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The best crazy spots to swim around Montpellier!

undefined undefined 17 avril 2019 undefined 10h57

undefined undefined 19 juin 2025 undefined 06h36

The Editor

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Every summer, the same brilliant idea: "What if we went to the beach today?" A fantastic thought that loses its charm after 30 minutes of driving around the Grand Travers parking lot, only to find yourself playing Tetris among 2000 towels once you reach the beach. To spare you this glimpse of hell, we’ve got 5 spots where you can enjoy the sun peacefully, with your feet in the water. So Tetris can remain a sweet memory from your childhood.

1. The Freshest: the Navacelles Waterfall

The town of Saint-Maurice-Navacelles, in the Hérault region, is famous for its natural circus. Less so for its waterfall! After the resurgence at the Moulins de la Foux, the Vis carves its path through the Navacelles circus and creates a waterfall. Standing eight meters high, the bravest can dive from the top. For those who prefer a more gentle approach, you can dip your toes before the drop or right at its base. Just a heads up, the site is not monitored for young kids. And for the chilly ones, the water is super cold! (about 15 degrees).


2. The Wildest: The Gorges d’Héric

It overlooks the village of Mons-la-Trivalle. The majestic Caroux and its Gorges d’Héric, a site protected since 1993, welcomes hikers for some beautiful walks. Beyond the fun but slightly boring activity of hiking, you can also enjoy climbing! But most importantly, you can swim in the stunning natural pools along the Héric creek. There's a parking lot at the start of the trail (3 euros for the whole day). Swimming in the gorges is not supervised.


3. The Most Famous: The Cascade de la Vis

If you head to the Cascade de la Vis, in Saint-Laurent-le-Minier, you definitely won’t be alone—especially during the summer! But the beauty of the place makes it well worth the trip for a day of swimming with family or friends. Since spots can be hard to come by, be sure to arrive early to grab a shaded area and avoid coming back feeling like a boiled shrimp. Just a heads up: the parking at the cascade is paid (5 euros for the day), but there's another free parking lot about 600 meters away, at the village entrance. Keep in mind that swimming isn’t supervised.


4: The most accessible: Lake du Crès

A big highlight of this place is that the lake is easily accessible by public transport from Montpellier. While it may not be as picturesque as the gorges of the Hérault, this spot offers a lovely swimming area of six hectares, a beach, and plenty of activities (orienteering courses, skate parks, cycling paths). Perfect for relaxing or getting some exercise after a day of work!
Open year-round and with free access, the lake remains one of the best spots to swim near Montpellier.



5. The most bucolic: The Gorges of Hérault / Devil's Bridge

You can swim in the Gorges of Hérault or explore them by canoe. You might even go under the Devil's Bridge. Locals say it was built as part of a challenge issued to Satan by Saint-Guilhem. As you travel along the gorges, whether by car or on foot, you'll discover some truly breathtaking spots that are worth the effort.
Make sure to wear some good sneakers!
For those of you who prefer a more relaxed experience, the beach by the bridge is accessible on foot and is supervised every day from July 1st to August 31st, from 11 AM to 7 PM.