Swimming in Ariège: all the best tips!

The Pyrenees Ariégeoises Regional Natural Park, between mountains and valleys, is a water territory. 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 walk along the water. Rivers, lakes, leisure centers, swimming pools... White or calm water, wild or disciplined environment, there is something for all tastes and desires.

Opening photo: The magnificent Lake of Montbel against the backdrop of the Ariège mountains © B. Piccoli | AdobeStock

Lake Montbel

At the gateway to Ariège and Cathar Country, next to Mirepoix, the lake extends over 570 hectares between Montbel and Léran. The park offers all kinds of leisure activities: inflatable structures, slides, playgrounds, etc.

To enjoy the pleasures of water sports, Yakay-Kayac rents canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, stand-ups, etc. If you prefer a short trip, Au fil de l'eau offers pedal boats, jet skis, rowing or electric boats, mini-catamarans, sailboats, etc. 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 away, in Aigues-Vives, the Kart'Are welcomes you to get your fill of thrills 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 Fontestorbes forest.

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

The Neptunia aquatic center

Do you need a refreshing break? In the heart of the town of Pamiers, the aquatic center has several indoor and outdoor pools, including a play pool, a sports pool, a "plouf parc" for little ones, a whirlpool, and an "outdoor blue lagoon". Inflatable structures, games and aquatic gymnastics classes and entertainment are set up there all summer to keep the whole family busy.

The Aqua Play Park

At the AquaPlayPark Saverdun, there is really something to have fun with the family: giant slide, blob, trampolines, catapults, fun courses for children or sports courses for parents. On the sand, a playground and a mini-golf are also at your disposal.

In Lapenne, the Bamboo Park also offers a lovely walk along the river.

Kids love water parks ©Jeremiah Laurence | Unsplash

Lake Carla-Bayle

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 the summer, fishing, but also a pretty walk or bike ride around the lake. In the village, you can admire the panorama and the ramparts.

The lake of Sainte-Croix-Volvestre

In a natural space, the body of water has a sandy beach, play areas, sports areas, picnic areas, as well as tennis and pétanque courts.

Lake Mondély

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

Nearby, don't miss the Xploria park. Explore this forest to go back in time, discovering the animals of yesterday and today.

Fancy another unusual outing ? At the Bastide de Sérou, at the Ferme des reptiles, we take you on a world tour of cold-blooded animals ! And to finish with your head in the stars, the Sabarat Observatory organizes evenings and activities.

photo © MathieuMD-CC-BY-SA-4.0

Activities in Saint-Girons and surrounding areas

• In Couserans, in Saint-Girons, the aquatic center provides you with a fun pool for having fun with your family and learning to swim, a swimming and sports pool and a paddling pool for the little ones.
• Do the kids want to let off steam? It's at Magic Park Indoor, in Saint-Girons, that it's happening.
• On the road to the next watering hole, the Ariège Pyrenees regional natural park offers a multitude of nature activities, particularly around Seix : hiking, caving, rafting... Sports enthusiasts will have a great time!
• 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.

Sport in Ax-les-Thermes

• In Haute-Ariège, next to Tarascon-sur-Ariège, Ax-les-Thermes is a pretty spa resort. In addition to the activities related to thermalism, 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 bit of sport before a moment of relaxation 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 treetop adventures.

Tarascon sur Ariège © Toulouse Pyrenees Guide

The Mercus nautical base

On the Ariège, at the Mercus-Garrabet water sports centre, you will have free access to the beach, playgrounds and beach volleyball court. For lunch, a picnic area equipped with barbecues is at your disposal. You can also rent paddles or giant paddles, stand-up paddles, wakeboards, pedal boats, discs, boards, etc. on site. More original, you can also try the water ski lift.

Right next door, the Ussat-les-Bains thermal baths welcome you to take care of yourself.

The aquatic center of the Foix region

In the heart of the city of Foix, the aquatic center offers many aquatic activities for all ages: playgrounds, a wave ball, a counter-current river and sports and relaxation areas. You can also take part in swimming or gymnastics lessons.

Lake Labarre

In the Pays de Foix, the Labarre lake leisure area offers all kinds of activities: children's play area, sports course for adults and rental of canoes, kayaks, pedal boats, etc.

We hope that this loop in the land, or rather the waters of Ariège, has pleased you and made you want to take a little bath...

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