Sports and leisure activities Ariège

The fario is the wild trout of the mountain lakes, the one that reproduces by going up the rivers. It is the real thing as we like it, a little thyme, a drizzle of olive oil simply grilled. Here is an artisanal organic fish farm on the banks of the Touyre. In a concern of respect of nature, the ponds of breeding are near the river where grow trouts and salmon of fountains. You will be able to fish and taste on the spot thanks to the barbecues placed at disposal.

Above Les Cabannes, on the Beille plateau, lies the first cross-country skiing area in the Pyrenees, also the first snow stadium on a national level. The altitude guarantees one of the best snow conditions. The natural area is preserved and gives off a real breath of pure and invigorating air. A 19 km track runs in a training loop at the end of the plateau. The resort is for all ages. 70 km of Nordic ski trails: 1 green, 4 blue, 5 red, 2 black. 40 km of snowshoeing trails; sledging area. Access from Toulouse by A66 and Foix tunnel.

This village is worth the detour for its 600 ha water plan, 60 million^m3 intended for agricultural irrigation. It is the largest low-water basin in the South-West. A little more than 70 ha are reserved for the tourist activity. Since 1984, the lake has been rapidly colonized by birds. 195 species nest on its banks. A site suitable for leisure activities: walks, mountain biking, picnics, sailing, canoe rental. A sandy beach stretches along the water's edge for the great joy of summer visitors.

Only a 30-hour drive from Toulouse, the Beille resort offers a total change of scenery. In addition to its stunning view of the Pyrennées, it would appear that the station has a similar fauna and flora to Scandinavia! And the best way to check it is probably a snowshoe trip in the station. Numerous pedestrian routes and snowshoes are marked, from 2,5 km (L'Shaded) to 12 km (L'Bears), at the level of varying difficulty.

Tariff: from 6 € the Pass Day.

Duration: free.

Difficulty: the choice.

The Ariège is rich in more than 500 km of watercourses including 400 km practicable and accessible to white water sports. The rivers are classified from 1 to 6 according to the difficulty of the course. From private individuals to organised groups, you will find in Foix all the formulas and activités : rental, accompanied descent, initiation, improvement, training courses. In addition, the Rebech white water stadium offers activities encadrées : canoeing, kayaking, rafting, inflatable kayaking and white water swimming.

It is the second Nordic resort of the Ax valleys after the Plateau de Beille. Intended for cross-country skiers, hikers and walkers, the Domain benefits from numerous forest paths in the middle of 5,000 hectares of woods and virgin spaces. A total of 65 km of tracks, groomed and marked out following the natural course of the paths to the gates of the villages or at the foot of the remains of the Cathar castle of Montaillou. Pedestrian itineraries and 15 km of marked trails for snowshoeing. Restaurant in the center of the resort with panoramic terrace.

From the Bonascre plateau to the Saquet peak, the largest ski area in Ariège and the most complete in the Pyrenees extends, an admirable site where snow and sun are married for eternity in the heart of a wild nature. The 3 Domaines unite the slopes of Bonascre, Saquet and Campels and communicate with each other in a single, vast carpet of skiing. Thanks to the quality of its facilities for the disabled, Ax has been awarded the Handisport label. A cable car links the town to the resort.

The Monts d'Olmes have a significant snow coverage with a battery of snow cannons. The slopes are short, but technically interesting and very pleasant. Ideal for skiing or surfing thanks to facilities that will delight surfers. On-line ski pass refill. Very nice and patient reception of the cashiers. A resort that we like for its family side. In summer, Tyrolean descent in mountain bike, arapaho. In summer and winter, discover a grandiose natural setting.

Above Auzat and Vicdessos, it is by a winding road that you will reach this small Sport Nature resort at the foot of Montcalm. One of the most convivial of the department, far from the spirit of competition. You almost feel at home. It is possible to combine two sporting activities by going from the spatulas to the stirrup with weekends of skiing and horse riding. 4 ski lifts, 6 trails including 2 green 2 red 2 blue summarize the whole circuit of 7km. Children's area.

Discover the various fun and sporting activities in the mountains, sensations and pleasures guaranteed. Canyoning, caving, via ferrata, adventure course, climbing, hiking, snowshoeing. This authentic valley will offer you an unforgettable journey between tourism and discovery. Supervised by professional instructors, all state-qualified, they will offer you activities adapted to your level and skills, and for all publics. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, the Bureau des Sports d'Aventure has an activity for you.

