Bathing in Ariège: all the tips!

The regional natural park of the Ariège Pyrenees, between mountains and valleys, is a territory of water. But it is also a protected area where swimming is not always allowed. So to have fun, without making a mistake, we take you for a ride along the water. Rivers, lakes, leisure centers, swimming pools… White or calm waters, wild or disciplined environment, there is something for all tastes and desires.

Opening photo: The Magnificent Lac de Montbel against the backdrop of the Ariège mountains © B. Piccoli | Adobestock

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Montbel lake

At the gateway to Ariège and the Pays Cathare, next to Mirepoix, the lake stretches over 570 hectares between Montbel and Léran. The park offers you all kinds of leisure activities: inflatable structures, slides, playgrounds... To enjoy the pleasures of skiing, Yakay-Kayac rents canoes, kayaks, paddles, stand-ups... If you rather fancy a little crossing, Au fil de l'eau offers pedal boats, jet-skis, rowing or electric boats, mini-catamarans, sailboats... And to master navigation, the sailing school gives lessons on site.

All around the lake, walking or hiking trails, depending on your level, allow you to discover the local flora and fauna. Next to the lake, at Appy Parc, you can climb the trees to admire the place, from above!

A little further, in Aigues-vives, the Kart'Are welcomes you to fill up with sensations on its karting tracks or in its paintball park. In Bélesta, it is at the Crapahut Parc Aventure, that you can practice tree climbing in the forest of Fontestorbes.

Monbel Lake Photo: © Lucas-Destrem CC BY SA 4.0

The Neptunia aquatic center

Aqua Play Park

At the Aqua Play Park Saverdun, there is really something to have fun with as a family: giant slide, blob, trampolines, catapults, fun courses for children or sports for parents. On the sand, a playground and a mini-golf course are also at your disposal. To know their news, here is their facebook page.

In Lapenne, the Bamboo Park also allows a beautiful stroll along the river.

Children love water parks © Jeremiah Laurence | Unsplash

Carla-Bayle lake

Below the magnificent village of Carla-Bayle, the lake is nestled in the heart of a green valley. On site, you will enjoy supervised swimming in summer, fishing, but also a nice walk or bike ride around the lake. In the village, you can admire the panorama and the ramparts.To please children, do not leave the town without having taken advantage of its adventure park, the Sequoia Vertigo, with zip line, treasure hunts and arboretum. For more information, here is the page of the Arize-Leze tourist office.

 

The lake of Sainte-Croix-Volvestre

In a natural space, the lake has a sandy beach, playgrounds, sports, picnic areas, but also tennis and pétanque courts.

Mondély lake

Next to Mas-d'Azil, Mondély lake will charm you with its wild environment, in the middle of the forest. Here, no play park or other aquatic activities, you will enjoy the calm of nature, bird watching, fishing and hiking trails. Swimming is supervised in summer for children.

Nearby, do not miss Xploria Park, without walking through this forest to go back in time, to discover the animals of yesterday and today. Another unusual outing, are you interested? At the Bastide de Sérou, at the Ferme des reptiles, we take you on a world tour of cold-blooded animals! And to finish the head in the stars, the Observatory of Sabarat organizes evenings and animations.

Mondely Lake is a haven of greenery © pittou2 CC BY SA 2.0

Couserans aquatic center

In the Couserans, in Saint-Girons, the aquatic center offers a fun pool for family fun and learning to swim, a swimming and sports pool, and a paddling pool for the little ones.

Do the children want to let off steam? It is at the Magic Park Indoor, in Saint-Girons, that it happens.

On the road to the next water point, the Ariège Pyrenees regional natural park offers a multitude of nature activities, especially around Seix : hiking, caving, rafting... Sports enthusiasts will have a blast! In Aulus-les-Bains, don't miss the Ars waterfall. Next to Saint-Lizier, the Au pays des Traces park will allow you to spot animal tracks in nature.  

Before leaving Couserans, we invite you to follow us on a gourmet getaway to the Saint-Girons market.

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Ax-les-Thermes swimming pool

In Haute-Ariège, near Tarascon-sur-Ariège, Ax-les-Thermes is a pretty spa resort. In addition to activities related to hydrotherapy, you will find a theater, a casino, and its outdoor swimming pool! With its three heated pools, you can enjoy it until September. Fancy a little sport before a moment of idleness in the solarium? On site there is a mini golf course and tennis courts. A little more sporty? Nearby, the Haut Perché park offers tree climbing and tree climbing.

Tarascon sur Ariège © Guide Toulouse Pyrénées

The nautical base of Mercus

On the Ariège, at the Mercus-Garrabet nautical base, you will have free access to the beach, the playgrounds and the beach volleyball court. For lunch, a picnic area equipped with barbecues is at your disposal. You can also rent giant paddles or paddles, stand-ups, wake- boards, pedalos, discs, boards… More original, you can also try the water-ski. More information on the website of the tourist office or on their facebook page.

Right next door, the Thermes d'Ussat-les-Bains welcome you to take care of you.

The aquatic center of the country of Foix

In the heart of the city, the aquatic center offers many aquatic activities for all ages: play areas, a wave ball, a counter-current river and sports and relaxation areas. You can also participate in swimming or gymnastics lessons. For practical information, it's here...

Lake Labarre

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We hope that this loop in the land, or rather the waters of the Ariège, pleased you and made you want to take a little bath… Do you want to know more? To get to know the regions of Haute Garonne, Ariège and the Pyrenees better, here is our full article.

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