Water sports events Midi-Pyrénées

40 single-hulled vessel on water, 5 shipmate per boat, Swiss, Italian, French or Spanish, come to this event that counts for the national ranking of French Sailing Federation Runners. A true water ballet you need to see.

The Sailing Festival has become over the years an inescapable appointment in summer. This period of two days is the occasion to discover a range of nautical activities:  introductions to water sports and leisure activities with Grand Sud Fishing Sport association, Narbonne Nautical society and its sailing school, Narbonne Big Game Fishing Federation and Association, Narbonne-Plage nautical Centre, Underwater Club, Aude Fishermen committee and Aqua jet and JetXtreme societies. There are also, demonstrations, parades of boats, stroll on water, two open door days, exhibitions, concerts, workshops, regattas and baptisms. In a spirit of conviviality, take time to discover a maritime culture.

In 1629, the jousting tournaments offered a unique spectacle to Cardinal de Richelieu during his visit to Frontignan. This local tradition lives on today, particularly during the Tournament de la Ville on July 14th. Dressed in white, spear and bulwark in hand, the jousters compete to the sound of drums and the Languedoc oboe, in nautical battles in a festive atmosphere. Come and join the crowd on the banks of the canal to applaud them!

For some years now, the lake of Lourdes has been taking its summer quarters and to make these quarters synonymous with real holidays, it even transforms its shores into a real seaside! Sand, parasols and deckchairs: Lourdes Plage is the favourite destination for those who want to take a dip in an idyllic setting. A 280^m2 floating pool has been set up on the water. The bathing area is safe and a first aid post watches over the summer swimmers. Lourdes Plage is ideal if you want to relax. A real smart plan.

Be a spectator at another Languedoc jousting tournament, this time in Marseillan! This traditional sport, which has its roots in Frontignan dating back to 1627, has remained intact and is practiced in eight towns in the Hérault and one in the Gard. The fight begins as soon as the oboes and drums sound the charge, and you can then watch, in a traditional musical atmosphere, as the jousters clash, all dressed in white, on their blue and red boats.

In summer, the port of Mèze is abuzz with the excitement of the Languedoc jousting tournaments organized by two local societies: the Nouvelle Lance Mézoise and the Jeune Lance Sportive Mézoise. The four categories (junior, senior, medium and heavy) compete on the water to the delight of spectators! Enjoy these traditional sporting competitions on a restaurant terrace or on the quayside, with an ice cream in hand!

Every summer, the thermal waters of Balaruc-les-Bains play host to Languedoc jousting tournaments, notably during its annual festival. As in neighboring towns, the tournaments take place in the port. Armed with their spears and bulwarks, the jousters try to knock their opponents into the water, under the wide-eyed gaze of the children and the amused eyes of the older ones. These are not-to-be-missed events when you visit Balaruc and the surrounding area!

Every year, in September, the Prévost beach in Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone becomes the capital of kitesurfing. The amateurs and competitors of the discipline meet there for intensive days of exhibition. Born in La Grande-Motte, the activity is anchored on the territory and is part of the DNA of the department of Herault. The event is an opportunity to discover this water sport to the curious and to highlight the skills of practitioners. On this occasion, a 3,000 m² village offers a wide range of fun and festive activities to the public.

Every summer, a dozen competitions are organized by the Société Nautique des Jouteurs Agathois and the Pavois Agathois. Whether at the foot of St. Etienne's Cathedral or close to the coast, these competitions are a great way to discover the regional tradition in a jovial and festive way. Some of the tournaments, in various categories, are linked to major events such as the Fête des Pêcheurs tournament or the regional Tournament des Écoles de Joute.