The 12 best places to swim in the summer near Montpellier

Put the course on the best places to swim near Montpellier!

Summer is coming, it’s beautiful, it’s hot and the urge to refresh you is a hot one. Don't panic! The places to swim in Montpellier and its surroundings are not missing. Beaches of fine sand collected by blue waters, lakes and rivers lined with a lush nature... there are for all tastes. Bathing and discovering real landscapes of postcards where you can enjoy whole days.

Here are the best places to swim near Montpellier!

1. Palavas-les-Flots

The beaches of Palavas-les-Flots are probably the ones you think first of all when you want to swim near Montpellier. In total, no less than 11 beaches spread over the Left Bank and the Right Bank of the station.

Spread your towels and plant your parasols on nearly 7 kilometers of sand. On the programme: fierce, marine softness, nautical activities and... why not a small part of beach volleyball?

2. The Great Travers

Extending on about 3 kilometers of fine sand, the Grand Travers is the largest beach of the Great Motte . Appreciated by locals as tourists, it has several advantages that make it a must in Montpellier.

At first easily accessible, it also has — thanks to its dunes bordering it in places — a wild coast air that makes its charm. In addition, the atmosphere in the surrounding area is not missing. Between restaurants and paillotes of all kinds, there is a way to prolong its bronze day in the best way.

3. The Little Travers

Located in Mauguio, the Petit Travers beach offers its visitors a nice natural space running over a dozen kilometers. With family or friends, enjoy its idyllic setting where the dunes and local flora harmoniously combine the blue water.

To make a few breezes, to read a book or just to chill in the sun, it delights everyone.

4. The little Lez waterfall

The small waterfall of Lez is a perfect place if you want to swim near Montpellier away from the tourist hustle. Located behind the Aiguelongue district, between Montpellier and Castelnau-le-Lez, it offers an intimate environment in the shade of trees.

Here, not really places to fill up vitamin D, but some places to lie down in the grass. Escape to the ambient heat and slip into the freshness of its water.

5. Lake Crès

Very well known in the area, Lake Crès is the place to be when beautiful days arrive. If you choose it first for its proximity and ease of access by public transport, its large leisure area makes it a suitable place to enjoy the beautiful days. We have a picnic, a ride, a football game, and more importantly... we're soaking.

The riders also can find their happiness with the adjoining skate park, perfect for the practice of skate and BMX.

6. La Plage du Pont du Diable

Built in the 11th century, the Devil Bridge is a building full of the Herault Gorges. If her name can scare some, the beach just below will only seduce you. Loved in the middle of a preserved nature it offers moments of true tranquility. Install on its pleasant banks and forget any form of stress.

Be careful, however, of the most thrilling of you: the jumps from the bridge are strictly forbidden because far too dangerous or even deadly.

7. The waterfall of the Vis

Take a break full of magic between the Gard and the Hérault. In the picturesque village of Saint-Laurent-le-Minier, you will find the famous waterfall of the Vis, a beauty without such where the water — generally cold — will surely live you.

Little piece of paradise, you will soon no longer want to leave its natural shores where you can relax in a corner away from the sun.

8. The Gorges d’Héric

After a nice hike through the Caroux massif, along the magnificent landscapes, lead to a unique place: the Gorges d’Héric . Site ranked since 1993, you will enjoy walking along its stream and discover — here and there — cascades and swells. At the end of your walk, sit on a rock or immerse yourself in one of its sublime natural basins.

Beware of the same: swimming is not monitored.

9. L’Aire de baignade de Saint-Étienne-d’Issensac

When the sun is zenith and the heat is unsustainable, take the direction of Saint-Étienne-d’Issensac. There, close to the village, you will find a river of the most atypical. With this medium-aged bathing area and the 14th century bridge facing it, you will guarantee a jump in time.

Digne d’un décor pour un film tel que King Arthur , it is also and above all an ideal place to swim near Montpellier. History lovers? The chapel, classified as Historical Monuments and located nearby, will delight you.

10. The waterfall Navacelles

In the heart of the famous circus of Navacelles, find a haven of peace disturbed only by the noise of the water of this beautiful waterfall powered by the Vis. High 8 meters, it will surely make the most temeraires want to try some jumps from the highest point.

To avoid any danger, we advise you to opt for an unaltering swim in the large downstream basin.

11. The Gorges de l’Hérault

Playground for several activities such as canyoning or canoeing, the Gorges de l’Hérault are also a lovely place to swim near Montpellier. Boil your best sneakers and get down under its ravishing undergrowth where you can discover a varied flora and fauna.

At the key of your walk: an emerald water that only waits for you.

12. Lake Salagou

Created in 1960, with the aim of being a water reserve to irrigate the surrounding crops and fight the floods of the Herault River, Lake Salagou is now one of the most famous in the region. Recognisable by its land and its red rocks, it offers breathtaking landscapes.

Take place on its pebble beaches to enjoy the surrounding calm or try one of the activities of the nautical base.