It's beautiful, it's hot... you want to swim? Discover the most beautiful waterfalls in Occitania where you can refresh yourself!
L’Occitanie, merging of the regions Languedoc-Roussillon and Midi-Pyrénées, is one of the corners of France renowned for its gorges, lakes, rivers and waterfalls. When the heat settles in the summer and the sun does not spare you from its misleading rays, it is good to settle at the foot of a waterfall, away from a few trees and to taste the fresh water of a vivifiant water. Where to swim in Occitania? Here is a small florilège of the 12 cascades in Occitanie. Come on, let's get to the water! You will discover what it means to swim in the region!
Also:
The 21 things to do in Occitania
14 cathar castles to visit in Occitania
The 8 most beautiful villages in Occitania
1. Duilhac waterfalls – Aude
Photo credit : Flickr -Véronique Meaux
Address: site du « Moulin de Ribaute », 11350 Duilhac-sous-Peyrepertuse
To be seen in the area: the Cathar castle of Peyrepertuse
If you like to swim in bright waters, you will necessarily be seduced by a swim in one of the waterfalls in Occitania, in the Gorges de la Verdouble. Nestled in a limestone canyon where flows Verdouble , the Duilhac vasques and cascades will offer you an ideal playground. For families, know that waterfalls are monitored in the summer.
How do I access it?
Located only 1km from the village of Duilhac, east. Access through the cathar path.
2. The waterfalls of the Sautadet – Gard
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Seb Pochet
Address: Roque-sur-Cèze
To be seen in the area: the village of Roque-sur-Cèze, a mill of 1881 located above the waterfalls
Are you an amateur of strong feelings? The Sautadet waterfalls are for you! You can test a whole range of jumps or simply refresh yourself in the agitated waters of the Ceze.
Beware, if the enchanting setting, swimming is nevertheless considered dangerous. It is forbidden in cascades, but remains possible downstream.
How do I access it?
The waterfalls are located at the height of the village of La-Roque-sur-Cèze. Garage on the parking lot at the foot of the Charles Martel Bridge (parking is paid in high season).
3. Saint-Laurent-le-Minier Waterfall – Gard
Photo credit: Shutterstock – AirelleS
Address: Saint-Laurent-le-Minier
To be seen in the area: Saint-Laurent-le-Minier mines, former gold and silver mines
To swim in Occitania? Nothing simpler! The valley of the Vis does not lack waterfalls and natural pools. The most beautiful sites are located around the village of Saint-Laurent-le-Minier.
This site is ideal for both families and friends. Do not fear the affluence that can be important in high season.
How do I access it?
There are two parking spaces to access the waterfall. One is free, the other paying. Access is quite easy.
4. The waterfalls of the Nielle – Aude
Photo credit: Wikipedia – Tybo2
Address: Saint-Laurent-de-la-Cabrerisse
To be seen in the area: the fort and the three churches of Saint-Laurent-de-la-Cabrerisse
A superb site, it is also little known to amateur tourists in search of waterfalls in Occitania. The water rushes along the steps of a staircase carved naturally by the Nielle. It descends into small successive cascades, before throwing into a natural pool.
Quiet and wild setting, it will delight lovers of tranquility in the heart of nature.
How do I access it?
When you leave the village of Saint-Laurent-de-la-Cabrerisse by the south, follow the Nielle on foot.
5. The cascades of Roquefort-les-Cascades – Ariège
Photo credit: Flickr – JP Tonn
Address: Roquefort-les-Cascades
To be seen in the area: the remains of the castle of Roquefort-les-Cascades.
If it is pleasant to swim in Occitania, some waterfalls have other attractions. The waterfalls in Occitanie de Roquefort-les-Cascades are geological curiosities not to be missed: a swelling. It is a petrifiant cascade composed of tuf, which is a white limestone rock quite friable.
The best time to enjoy the show is spring or fall. In the summer, although it is not possible to bathe there, because of lack of water, the corner is nevertheless pleasant to picnic or recharge.
How do I access it?
Access is free. You can park in the parking lot, but you will then have to walk. Count about 1 h or 1 h 30 to go back.
6. A waterfall near Agen d’Aveyron – Aveyron
Photo credit: Facebook – VIVRE A AGEN D AVEYRON
Address: Agen d’Aveyron, forest of Palanges
To be seen in the area: Agen dolmen of Aveyron, the Gothic church
It is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Occitanie. It is located in the Palanges forest on two levels, on the heights of the Aveyron valley.
How do I access it?
If you arrive from Rodez, you will have to borrow the D162, the D217, then the D29. Enter Agen d’Aveyron, cross it. When you leave the village, continue your road to the signpost. Then take 45 minutes to go back to the waterfall. The trail is quite abrupt at the beginning.
