Sports and leisure activities Midi-Pyrénées

Summer is never dull at the Airelles leisure center. The snow has melted, but not the activities. The principle of the Devalkart is simple: a non-motorized machine that you effortlessly hoist to the top of a ski run (thanks to the ski lift that operates in summer) and with which you descend in complete tranquillity or at full throttle... and it's really fun! It's safe for all ages from 7 to 77. Depending on your mood and profile, you can also discover scooters, quad bikes and aerotrampoline. Lots to do in an exceptional setting.

In the Pyrenees-Orientales, the great West is the Capcir. Claire, Yves and their son will take you on horseback through the great wild spaces during one day or more rides with bivouac in the nature or night in a gîte. On the menu: discovery of the Garrotxes, tour of Carlit, stag bellowing, Bouillouses lake... The horses raised in large parks in semi-freedom transhume twice a year on the mountain paths, since their youngest age, to connect the summer pastures in altitude and those of winter in the scrublands of Fenouillèdes.

Through mountains and forests, Equisud accompanies you in the heart of the wide open spaces of the Capcir to discover the local wild west on horseback. Mathieu and his team will share with you unique moments during one or several days of riding or initiation to outdoor riding. The love of horses, the respect of nature and the passion of the job animate the Equisud animators. They pay particular attention to animal welfare, just like their colleagues at Cheval-rando and La Tramontane. Try the experience!

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced surfer, you will be able to surf even in the middle of winter with indoor temperatures that will make you drop your shirt. After a 5 minute briefing, you're off for 50 minutes of laughter and sliding under the eyes of your instructors who will help you to stay upright in the first moments, before "letting go" on the wave in complete safety, but only from 8 years old. On the trampoline side, if you are over 6 years old and weigh less than 100 kg, you will lose your calories during 1 hour bouncing in your space. Ideal for birthdays.

"One name, two worlds": climbing and jaja! A 400^m2 bouldering room where you can move around without ropes or harnesses. A real cellar where our climbers produce red, white and rosé wines. Finally, a relaxation area to quench your thirst or have lunch after a good sweaty session. The whole team is there to welcome you, to supervise you and to help you in your progression: courses, training courses... All the information is on the website. Le Petit Futé loved this original idea of mixing vine and rock and wishes long life to La Grappe Escalade.

Base Nautique des Camboux is a small oasis located in Sainte-Cécile-d'Andorge, in the heart of the Cévennes, on a superb 8-hectare lake. With family, friends or on your own, you'll enjoy a wide range of water sports: pedalos, paddles, canoes and kayaks for hire. A refreshment bar and light meals are also available on site. The Graine d'Explo association also offers a variety of outdoor activities to explore the surrounding area. Canyoning, caving, hiking, mountain biking... there's something for everyone! All just 15 minutes from Alès.

Fun Bike Center is first and foremost a bicycle shop. But to explore the paths of Vallespir, you can rent electric mountain bikes from Haibike, model 2018. The whole team of the shop is also there to guide you towards the trails and loops marked out according to your level. And in the area, there is no shortage of paths and trails and they will take you up to the border ridges at an altitude of over 1000 m. We welcome this initiative as it is the only mountain bike and VTAE rental shop in the Vallespir.

Today, it is said that the children who come here do not want to go home... and neither do their parents, it seems! Come and discover the Labyrinth of a Thousand Flowers, a space of play and discovery in the middle of nature for the whole family. Don't lose your Ariadne's thread and beware of the terrible Minotaur who hides among the metal, wood and bamboo mazes or the parks and gardens cultivated and maintained without pesticides. A treat for the whole family, especially since the botanical gardens are of great beauty (the orangery has more than 60 varieties of citrus fruits) and will delight adults while the children have fun in the Laby Spalsh (bathing suit required). The owners are always full of crazy and original ideas to develop new structures over the years, but they are also convinced of organic farming and of a healthy and sustainable development for the planet. Note the events organized throughout the year such as the egg hunt at Easter, the haunted maze or the nocturnes in summer. All the information is on the site. Finally, a real snack under a straw hut with a misting system offers "from seed to plate" salads for vegetarians, hamburgers with organic meat, organic syrups and juices... Le Petit Futé loved the place not only for its botanical wealth, its incredible labyrinths but also for the ecological commitment of the owners. Bravo !

