Narbonne One-way Paris to Narbonne £23

Plunge pool at Vaucluse

Upper Toulorenc, Vaucluse Provence, Haut Vaucluse

Most of the rivers and lakes in Vaucluse and Haute Provence dry up during summer. But at Toulorenc you’ll find a deep plunge pool, and a series of smaller shallow pools to take a dip. The surrounding limestone has been carved into beautiful slopes by the flow of the river, and the emerald waters make this one of the most appealing wild swimming destinations in France. Be brave and head over to southern Valucluse where the water  falls from the mountains down into the subterranean cave systems. Be warned, Fontaine-de-Vaucluse at the foot of the cliff is 315 metres deep and very cold.

Nearest train station: Orange, near Avignon | Search for trains to Orange and take local transport onwards One-way Paris to Orange £23

Canyon swimming at Var Verdon

Le styx at low flow, Var Verdon

The Canyon du Verdon, famous for its bright green water and crystal clear pools, is the highlight of most people’s visit. When the water is at its lowest it’s possible to swim to Le Styx (pictured) through a canyon as the river flows towards a cave.  The rock formations become more dramatic the further you venture into the canyon. Haut Jabron is accessible via underground chutes, ladders and walkways which makes it great for canyoning. But follow safety advice carefully as the flow of water along the Verdon varies, as it is controlled by the EDF (Electrictie de France) in response to the demand for electricity.

Nearest train station: Cannes | Search for trains to Cannes and take local transport onwards One-way Paris to Cannes £37.50

Take a look at the Daniel Starts’s wild swimming website where you will find more information on the France book, and the UK’s many wild swimming spots.

All images reproduced with thanks by Daniel Start, all rights reserved 2012