Wild Swimming in France by Daniel Start

Mark Pawlak    ash, New Adventure Travel Ideas     France, holidays in France, Swimming, Swimming holidays, Trekking in France

There are not many activities more invigorating than wild swimming – either after a long day trekking or simply for the fun of it, cool waters always tempt you in. So when I was sent this book on wild swimming in France, I was intrigued to see if its author, Daniel Start, was able to communicate the experience in words and pictures.

And he has. As well as some useful geo info and a region-by-region review of the best spots, there are images here that remind you just what a special feeling it is to be swimming free.

Lakes and rivers smell. It’s a distinctive, natural odour that pervades – a bit like that found in any sea or ocean – and reminds me of summers past…

Still, to get to the best spots you often need to rock-hop your way across, or trek a short way from the road.

Over 250 pages Daniel’s compiled all the practical info (grid references, road maps, entry points and nearby campsites) you’ll ever need.

Each of the 14 provinces included get covered in detail – that said, most of the swimming spots shown are in the South of France.

There are in-depth dip reviews and quality photography throughout, documenting the waterfalls of Jura and the Central Alps as well as the south coast and Corsica.

The ‘Swims at a Glance’ section helps you find safe spots to jump in, as well as lakes and rivers where there’s no need to worry about loosing your shorts or bikini – or even wearing them in the first place!

I’ve sat in the rock pools of Rennes-les-Bains and can recommend them as a therapeutic soak.

Although, if you are after more adventurous immersions, and are planing adventure holidays in France this summer, be sure to pack a copy of this book and seek out wilder challenges.

Wild Swimming in France by Daniel Start

My pick for the more adventurous are the lakes beneath the high Pic du Midi d’Ossau in Pyrenees-Atlantiques and for the more meditative, the Gorges de Baudinard (p.96) below Lac de Ste-Croix.

All images ©Daniel Start

Wild Swimming France: Discover the Most Beautiful Rivers, Lakes and Waterfalls of France

You can also find out more about wild swimming and ebook versions of this and other titles, here: Wild Swimming

For more adventure travel info and guides, check out: Adventure Sports Gear: Penknife or Multitool?/ Top 10 travel apps for iPhone, iPad and smartphones / The Ultimate List of Extreme Sports / Airline weight restrictions: what every traveller needs to know/ The Rise of Gastro Adventuring

About the author

Mark Pawlak wrote 232 articles on this blog.

Editor at Adventure Sports Holidays, Mark's love affair with travel and the challenges of adventure sports continues... "You could save all year for a two-week, all-inclusive, doss by the pool, booze and buffet binge. Or, with a little planning and some good equipment, get off your arse and plan an adventure!"

• Blog
• Twitter
• Facebook

Related posts:

1. SUP Tips: How to start paddle boarding
2. Skiing in France: are smaller resorts better value?
3. Why take mountainbiking holidays during the Tour de France?

If you enjoyed this article please consider sharing it!