Water sports and leisure activities Midi-Pyrénées

Sud Rafting is an outdoor agency offering thrilling water sports activities. Whether you're an amateur or a seasoned rafter, our professionals will share their passion with you on the banks of the River Aude, in complete safety. Canyoning, canorafting, rafting, hydrospeed, accrobranche, via corda, quad biking, horseback riding... Twenty years' experience for state-qualified instructors who will supervise you to the best of their ability, whether you're with family, friends or in a nature seminar. Leisure center and snack bar on site.

Kitesurfing - that is to say, gliding on the water towed by a kite - is not necessarily a violent sport and requires a lot of experience. With Benoit, you will discover that this popular sport rhymes with comfort and fun. Lessons in small groups (3 students) in shallow water on the beautiful pond of Salses, in radio link with the instructor. Nothing surprising because Benoit spent 15 years in mountain rescue. We recommend you this school because both the state of mind and the courses are top notch! Wing-foil, e-foil and paddle courses are available.

A playground for swimmers, sportsmen and lovers of aquatic leisure activities, it offers numerous infrastructures adapted to all ages and all publics. In addition to the classic aquatic offer - indoor pool and multiple outdoor pools - it offers a multi-lane pentagliss for a good dose of fun and a relaxation area with a hammam and a spa. The offer is completed by a wide range of activities all year round: swimming lessons, aquagym classes, aquabike sessions, aquababy sessions for families.

Carcassonne's Pôle Aqualudique, due to open in 2021, is living up to its promise and attracting large numbers of locals and tourists alike. Located opposite the banks of the Aude on the emblematic Païchérou site, the pools boast a soothing view over the countryside. This fun and sports complex features two swimming pools, one of which is outdoor, a relaxation pool with swan neck and massage jets, a waterslide and a paddling pool with games for the little ones. The 25-meter-long outdoor pool (same as the indoor pool) with its eight swimming lanes is a paradise for lap swimmers. A solarium is also available for sunbathing. Hydromassage and hydrobiking courses are also available. After exercise, you'll appreciate the more intimate balneo area, with a small pool equipped with massage beds, jets and fountains, as well as a second outdoor pool, sauna, hammam and sensory showers. Finally, a few words about the cardio-training area, with group classes and state-of-the-art machines for solo workouts. Special mention must be made of the themed evenings organized according to the season, such as the "Zen Evenings" or activities and entertainment during the Christmas vacations. Round off your visit with a stroll along the Aude river.

From Saint-Amans, we are committed to the D 999 towards Ribennes and, after a few kilometres, we joined the valley of Colagne, on which an artificial dam created a small lake. On its beach, there is a bar and parasols, car canoes, pedal boats and mountain bikes. Games occupy the children while parents are relax or bathing. The warned fisherman will look for some quiet corners for teasing trout.

Fancy a sunken breaststroke, windsurfing or paddleboarding? It's all possible at Lac de la Ganguise, halfway between Carcassonne and Toulouse, in the communes of Baraigne, Cumiés, Gourvielle and Molleville. The 280-hectare dammed lake forms the artificial Estrade reservoir, surrounded by pine forests, fields of sunflowers and wheat - open air guaranteed. This horseshoe-shaped lake mainly collects water from the Ganguise river to the south-east, making it the largest body of water in the département. The two arms of the lake meet at the dam to the northwest. A small island can be seen in the southern arm, home to grey herons and kingfishers, two protected species that are a delight for birdwatchers. For sports enthusiasts, sailing, windsurfing, horse-riding and fishing are just some of the activities on offer at the departmental nautical base, not forgetting swimming in hot weather (unsupervised) and fishing, even at night in some places (contact the Castelnaudary AAPPMA). You can hire your own boat, and if you're a keen sailor, why not join the Castelnaudary Sailing Club, which you can find here. Training courses are organized by the school, and numerous regattas and challenges take place regularly on the water, stimulating the competitive spirit and inculcating real bonds of solidarity and camaraderie.

