Swimming in the Ardèche gorges: prepare the location and check the conditions

1. The place and the signs. Choose one site presented by the community, then check on site the prohibitions and the authorized perimeter.
2. The analysis and its date. Consult Ardèche inf’eau Beach for the chosen range. A missing or old analysis does not give a green light for the day of your release.
3. Weather and local conditions. Look at it vigilance, closures and instructions of the place; give up in case of heavy rain or rising water levels.
4. Truly open surveillance. Reread it community calendar and posted times. 2026 summer monitoring is complete.
5. The adult who supervises the children. Designate him before swimming and keep a close watch, even in the presence of lifeguards.

These checks complement each other; a good result on water quality does not replace local instructions or monitoring.

The community of communes monitored the Pont d'Arc upstream, the Pont de Balazuc beach and the intercommunal beach of Salavas from 2 July to 30 August 2026, from 12:30 to 18:30. This period is over. Dates and times come from its official announcement ; they are not good for another year.

Even in season, arriving early to avoid crowds can mean swimming before the lifeguard opens. On site, check the perimeter, signs and instructions. Our South Ardèche swimming guide presents other controlled sites, without attributing to them a consistently low current.

The Portal Ardèche inf’eau Beach publishes information from controlled sites. As of 6 October 2026, it is out of season and indicates no scans available for the ranges displayed. A summer result therefore does not necessarily describe the water of your autumn stay.

Consult the orders and the vigilance Météo-France. In the event of heavy rain or rising water levels, refrain from swimming. Local advisories and closures take precedence : a fixed period after rain is not enough to authorize swimming.

Do not jump from bridges or cliffs. Rocks under water and a deceptive depth are risks recalled by the community. Children remain under the close supervision of an adult, including on a supervised beach. In a canoe, follow the rental company's instructions for breaks and keep the requested equipment; our descent guide also prepares this organization.

The SGGA presents the rules of the reserve : fires and abandonment of waste prohibited, tranquility to be preserved, night only in the authorized areas of Gaud and Gournier. Dogs must be kept on a leash in the reserve and are not allowed in canoes. Alcohol is subject to specific regulations.

A stop on a beach does not allow you to sleep there. Prepare a night with the bivouac guide. The gorge guide locate the other possible exits, on the plateau and in the caves. For parking and shuttle, see the Pont d’Arc in practice.