When you arrive at a cross, the left path leads you to the foot of the waterfall, while continuing straight ahead you will overlook it.
7. The Waterfall of the Truite Jump – Tarn
Photo credit: Flikr – Aurélien Noviot
Address: Burlats
To be seen in the area: the medieval village of Burlats
The trout stunt, fed by the stream of Aiguebelle, is nestled in a green setting. The path to access it is just as pleasant as the site itself. Detent and pleasure assured!
How do I access it?
From Castres, get out of Burlats and drive about 1.5 km. Then take the road to the right, which forms a large turn and descends to the right. You will find a sign that will specify where to park. Then follow the stairs to the forest.
Count about 20min to 30min walk back. This ballad is particularly pleasant in the summer, because very refreshing.
8. The Déroc – Lozère waterfall
Photo credit: Shutterstock – CELINE NAEGELEN
Address: Nasbinals
To be seen in the area: Laguiole, Marvejols, Aumont Aubrac
You want to go back to the footsteps of the Gévaudan beast? Come take a ride to the Déroc waterfall. Maybe you will find it there? Apart from the myth, this cascade is one of the most beautiful sites of l’Aubrac .
How do I access it?
When you arrive from Nasbinals, take the D900, direction Montgrousset. Once in Montgrousset, take the D 52 on 500 m and park on the parking lot on the right, just before Lake Salhiens.
9. The Rûnes – Lozère waterfall
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Eric Isselee
Address: 4 Chemin Placide Louis Chapelle, Le Pont-de-Montvert
To be seen in the area: Mont Lozère, the village of Pont-de-Montvert, the village of Florac
With its 60 meters high, it is one of the most impressive Occitania cascades. It actually includes two falls, one 46 metres, the other 24 metres. It is fed by a stream that takes its source to Mont-Lozère. Freshness and shade guaranteed!
How do I access it?
A trail runs along the waterfall. Better to be well equipped, because the descent is steep.
10. La cascade du Martinet – Lozère
Credit Phot : Facebook – Gorges du Tarn, Causses, Cevennes
Address: Saint-Etienne-Vallée-Française
To be seen in the area: the castle of Cambiaire
Located on the Mialet Gardon, the Martinet Waterfall is a place that will delight all holidaymakers who wish to swim in Occitania.
If the site is not as wild as one would expect, when the high season comes, its translucent waters, its natural pools and enchanting setting will make you forget the affluence.
How do I access it?
You can access the waterfall by taking care of the parking lot at the restaurant le Martinet. Then follow the canal and you will access the waterfall after ten minutes walking.
11. The Ars – Ariège waterfall
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Josef Mueller
Address: Aulus-les-Bains
To be seen in the area: local market
Swimming in Occitania, quiet and in the middle of nature? The Ars waterfall meets these requirements. It is undoubtedly one of the most famous of Ariège.
Located in the heart of the forest, at more than 1,300 m above sea level, it is divided into three levels. The Ars waterfall, 246 m high, is the opportunity to cool off after a beautiful hike away from the tourist hordes.
How do I access it?
The waterfall is accessible from Aulus les Bains. The starting point of the hike a little less than four hours round trip is located in the turn, at the exit of Aulus-les-Bains. Be sure to be well equipped to walk.
12. La cascade des Baumes – Tarn
Photo credit: Wikipedia – Szeder László
Address: Saint-Rome-du-Tarn
To be seen in the area: the fortified village of Auriac, village of Peyre
Located in the heart of the Grandes Causses Natural Park, the Baumes Waterfall is one of the most beautiful in France and probably the most beautiful waterfall in Occitania.
Come and delight, with family or friends in the enchanting setting where the emerald waters of the natural pool will leave you an imperishable, if not refreshing memory!
How do I access it?
The waterfall is only accessible by the river, so by rafting or kayaking, but also by walking. Numerous marked trails depart from the surrounding area, including the village of Saint-Rome-du-Tarn.
13. The waterfall Cirque de Gavarnie - Haute-Pyrénées
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Ander Dylan
Address: Gavarnie-Gèdre
To be seen in the area: Brèche-Rolland
Who doesn't know the famous Cirque de Gavarnie? Enjoy a beautiful hike to refresh yourself with the waters of the Grande Cascade. With more than 400 m high, it is the highest fall in France.
How do I access it?
You can access it by Lourdes , Gèdre, Gavarnie or Luz Saint-Sauveur. There are several parking lots, but these are paid (€5 per day).
You have no excuses. Come and swim in one of the waterfalls in Occitanie!
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