Ariège, a land of lakes and rivers
Ariège is a region that has preserved its charm and nature of yesteryear. This beautiful department is located in the southwest of France, in the Occitanie region. It lies a hundred kilometers south of Toulouse, next toSpain and the Principality ofAndorra. The Ariège department is packed withexceptional places to discover during your summer vacations. To find out where to swim amidst its mountainous landscapes, discover the best aquatic sites and prepare yourself for an unforgettable experience.
Surrounded by the Pyrenees, the Ariège region is rich in spots where you can cool off and have a good time in the water. So get your sun kits ready and get ready foradventure!
The lake of Montbel
Created in 1985 to irrigate farmers’ plains, the artificial lake at Montbel is a popular spot for holidaymakers looking for a refreshing break in the heart of the Ariege Pyrenees. It is easily accessible by road via the commune of Montbel or from Léran. The panorama around this watering hole is splendid, with views of the Tabe massif.
A small shaded beach allows you to relax before swimming. You can enjoy the surroundings by sailing on small boats, pedal boats or paddle boats. For the little ones, there are inflatable games and an adventure park around the lake. To enhance your stay, you can visit the Rives de Léran sailing club and learn to sail.
Neptunia Aquatic Center
The Neptunia Aquatic Center is located in the town of Pamiers. This fun, well-equipped sports complex is ideal for spending a cool afternoon with the family. It has several pools, some of which are outdoor. Slides are installed on the children’s pools. To get back into shape, you can visit the weight room.
You can then enjoy body treatments in the spa, sauna or steam room. The center offers a range of activities for all age groups: aquagym, aquabike or aquasenior to tone up while having fun in the pool, or swimming lessons for all levels to perfect your stroke.
Aqua Play Park
Located in Saverdun, on the Lac de la Ginestière, Aqua Play Park is a water sports facility that will delight young and old alike. Jump and test your balance on the Water-games, a 2000m² floating course. You can also have fun on the 7-level water jump.
Trampolines and waterslides keep the little ones busy.
Other more leisurely activities are of course available: a tour of the lake by stand-up paddle, pedalo or kayak. The center provides lifebuoys and supervises the sessions.
Carla-Bayle lake
Carla-Bayle is a picturesque little village surrounded by ramparts in the north of the Ariège. Stroll along the narrow streets lined with half-timbered houses. Artists’ galleries offer beautiful gifts to take home as souvenirs. The lake is located at the foot of the bastide. Inflatable structures are set up on the water to make swimming even more fun.
Around the lake, you’ll find recreational areas for mini-golf, tennis and beach volleyball. A skatepark is also available for children. You can go fishing, hiking or mountain biking along the circuits. It is possible to eat in the restaurants around the lake, but you can also prepare your own picnic.
The lake of Sainte-Croix-Volvestre
Sainte-Croix-Volvestre is a charming village in the Couserans. Its magnificent 2-hectare lake is bordered by lawns and framed by lush green vegetation. Enjoy the familyplayground with its soccer pitch, beach volleyball court and boules pitch.
Two pontoons are available for fishing enthusiasts, including one for people with reduced mobility. After a swim, you can sunbathe or read on the banks. If you want to stretch your legs, a signposted hike through the forest is ideal for exploring the surrounding area.
The lake of Mondély
Lac de Mondély is a reservoir at the foot of the Couserans valleys. It’s a haven of peace away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The site boasts an exceptionally calm environment, ideal for birdwatching.
You can swim, fish or hike in the surrounding area. A refreshment bar is available to satisfy your hunger, but you can always bring your own meal and enjoy this green setting in complete serenity.
The Couserans Aquatic Center
The Aquatic Center of Couserans is to be found within the Magic Park Indoor sports complex, in Saint-Girons. You will find a 25 meter swimming pool for your laps. A more playful pool with massaging seats, water cannon and counter-current jets awaits you for a guaranteed moment of relaxation! Younger children can swim and play in the paddling pool. You can join in with aquagym or aquadouce activities, or sign up for swimming lessons to perfect your skills. Finally, to combine sport and relaxation, the center boasts a balneoform area: steam room, sauna and jacuzzi will help you forget your stress.
Ax-les-Thermes swimming pool
The village of Ax-les-Thermes, in the latitude of the Foix region, is famous for its spa. It’s a place much appreciated for its curative virtues in the face of numerous ailments. This is where you’ll find the Parc d’Espagne, home to a 32-meter outdoor swimming pool. The water is heated to 25°C, so you can enjoy a refreshing dip at any time.
The park also has a small pool and a paddling pool. If you want to play a few rounds, you can join the clay tennis courts or the mini-golf course. The solarium in the middle of the lawn is the perfect place for a relaxing tan. A restaurant is available on site.
Discover a variety of summer activities in Ax-les-Thermes to relax any time of year.
The nautical base of Mercus
If you like more sporty water activities, visit the Mercus nautical base. It is located in the commune of Mercus-Garrabet, in central Ariège. A 45-hectare lake is the playground for boarders during the summer season. Discover the water ski lift, where 8 skiers on boards are pulled together for 800 meters at the end of a cable.
You can try your hand at kneeboarding, wakeboarding, water skiing and monoskiing. If you prefer a more leisurely activity on the lake, you can opt for pedal boats and paddles. There’s plenty of entertainment to spice up your visit. The on-site beach features a beach volleyball court, picnic areas and children’s playgrounds.
The Aquatic Center of Foix
Foix is the capital of the Ariège region. This medieval prefecture is home to several tourist sites including the Foix-Varilhes Aquatic Center. You can relax with its 25-meter pool, ideal for swimming. Alearning pool is for those who prefer a slower pace. The little ones can play in the wading pool.
And if you want to enjoy the sun at the same time, join the outdoor pool with its geysers and wave balls for guaranteed fun. The aquatic center also has a wellness and relaxation area and a solarium. Ping-pong and table-football tables complete the setting, to suit everyone’s pace and desires.
The lake of Labarre
Located in Foix-Labarre, this 25 hectare lake surrounded by vegetation is the ideal spot to recharge your batteries. Spend your days swimming, sunbathing or fishing. You can take a leisurely stroll along the water’s edge in a pedalo, canoe or paddle a kayak.
These boats have the advantage of being able to accommodate several people on board. The banks of the lake are equipped with communal leisure areas to keep young and old busy. You can play volleyball or ping-pong. In the evening, various musical animations take place at Foix Plage.
Where to stay for your stay in Ariège ?
To leave with peace of mind and enjoy every moment of your stay, choose a vacation home. La Maison de vacances Marc et Montmija is one of the region’s most popular addresses. This magnificent complex is situated at an altitude of 1,000 meters on Montcalm, the highest point in the Ariège region. Boasting a remarkableinfrastructure, it has 24 rooms and 16 fully-equipped gîtes to give you total autonomy throughout your stay.
The Marc et Montmija vacation home in Ariège offers a range ofaccommodation options to suit every group. Several activities are proposed to discover the surroundings: hiking, water days, cultural discoveries. All this at your own pace and according to your desires.