Cap Cerbère is ideally located in the heart of the marine reserve, the marine park and a few miles from the Cape Creus reserve in southern Catalonia. Exploration dives, training dives, snorkeling, but also photo courses (underwater), bio courses (underwater life), ice diving (in winter). A lot of activities for a dynamic center with a legendary welcome. In addition, you will love Cerbère, this small village at the end of France, less frequented than its brothers and sisters on the Côte Vermeille, and with such an authentic atmosphere.

Between Ur and Font Romeu, dare to experience the big thrill and a good adrenaline rush with the giant tyrolean traverse, the accro-rocher (a kind of via ferrata) or the slack-highline (a cable pulled between two walls). In this ultra secure adventure park with beautiful views of the Cerdanya and the surrounding peaks, clinging to the cliff, you will discover real sensations, shared between the eagle and the chamois! It's fun, there's something for all levels (colour scale at the start of each activity), it's very well supervised, and what's more, it's sporting.

Do you want to stroll along the small mountain roads or to hurtle down the slopes like a madman? Eco Bike delivers a bike to your home or as a relay point throughout the Cerdanya and Capcir regions. Helmet and anti-theft device are provided, breakdown assistance included. All the information and the different formulas are on their website. Le Petit Futé liked this innovative concept which democratizes the electric bicycle. The Mountain Bike-FFC Catalan Pyrenees area has more than 40 approved circuits on more than 690 km of tracks and trails... so get in the saddle!

On the road between Mont Louis and Les Angles nestle the stables of Sabine. This horsewoman offers riding lessons, pony rental and finally horse rides to discover the Matte forest or the shores of Lake Matemale. We have been as much touched by the seriousness and professionalism of this equestrian centre as by the attention paid to animal welfare. Sabine makes it a point of honour. You can feel in her stable that the animals are happy and are not there to please the tourists. Long live the respect of animal dignity.

It jumps, slides, bounces and splashes in the water! Welcome to the Aqua Jump at the lake of Saint-Jean-Pla-de-Corts, a fun and sporting activity for young and old. Several courses installed on inflatable modules placed on the water are proposed to you. There is something for everyone: slide, catapult (we loved it!), trampoline, moonwalk (try walking on a wet carpet that slides!) and climbing wall. Fiesta, good atmosphere and fun guaranteed under the watchful eye of two B.N.S.S.A. monitors. Very refreshing!

Remember Point Break? Buddy is not dead, he retired to TSJ, and he's got it all figured out: a large, semi-covered wooden terrace just a stone's throw from the water, a tasteful decoration that combines rustic and modern, Buddha Bar-style lounge music and a nice team. And when the day falls, it's theme night all summer long. Forget about lazing around, the TSJ water park offers several activities from 4 to 77 years old: ski lift, water jump... A unique site in France thanks to the layout of the jumping modules.

Only a few minutes away from the medieval city, the Carcassonne Golf Club is a place full of serenity. This golf club offers you an 18-hole course, with gentle slopes, accessible to all, or start with 9 holes to familiarize yourself with the practice range gently. Open all year round, you can ask the two professionals Matthieu Bozio and Kévin Delvalle, for individual or group lessons, adapted to your practice and your objectives. Possibility to eat at the Bistrot d'Auriac or at the gastronomic restaurant of the Domaine d'Auriac.

For Terra Culinaria, it's important to reappropriate the products of our plant-based terroir. Concerned about the impact of our lifestyles on the environment, this establishment offers the opportunity to learn how to cook differently with Olivier Picard. After completing his apprenticeship with Alain Passard at his 3-star L'Arpège restaurant, renowned for its vegetable-based cuisine, he moved to Grenoble to discover the cuisine of wild plants. Drawing on this experience, he now offers you the chance to discover edible wild plants by combining foraging with cooking. You can choose between three types of training: technical and creative basics, thematic and online! Plant-based cooking will hold no secrets for you!

The Col de la Llose offers nature lovers and outdoor sports enthusiasts a splendid and wild site in the heart of the Natura 2000 Madres Coronat site, at an altitude of 1,866 m, you can count on Fred Maugery and the O Naturel team to give you a warm welcome and to help you add some dynamic colours to your stay in the Pyrénées-Orientales. In this environment dedicated to a multitude of summer and winter sports, you may be lucky enough to come across national teams training for pre-Olympic preparations. In the catalogue you can rent skis or electric mountain bikes for free or supervised practice, all the material and equipment for laser biathlon or paragliding. Enduro mountain biking trips, skating lessons, itinerant stays, mountain biking stays, snowshoeing nights are offered throughout the seasons. Children are not forgotten with the Ludic Park VTT, an area specially designed for them with several courses, a game with two free treasure hunts for the little ones. In winter, as soon as the snow has fallen, it's time for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and Nordic walking on the 70 km of marked and maintained trails. The rallying point of this multi-service and friendly leisure centre is a pretty mountain chalet with a pleasant south-facing terrace which serves as a bar-restaurant and offers very affordable dishes.

