Supervised beaches in the Dordogne Valley. Supervised beaches

Splashing around

Whether a secluded creek or a shady beach by a lake, there are a multitude of spots to put up your parasol without having to worry about the kids. In July and August, trained lifeguards supervise swimming for added safety in many beaches throughout the Dordogne Valley.

Hours may vary so please check before setting off.

Some lakes also offer a whole array of sports and fun activities such as paddle boats, mini golf, canoes, slides…and snack bars for a well-deserved ice-cream (or beer) after all the afternoon excitement.

Here is a selection of the Dordogne Valley’s supervised lakes and beaches on the river. They are divided by area so you don’t have to spend too much time in the car.

Have fun, be safe and please take care of our beautiful natural environment by leaving no trace of your visit behind.

Around Bergerac

Les étangs du Bos in Saint-Chamassy

Just a stone’s throw from the Gouffre de Proumeyssac, Les Étangs du Bos in Saint-Chamassy is a leisure park by a lake nestled in a lush, wooded area. It features several pools, including a heated one, cool waterslides, and a variety of inflatable play structures, ensuring fun for all ages.

The Parc de Pombonne in Bergerac

Sprawling over 55 hectares, this nature park is just a short drive from the city center. It features a large sandy beach with supervised swimming in July and August, children’s play areas, a casual “guinguette” eatery, and a family-friendly nature trail that can be explored on foot or bike in just an hour. It is located on Route de Podestat, 3 km from the city centre.

Lake de Gurson in Villefranche-de-Lonchat

To the west of the Bergerac region, Lac de Gurson is a leisure centre in the heart of the forest. The entrance is free, swimming is supervised in July and August, and there are plenty of sporting activities on offer: beach volleyball, archery, orienteering, canoeing, kite surfing, stand-up paddle boarding… The lake is located 2 km south-east of Villefranche-de-Lonchat.

Around Sarlat

Lake de Tamniès

A lovely spot in the heart of Périgord Noir, between Sarlat, Montignac and Les Eyzies with a wide sandy beach supervised during the summer holidays in the afternoons.

Lake de Groléjac

A 15-hectare lake offering a plethora of activities including fishing and pedal boat rentals. Picnic area and ample parking with a lifeguard-supervised beach in the afternoons during summer.

Lake de Lamothe-Fénelon

Surrounded by lawns and a sandy beach, the lake in Lamothe-Fénelon offers a serene and peaceful retreat. With vibrant greens and blues, its crystal-clear waters invite visitors for a refreshing swim. Lifeguards are on duty in July and August to ensure safe swimming.

River beach in Le Buisson de Cadouin

With its 500m long beach and grassy banks on the left bank of the Dordogne river, Le Buisson de Cadouin is a popular destination for swimmers with young children as the current is weak and there’s a lifeguard service during summer. Shallow on the edge and deep in the middle, the water is ideal for both paddlers looking to cool down and swimmers who want to get in a few strokes. A car park and refreshments are available on site.

Central Dordogne Valley

River beach in Gluges

Near Martel, along a bend of the Dordogne, the Gluges beach showcases stunning scenery. Visitors can swim in the river’s shallow waters, relax on the pebbled beach or grassy areas, and take in the views of dramatic cliffs. For the more active, the “sentier botanique” trail leads from Gluges to Martel, returning via the GR46. A lifeguard is on site during peak season.

Lake du Mas de Croux in Tauriac

The peaceful Mas de Croux lake offers a variety of activities. Its shady, grass-lined banks and supervised swimming area are perfect for a summer’s day. Families can enjoy a waterslide, playground, and mini-golf, while adventure seekers might try canoeing or fishing. There’s also a bar, restaurant, and onsite camping available.

Lake du Moulin in Camps Saint-Mathurin-Léobazel

The Etang du Moulin combines a tranquil setting with plenty of amenities. Visitors can use pedal boats, stand-up paddle boards, or canoes in summer, while kids have access to a playground, skatepark, and volleyball court. The beach and swimming area have lifeguard supervision in the afternoon during peak season. The entrance desk offers information on summer events, fishing, and local hiking and sightseeing.

Lake de Tolerme in Sénaillac-Latronquière

The beautiful journey through forests and hills to Lac de Tolerme leads to the area’s largest lake, enveloped in impressive woodland. Its amenities include a sandy beach, waterslides, hiking and biking trails, restaurants, and rentals for paddle and small motor boats. Slightly secluded, it offers a peaceful environment perfect for everything from sandcastle building and picnicking to swimming and quiet reading.

