Explore natural water sites on your next French trip

From tranquil lakes to towering gorges, France is a mecca of wild swimming spots and waterborne adventures. Stay close to the action with an Originals Hotel booking in reach of natural wonders and swimming lakes in France.

Book now and take advantage of our special offer to enjoy a beautiful stay at a very low price!

Natural waterside wonders to explore

From the Verdon Gorges to the chiselled Calanques, France is awash with sublime natural wonders. Clear your mind and reinvigorate with fun-filled adventures like kayaking or climbing. With Occitanie hotels like Hotel Millau Sud, you’re moments from the Tarn Gorges, an epic landscape of staggering rocks. Try your hand at Gorges du Tarn climbing, canyoning or canoeing through breathtaking riverscapes. Back at base, Hotel Millau Sud provides a strikingly modern setting with excellent dining and bar facilities.

For peaceful natural beauty, Château de la Bégude is nestled on the outskirts of Nice and its famed beaches. Home to some of the most idyllic waterfalls in France, delightful plunging falls like Cascade de Courmes or Nice’s own Castle Hill viewpoint await. Hidden gems like Cascade Saut du Loup are the perfect spots to cool off. Back at the Château, guests are treated to scenic outdoor swimming amid stately gardens. The regal interiors complement your visit to your favourite waterfall in Nice, France.

Stay close to the best lakes in France for swimming

Wild swimming in fresh lakes and rivers offers a carefree alternative to crowded seasides. France is blessed by azure natural waters and artificial lakes with sandy shores. The Dordogne is one of the country’s most beloved rivers, providing still swimming experiences. With a base at Hotel Bordeaux Lac, Dordogne swimming is at your doorstep, or head to the man-made Bordeaux Lake nearby. The hotel provides charming views across glittering waters from its grounds and offers delectable dining options.

Natural lakeside spots deliver sublime family adventures. In Gréoux-les-Bains, Hotel Villa Borghese provides a dreamy, rural experience just moments from Lac d'Esparron and the aqua-blue Verdon River. Spend your day kayaking before returning for a Michelin-awarded meal at La Table de Pauline, or simply relax among the hotel’s greenery with a game of tennis. In Gironde, Hotel Lakeside overlooks the vibrant Biscarrosse, a hotspot for fishing and sailing. The hotel's restaurant provides gentle lake and forest views with trails leading directly to sandy beaches.

Book a thrilling waterside adventure with The Originals Hotels. From listless days beside warm swimming lakes to impressive vistas of cascading waterfalls, water offers fine French escapades.