Here is a real farm with cows, pigs, sheep, rabbits and chickens, but above all 40 fluffy donkeys with tender eyes. Even the mule heads will fall for these cadichons which prove to be excellent companions on the road. They are docile and adapted to hiking. It is in the company of these charming donkeys that you will do the circuit of the Romanesque churches with a stop at the castle of Lordat and its eagles or an incursion in the heart of the reserve of Orlu or a "donkey" expedition of 2 or 3 days to the lake of En Beys.

Ascou remains the resort "the nice resort close to Toulouse". Specialized in the reception of the youngest, the station reserves them its snow garden and a sledging area apart. But skiers of good level, among which snowboarders, should also find their happiness. Monoskiing, snowboarding, skating and snowshoeing are all techniques used to experience the snow. Nice : shuttle from Ax-les-Thermes on week-ends and during school vacations. Alpine ski slopes : 20 km of slopes, ski lifts, snow cannons.

France's first eco-golf course, this eco-responsible facility is set in 6 hectares of splendid natural surroundings. It features an 18-hole course, a Pitch and Putt, and a 14-workshop circuit on the driving range, equipped with 30 mats including 10 covered stations. So you can swing on 3 courses for all publics. A grass area, putting green and approach green complete the facilities. All levels are catered for, in a family-friendly, intergenerational atmosphere. Les Terrasses de l'Écogolf bar-restaurant is the place to be before or after your round.

Nathalie Bohin, guide and equestrian tourism guide, and François Meyer welcome you to their equestrian farm-center. They breed themselves on 30ha of organic meadows and natural shelters, Arabian thoroughbreds, Castillonnais and Landes ponies. Discover the Volvestre region. Themed walks to admire the Pyrenees chain on the trail of the peaks, to go through the history on the trail of glassmakers. The farm has 6 camping sites and a rural gîte with a capacity of 20 people. Nice choice of 100% organic and local products.

Carla-Bayle, city of art, is a village attentive to its tourist activity. In order to fully satisfy the visitors and to diversify the activities, a lake of 15 ha was created years ago at the foot of the village. Many water activities are possible: swimming (supervised in summer), boating, mini-golf, games for children, mountain bike and hiking trails... You can also relax by fishing. In addition to the trout whose waters abound, various varieties of fish are present. On the spot, you will also find a snack bar and a refreshment bar.

This exceptional leisure park offers adventure from the age of 2. In the heart of nature, you can enjoy the changing foliage of the hundred-year-old trees that shelter the courses. Parents can also share the activity with their children, thanks to the 3 family trails. Otherwise, a stroll is an excellent compromise. For the more athletically inclined, there are games overlooking the waterfalls for unforgettable sensations. A paintball area awaits today's knights, as does a canyoning course for enthusiasts.

Equizones is located in a superb site. This riding school offers personalised courses and lessons and claims to be a light-hearted riding school, under the leadership of Sandra, the manager, who holds a BEES 1, an ATE and a BAFA. If jumping and dressage are the two main disciplines, the centre also offers 2-hour, half-day or full-day rides in the Regional Natural Park of the Ariege Pyrenees. The school offers many services. See prices on the website.

The Comité Départemental de Tourisme Equestre Ariège (CDTE 09) is an equestrian tourism center based in Foix, Ariège. It works in partnership with the Conseil Général to develop equestrian itineraries in the region. The CDTE provides information on itineraries, local and regional events, and facilities for outdoor riders. The CDTE website is regularly updated and offers a wealth of information for horseback riders. The CDTE's head office has been transferred to the tourist development agency, enabling close collaboration with other tourism players. The CDTE also organizes events such as Journée de l'attelage, Cheval et Patrimoine and Randacheval. In 2014, the number of equestrian tourism licensees exceeded 600, which is a respectable figure for the department.

Founded in 1922, the Ariège federation of approved associations for fishing and protection of the aquatic environment coordinates the actions of 43 fishing clubs, representing some 10,000 anglers. It is responsible for promoting the activity, but also for safeguarding fishing resources, and coordinates the actions of the various local fishing associations. A federation particularly committed to the development of mountain fishing resources.

A graduate fishing guide, Robert Menquet accompanies you and teaches you the fishing in lively waters. You leave with him in search of trout using the techniques of the toc and the fly. This guide makes you discover the beautiful country of Couserans, a wild and mountain country where rivers are lively and clear, and where the fishing becomes frankly sports.