Wild Swimming at Sillans-la-Cascade
An autumn dip in the cool waters of the Bresque, downstream from Sillans waterfall
On a recent trip to Cotignac I found paradise, just a few kilometres down the road from La Bergerie, on a stretch of the Bresque river. A bold statement, I know, but this place is 100% heaven. A word of warning though: a quick early morning dip will inevitably turn into a lengthy bathe. Time here, it seems, is fluid too.
South of the much-visited Gorges du Verdon and tucked away behind the tiny village of Sillans-la-Cascade, this waterfall is a hidden gem of inland Provence. The towering 44m waterfall often turns into a double barrelled fall after heavy rains. Unfortunately, swimming in the pool immediately beneath the main waterfall is forbidden at all times of year (safety reasons) but just keep on walking along the right bank and dozens of tempting swimming spots come in to view.
My new-found favourite rockpool sits just downstream from the main waterfall. Here beneath swooping jays and swaying oaks, the cool waters of the Bresque wind their way over and past your shoulders, cascading on to the next craggy rockpool below. The water's soothing and restorative magic is accessible at any time of year - even this crisp October morning at sunrise it's mild enough for up to an hours dip before the shivering sets in. I emerge from the water feeling renewed - with zingy skin and a happy heart, with fallen leaves between my toes and twigs in my hair. Nature always has this way of enveloping you in its spell and sending you off on your way, happy and reset for whatever the day holds.
It turns out this 'cold water buzz' is backed up by science too. Medically speaking, wild swimming in cold water has so many health benefits, such as:
- Reducing body pain and inflammation
- Boosting your immune system
- Improving circulation
- Boosting brain power
- Promoting weight loss through improved metabolism
- Fostering ‘Cold adaptation’ – the idea that through repeated cold swimming it's possible to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, reduce fat disposition, and increase your libido
- Helping with managing anxiety, stress and depression
- Increasing alertness, clarity and energy levels
- Releasing endorphins (happy hormones)
- Bringing feelings of euphoria and achievement, and renewed will power
- Nurturing a deeper connection with nature
It's safe to say I'm hooked and, now that I've discovered this enchanting nook, i'll be slipping in for early morning sessions whenever I get the chance.
Here are just a few photos for you, sharing some of the beauty of the morning. Next time you visit Provence just message me. I'll be happy to share this paradise...