It is at the foot of the castle of Najac, on the banks of the river Aveyron, that this municipal open air and heated swimming pool is located. You will also find a fishing course nearby. The equipment consists of three pools, one of which is a paddling pool, a training pool and another with a diving board and a diving pit. The swimming area is supervised; the lifeguards, in addition to ensuring safety, give lessons and offer activities throughout the season. You will enjoy spending time here with your family or friends.

On the Aveyron and the Viaur, qualified instructors supervise the practice of various water sports: canoeing, kayaking, rafting, paddle and even mountain biking and electrically assisted bicycles, to be practiced along the rivers and on the surrounding slopes. They rent out or supervise groups and individuals in introductory or advanced sessions. The most enthusiastic can be tempted by excursions or multi-activity courses in the area.

First school entirely dedicated to kitesurfing, Fild'Air combines safety and thrills. Its spot, the vast and little frequented Thau basin, allows to orientate easily according to the wind. The supervision is assured by qualified instructors. The school offers courses for all levels, safe sailing in shallow water and in open water, trial sessions, baptisms and catakite courses (catamaran rigged with a kite). The club also offers seat-kite baptisms for people with reduced mobility.

Pierre and Stéphanie offer adults and children the opportunity to discover the underwater treasures of Les Aresquiers. This plateau is full of common Mediterranean species (octopus, sars, sea breams...), as well as rarer specimens for the region such as moray eels, groupers, étrilles, and crustaceans. Several formulas are available: first dive, exploration trip, diver training, first aid adapted to diving. On site, you will also find a rental service for diving equipment. Ready to jump into the water?

This establishment specializes in canoeing and kayaking. It offers a range of courses suitable for all (from 5 km to 32 km), either free or accompanied by qualified instructors. Approved by the French Federation, it organizes training courses and official competitions on its course (guaranteed entertainment!). Complementary activities such as orienteering, hiking and rock-climbing offer something for everyone. The small team of three quadruples in size during the summer months to ensure that all visitors are well looked after.

The Departmental Orienteering Committee has set up several circuits in the vicinity of the Peyrebrune tower, designed as an introduction to orienteering. All you have to do is bring special maps and reach the markers along the routes, which are accessible to all. Maps are available on request from the Comité Départemental de la Course d'Orientation, the town hall of Villefranche and Alrance and the Pareloup-Lévézou tourist office in Pont-de-Salars.

Most of the little Aveyronnais have taken their first steps on the water in this centre which has a sailing school. You will discover in optimal conditions these nautical activities which will make you fully appreciate the lake. Thanks to its surface, and the wind which blows there, the lake lends itself, indeed, with the training and the practice of the catamaran, the windsurfing, the canoe... The CYVP is also a campground where you can stay close by and at a lower cost.

This nautical base, nestled in an exceptional natural setting of over 5,000 ha, offers some fifteen activities for all ages, focusing on relaxation and sport. Take advantage of this privileged setting aboard a pedal boat, kayak, windsurfer or catamaran. Whether you're looking for a beginner's course, accompanied by an instructor or on your own, you'll find what you're looking for here. The base offers a range of packages including accommodation, room hire, nautical equipment hire and activities.

With its name - Beware of the Wolf! - this lake is one of the largest lakes in the south of the country with a surface area of over 1,200 hectares. Supervised beaches in summer, as well as numerous games and sports facilities, make for a busy day. Water sports activities are the main attraction (sailing, windsurfing, catamaran, canoeing, rowing, towed buoys, jet-skiing...), but mountain bikers and walkers, not forgetting fishermen, will appreciate this peaceful setting of lakes, pastures and forests between the valleys of the Tarn and the Aveyron.

We already know about the Ardèche gorges at Valon-Pont-d'Arc, but there's also the possibility of taking to the water and the waves on the Gardon and its gorges. Natu'Rando offers you a choice of boats to navigate from Fournes to Remoulins, as far as the Saint-Nicolas bridge. The longest course, the integral, is 35 km long, but a range of 6 courses, from the smallest to the largest, will suit every arm! Our qualified instructors will teach you how to paddle, either in a canoe or on a paddle. So grab your paddles! Bike rides and via ferrata kit rental.