Inaugurated in 2016, Castelsarrasin's renovated harbour now has around 100 berths and new power points. Boaters have discovered a modernized harbor with more places to call and a spot for a boat ride. The city records more than 15,000 overnight stays on the river. It is a pleasant stopover in the city centre, with a quay extended by a square lined with large trees for a picnic or an evening out.

River tourism is an original opportunity to discover the territory! And for that, no need of license because the boats that we rent you are accessible to all. After a few instructions and explanations, you will sail at your own pace on the Garonne Canal between Bordeaux and Toulouse. Take the opportunity to stop in beautiful towns and villages such as Agen, Montauban or the picturesque Nérac, along the Baïse river. Drive through green countryside, where orchards and vineyards alternate with enchanting medieval villages.

Created in 1995, the Nautical Center is located in front of the sea in the heart of Cap d'Agde, on the edge of the Richelieu East beach. In the warm season, its "O'Spot" point allows you to discover all its activities with a system of packages: catamaran, fun boat, dinghy, canoe, stand-up paddle... Its large fleet allows to welcome all levels and all ages. The qualified team is made up of four instructors who hold the Brevet d'Etat d'éducateur sportif de voile.

Here you can practice different water sports: rowing, canoeing, kayaking, water skiing, surfbike... Take advantage of the banks to walk, bike or horseback ride on the many hiking trails that cross Moissac and its surroundings. They are marked out and propose different itineraries, more or less long, more or less difficult, to walk alone or with your family. Fishing enthusiasts will be able to track down carp, catfish and other roach. You can also rent electric boats and pedal boats.

Since 2011, a "Halte de repos" (rest stop) for hikers and cyclists of the Voie Verte du canal de Garonne, boaters and camper vans has been opened at the port of Valence-d'Agen, in the former public slaughterhouse, on the banks of the canal. It offers sanitary facilities, outdoor picnic tables, a kitchen and barbecue area, a rest room, a car park and a camper van area. The Nautical Stop welcomes you from April to November.

This marina with 28 berths is located a day's sail from Toulouse on the Canal de Garonne. Coming from the Canal du Midi, it will be the first one you meet. At the crossroads of the Canal de Garonne and the Montech-Montauban junction, the town of Montech is renowned in the river world for its slope. Close to the town centre, this port allows you to take advantage of local shops and activities... At the harbour master's office, boaters and cyclists are welcomed and given tourist information.

The Canalous have a base for renting boats without a licence on the downstream Lot, at Luzech. For a weekend, a few days or a week, set off to conquer the river Lot as if you owned a boat. Do you dream of the open sea? Sailing with family or friends? You can choose your type of boat and your formula. An original way to discover the Lot valley from Luzech to Saint-Cirq-Lapopie. Other bases exist in Charente and Aquitaine. Boats for sale.

Take a cruise on board a traditional barge of 30 m long, fitted out with all comfort, which moves along the Canal du Midi or the Canal du Rhône au Rhin, for day or week cruises. Your boatmen hosts, Sylvette and Pierre Gaudry, who have been plying the waterways of the Midi since 1976, have left the helm to their daughter Maurine. You leave with a crew that relieves you of all logistics. On board, 6 rooms for 2 persons, living room, kitchen, without forgetting the deck. And 4 bicycles to pedal along the banks.

The Aigues-Mortes marina is located at the junction of the Canal d'Aigues-Mortes à Sète and the Chenal du Grau du Roi. It has 35 visitor berths, water, electricity, toilets and showers. The residential complex is of the highest quality, with Marinas for river and sea boating enthusiasts. Aigues-Mortes and its ^13th-century ramparts adjoin the port. You can admire the colors of the marshes in the distance, and stay in this unique place, thanks to a wide range of accommodation options: campsites, rentals, modest or luxury hotels.

