This land of Cathar castles on mountain crags offers great swimming in exquisite rock pools set in verdant gorges. With a rich history, wonderfully hot summers and delicious wine, it is a paradise just waiting to be explored.
Corbières and Roussillon Swim Highlights
Ribaute, Orbieu
Fun cascades, with longer swims above the weir.
Gorges du Terminet
Climb up into the gorge pools for stunning purple rocks and azure water or relax by woodland waterfalls down below.
Gouffre de L’oeil Doux
An unexpected lake, rumoured to be bottomless, in the dunes by the sea with high cliffs for great jumps.
Gorges de Gouleyrous
A long canyon with round ‘pots’ carved from the rock and filled with pale-blue water. A large pool below has a huge rope swing.
Cascades de Ribaute
Secluded pools and waterfalls below the great Château de Peyrepertuse.
Prats-Balaguer
One of the few remaining, undeveloped natural hot springs in France.
Gorges du Llech
A series of seven switchback falls. It’s a long hike down and only the bottom two pools are accessible, but well worth the effort.