Upstream in the Corrèze

The wilder Corrèze part of the Dordogne Valley is full of bathing areas, many of them supervised – a refreshing way to spend the summer!

You can enjoy all kinds of water sports: canoeing, sailing, paddling, rowing, water-skiing, jet-skiing, etc. In recognition of their exemplary environmental quality, several lakes have been awarded the “Blue Flag” label.

Here is a selection of great places to lay down your towel.

Lake du Causse Corrézien in Lissac-sur-Couze

Situated southwest of Brive-la-Gaillarde, Lake du Causse boasts an exceptional natural setting across its 84-hectare surface. It’s a hub for various water sports activities, including rowing and a water-ski club. Supervised swimming from 10 am to 6 pm in July and August, kid’s play area.

Lake de Feyt

Visitors looking to spend the day swimming, canoeing or admiring a turquoise lake and verdant surroundings from a sandy beach should swing by the Lac de Feyt. A 110 acre playground for both canoe and kayak fanatics, other water sports like sailing are also a popular choice here. The beach is supervised all day from Wednesday to Sunday.

Lake de Miel in Beynat

Perched on a plateau above the village of Beynat, the 30-acre Plan d’eau de Miel is a certified delight with its ‘Pavillon Bleu d’Europe’ and ‘Handiplage’ labels, ensuring pristine cleanliness and excellent facilities for the disabled. This vibrant spot boasts a long sandy beach perfect for a day of fun in the sun, diving boards, and a fitness trail. Water sport rentals are available for those looking to add some adventure to their visit. The swimming area is well-supervised, and a variety of lively activities and events enhance the festive atmosphere during peak season.

Lac du Coiroux in Aubazine

A 24-hectare lake with supervised swimming from 1pm to 7pm in July and August. Next door the Mayaventureleisure park (open from April to October) has tree climbing, inflatable games, climbing wall and mini-golf.
Also on site you have a choice of 18-hole and 9-hole compact golf courses as well as pitch and putt.
Hotel-restaurant, campsite, snack bar.

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Bort-les-Orgues Reservoir

Located 45 miles north-east of Argentat and encircled by gorgeous hills and woodlands, Bort-les-Orgues Reservoir is hemmed in by some of the highest peaks in the Dordogne Valley and is easily worth the extra effort to get to.

Boasting the Dordogne’s first ever dam and one of France’s highest at 120m, the lake is a veritable inland sea with 26 miles of stunning riverbanks and beaches.

West of the reservoir, a giant wall of jagged columns formed by volcanic lava dominates the landscape and offers Michelin rated panoramas. In the middle of Bort-les-Orgues sits the 15th century Chateau de Val, a superb fairytale castle with a lakeside courtyard and chapel.

If you’re looking for a supervised beach, children’s playground or canoe/pedalo hire, head to Les Aubazines, Sarroux or Val-Lanobre. If you want to push the boat out, swing by Plage de Val and try your hand at a bit of jet-skiing or windsurfing. You’ll also find giant water inflatables and other activities for the kids here too.

Departing from Château de Val, two panoramic boat trips will take you on a fantastic excursion either through the gorges of the Dordogne or down to the dam.

Bort-les-Orgues also offers miles of glorious marked walking trails to suit all levels as well as numerous fishing facilities for both the experienced and beginner angler.

Lake de la Triouzoune in Neuvic

Spanning 410 hectares, Lake de la Triouzoune is distinguished by the prestigious “European Blue Flag” and “Handiplage” labels for water quality and accessibility.

During July and August, the lake offers supervised swimming from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm and again from 2 pm to 7 pm.

Beyond swimming, visitors can engage in fishing, enjoy a variety of children’s activities, and explore a full suite of water sports at the center, including sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking, water-skiing, jet-skiing, and pedal boating.

Lake boat tours and fishing boat rentals add to the aquatic fun. For land lovers, electric bikes are for rent at the nearby campsite, and golf enthusiasts will appreciate the two 9-hole golf courses located in close proximity.

Lake de Sèchemailles in Meymac

A 40-hectare lake with “European Blue Flag” quality label with supervised swimming from 2 pm to 7 pm in July and August, fishing and children’s games.

The leisure centre, open in July and August, features canoe-kayak hire, water slides, stand-up paddle and mountain biking. Other activities supervised by an instructor are available on reservation: archery, tree climbing, stand up paddle, rock climbing, mountain biking, etc.

Camping car parking facilities, bar and restaurant on site.

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