This nautical leisure base offers protected and marked out spaces, more than 3 km of navigation on the Lot and a whole range of activities and services: miniature boat rental, canoes, pedal boats, walking boats, playground, mini-golf, skateboard, tennis, picnic area. A complete and very pleasant leisure base. And as a bonus, the discreet charm of a waterside guinguette offering grills, salads and musical entertainment.

Lovers of outdoor activities are welcome in the Montagne Noire, in this haven of peace, dedicated to peaceful strolls. Le Petit Paradou is an ideal leisure area for children aged 3 to 15: signposted pony rides, acrobatic courses close to the ground, various workshops to discover animal life, learn about bird nesting boxes, insect shelters, fishing rods, or learn about gardening... A mini-farm enables visitors to familiarize themselves with goats, chickens, turtles and rabbits, from an early age.

This service provider offers walks, mountain bike rides, normal or electric, at the Salagou lake, in the vineyards of the Larzac terraces, in the mountains of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert. Its particularity is to also welcome a public in situation of handicap, for activities of full nature with instructors trained and sensitized with the handicap and with adapted material, All Terrain Wheelchair (FTT), Joelette, etc. All the outings and activities proposed are oriented towards the gentle discovery of nature, vineyards and heritage.

An urban golf course accessible by bus? Toulouse has done it, with Golf de Garonne, opening in 2019. Here you are just a few minutes from the city center, in a quiet setting on the banks of the Garonne: 17 hectares of a compact course, ideal when you want to play with little time to spare. A regional training center, it is aimed at beginners as well as experienced players, whether able-bodied or disabled. The 20-station driving range, 10 of which are covered, has a depth of 300 meters. There's also a panoramic restaurant with an attractive terrace.

Sunkart is the right place to indulge in the joys of karting. With its 700 m FFSA approved track, its hairpin bends, its straight line and its billiard-smooth tarmac, there is plenty to enjoy, especially if you get behind the wheel of the "Fun GTS", small 270 CC 4-stroke cars (intended for adults). The children, from 7 years old and measuring more than 1m20, will discover their first sensations of pilot on kartings of 120 CC. In groups (minimum 10 people), you can opt for the "Sprint" or "Endurance" formulas, challenge guaranteed.

Fans of Tarzan, Avatar or Patrick Edlinger, your happiness is here, at the edge of the lake in a natural space at 2 min from the motorway. You will discover the pleasure of evolving in massive trees (two hundred year old plane trees!) and exploring the courses ranging from 3 to 20 meters high with different difficulties. All the courses are ultra secure with a continuous life line. It's fun, sporty and varied. We loved it... Before splashing in the lake!

The Golf de Salies-du-Salat is located a short distance from the centre. It has a nine-hole course approved by the French Golf Federation, a driving range with seven posts extending over a length of 240 metres, as well as a putting green. You can also have a drink or a meal in the club house. If you stay for a longer period of time in the beautiful town of Salies-du-Salat, it is of course possible to take lessons and participate in competitions. A nice course accessible to everyone, in a very beautiful setting.

The Ligue de Protection des Oiseaux (LPO) is an association that works for the preservation of nature by welcoming and caring for wild animals. This regional branch organizes throughout the year many awareness actions, such as the World Migratory Bird Day. A passionate and warm team collects animals and informs the general public in a playful and educational way about sensitive natural areas.

With 18 courses approved by the French Mini-Golf Federation, this Balaruc establishment attracts young and old (from age 6) looking for a fun activity to share with family and friends. On beautiful summer evenings, the courses are floodlit to make the most of the evening. Between rounds, you can cool off at the bar, or melt for an ice cream for those with a sweet tooth. The mini-golf course has clubs to suit every size of player.

A real competition pool of 25 m long and 10 water lines, a pool with a bubbling bath, a huge 35 m slide, huge bay windows to make the place very bright and sunny, this recent high-tech water sports center is really at the forefront of progress in the field. You can come and swim alone but also take lessons. Its great plus for the nice days: large outdoor grassy areas where you can lounge on deckchairs. Many activities are also offered during the vacations.

Be careful, this route starting from Nîmes is really reserved for quasi-professionals and may require several stages to complete, but mountain bike fanatics should love it. Indeed, the Circuit du Mont-Aigoual is spread over 90 kilometers and a difference in altitude of 800 meters! Covering a multitude of communes (Le Vigan, Saint-Guiral, Bramabiau, etc.), it offers a whole panel of typical Languedoc landscapes and has almost become a national reference of its kind.

