Quote: Originally posted by steve mx on 24/8/2025
Off to sarlat next week, what are the realistic chances of swimming in the Dordogne this time of year , or is it a bit chilly
We've swum in the river most years.
River always fairly warm in Sept as it gets fairly shallow, plus had loads of sun on it this year
Some areas downstream of Sarlat - eg Castlenaud, swimming currently banned due to the algae in the water.
River beach by Soliel Plage OK, Vitrac Port in front of Le Chalet pop up restaurant has looked like Blackpool beach this last month.
Better at this time of year than earlier!
I'd swum in the Vezere at St Leon in September 2021 and it was bathwater temperature, although I appreciate it's not very deep in that stretch.
But also on the Dordogne at Limeuil.
By comparison in June this year it was rather fresh (pleasantly so as the mercury hit 35deg) and somewhat faster flowing, despite the dry spring.
Enjoy it - one of the greatest pleasures of a Dordogne holiday.
Only suggestion would be that water shoes are helpful as any rocky stretches can be slippy underfoot ! Most of the campsites sell them ,failing that, Decathlon.
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Quote: Originally posted by Ironned on 26/8/2025
Better at this time of year than earlier!
I'd swum in the Vezere at St Leon in September 2021 and it was bathwater temperature, although I appreciate it's not very deep in that stretch.
But also on the Dordogne at Limeuil.
By comparison in June this year it was rather fresh (pleasantly so as the mercury hit 35deg) and somewhat faster flowing, despite the dry spring.
Enjoy it - one of the greatest pleasures of a Dordogne holiday.
Only suggestion would be that water shoes are helpful as any rocky stretches can be slippy underfoot ! Most of the campsites sell them ,failing that, Decathlon.
Assume the "dry spring" you're referring to was in the UK. Here in the Dordogne it was warm and wet. Rainfall in April was getting on for double the normal April average. Had to cut the grass more than I've ever done in May / early June. Never seen the Dordogne as green as this spring.
LeClercs in Sarlat also sell water shoes , or certainly did when I bought my last 2 pairs. Needed - as you say - much of the river bed is rocky / pebbles.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: River swim
via mobile 24/8/2025 at 7:02pm