The Cèze is a magnificent river, and here's a great way to make the most of it. A team of qualified instructors will give you the best advice depending on the temperature and water level, and the return trip is organized by minibus. You can choose from 4, 8 or 14 km routes, depending on your wishes and your level, and 29 km excursions over 1 or 2 days are also possible, outside the summer season and by reservation. Swimming stops can be made, and there's a small snack bar and an affordable equipment store on site.

This diving center is run by Pascal Cottinet, a state-qualified diving enthusiast and independent diving instructor. He'll share his passion with you, guiding you through the waters of the Thau Basin for walks, explorations or even introductions. Whether you're a novice or an experienced diver, Pascal Cottinet is committed to helping you make the most of his rigorous safety standards and professionalism. Osez plonger is also a training organization adapted to different levels and disciplines.

An ecological, fun and aquatic outing with family or friends? Go to Aqua-Turtle! This Balaruc-based company specializes in renting jets for children, electric boats without a license, giant paddles and water bikes. Accessible to all members of the family, the boats are easily piloted with one hand or with a stroke of the oar, so you can enjoy the landscapes. This activity is an original way to discover the biodiversity of the Thau Lagoon, without polluting it.

Les Voiles Marseillanaises is a sailing club that offers initiation and improvement in the practice of sailing. This organization develops in particular nautical events on the commune of Marseillan and the surroundings. Regattas, solo sailing, challenges, cups, 24h of Thau... Numerous events are offered throughout the year to share the pleasures of sailing.

To discover sailing in a friendly atmosphere, the Société Nautique du Bassin de Thau offers introductory courses on live-aboard sailboats, friendly regattas as a crew member and more depending on your knowledge. Theoretical courses are organized regularly and "training" boat trips are possible on days when the weather is favorable. Note that the association also organizes Handireg: sailing trips adapted to the handicap.

It is on the beautiful lake of Aventignan that the Aquanestes association allows you to practice aquatic sports in an exotic setting. All year long, Philippe ensures the practice of navigation to the members but from April to October, he welcomes the tourists who wish to savor the pleasures. The lake borders the Neste river, the site is ideal for canoeing and kayaking but also for rafting. Kayak lessons and white water trips are provided in a friendly atmosphere. All levels are welcome, from beginners to advanced, as long as you can swim.

The Yacht Club of Mèze is an association which has a fleet of catamarans, dinghies, windsurfers, handivoile boats, optimists as well as habitable sailing boats. This leisure center, open to young and old alike, offers sailing courses, private lessons, nautical equipment rental, as well as regattas and training sessions for the BPJEPS multi-support or cruising sailors in the Occitanie region. In the summer, introductory or advanced courses are supervised by state-qualified instructors.

The "Soirées Nébuleuses" are a proposal in collaboration with the Astro Club du Hautacam, designed especially for astronomy enthusiasts with a slight sporting inclination. The event kicks off at around 5.15pm with a 1.5-hour snowshoe hike, suitable for all levels. A guide will be present, and all necessary equipment will be provided. Afterwards, a country-style dinner will be prepared before diving into an evening of deep-sky observation, highlighting nebulae and/or the Moon, depending on the period.

In this store, which also serves as a repair shop, a team of enthusiasts awaits you. Pyrénées Vélo Évolution is dedicated to everything that concerns or is related to two-wheelers. Real pros in the field of road and mountain biking, they are perfect for maintenance, advice, good tips and even sales since you will find leading brands like Moustache, Trek, Gitane or Kona. They were pioneers in the rental of electric bikes in the resort, but you will also find VTC, FatBike, mountain bikes, city bikes...

For the uninitiated, these machines could be described as scooters, even if their wheels have a somewhat atypical appearance. And while we're on the subject of atypical, it's worth noting that the only thing you'll have to worry about are blades of grass: in Barèges, it's trottinherbes that get you around! However, the pleasure of handling the handlebars soon takes over, and it has to be said that hurtling down the Col du Tourmalet in this way lends a spectacular dimension. A must in the Pyrenees, as you'd expect!

White, the snow is unlimited and you can enjoy it on skis, snowshoes, skating, sledging and even rail sledding! From the pine forests to the wide open spaces, you overlook Argelès-Gazost and the villages of the valley, you are in the heart of the great sites and from Hautacam, the panorama is simply magical. Skiers and snowboarders, experienced or beginners, find here a masterful playground and when the woods open up, you can't refuse this exquisite invitation.