Created by sailing enthusiasts, this association makes it possible to practice sailing as a leisure activity, on habitable sailboats. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced sailor, you can be welcomed without age limit to share the pleasure of sailing together, in family or in group, all year long. The outings take place over half a day or a full day. Six skippers, experienced sailors, offer to go on board their beautiful boats. The Atouvents association also offers evolving programs on the Thau Lagoon.

Oygen Adventure, which has set up its base camp at the foot of the Galamus Gorge in a remarkable location, offers you the opportunity to improve your climbing skills, learn about speleology, climb ferratas vias or descend canyons all year round. And there is a choice in the department! To go further and expand its activities, Oxygen also takes you to the Aude to share a friendly adventure in rafting, hydrospeed or kayaking, or to the Ariège to discover the underground world or mountain canyons. With friends, family or alone, the whole team adapts and offers you tailor-made solutions to make your experience unforgettable.

Go along the water in a single or two-seater canoe, to discover a preserved nature. At the gates of Toulouse, three routes ranging from 5 to 15 km will be proposed to you. In autonomy, the boats are "sit on top", stable and perfect for family outings. In supervised descent, this activity is also adapted to people with reduced mobility (knowing how to swim). You will cross the Confluence Garonne Ariège Nature Reserve. Be sure to respect certain rules such as wearing a life jacket, or not landing on the islets.

Integrated into the landscape of Haut-Astarac and irrigated by the two arms of the Arrats, this 150-hectare lake is classified Natura 2000. If swimming is forbidden, it is possible to fish there and to walk, cycle or ride on the paths along its banks. Picnic tables, orienteering and health course are waiting for you to enjoy a day in the open air. The lake is also a bird sanctuary where more than 160 species of birds, including a large number of migratory birds, can be seen. With the Pyrenees in the background, the setting is enchanting.

To discover Le Grau-du-Roi from another angle than the mainland, head to the Ponant nautical base to see the bay of a flamboyant and lively Grau, the land seen from the sea and the waterways. The leitmotiv of the Windsurf Park is relaxation, experience and sharing. You can rent a catamaran, sea kayak, windsurf, stand up paddle for an hour or more and discover the many pleasures of the water with your family (from 6 years old). State-qualified instructors will supervise you and introduce you to the joys of gliding on the water.

Come on, sailors! For a few hours, you'll be able to live your sailing dream. Departing from Port-Camargue, you'll be able to take part in sea outings lasting from a few hours to a full day. In summer, you can watch the sunset from the boat's deck. Climb aboard a maxi-catamaran with Alain the skipper, take part in the maneuvers on board, enjoy a sailboat cruise, and experience intense sensations on the waves of the big blue. With family or friends, you'll have a fabulous time leaving from Le Grau-du-Roi.

Laurent is a member of the Office des Moniteurs du Languedoc, an association of four qualified outdoor sports professionals. He offers a full range of activities, including climbing the Pic-Saint-Loup, via ferrata in the Cévennes and abseiling, as well as canyoning, notably in the Caroux massif and in the Diable canyon: an opportunity to discover exceptional sites from a different angle, far from the hustle and bustle of tourism.

Plongée Bleue is a diving center oriented towards the protection of the marine environment through concrete daily actions and steps aimed at minimizing its impact on the environment to be in accordance with its values and ethics. The whole team is working hard to make you feel like a fish in the water. The little extra that touched us in their home is the welcome of an "extra ordinary" public: autistic youngsters, young people in reintegration activities, deaf and hard of hearing people, motor and cognitive handicaps... A beautiful philosophy!

The club run by Julien and Caroline, two ex-champions of windsurfing, is one of the must-see spots in the sport. Located on the Goulet spot, it attracts professional riders and amateurs looking for equipment and training. The duo rents out windsurf and paddle equipment, organizes courses, hosts events during the summer season and puts two skateboard ramps at your disposal. At the Wesh Center Crew, you can also eat a delicious burger or have a drink, while enjoying a breathtaking view of the pond. A great spot!

As soon as the summer season resumes, Antinéa's water base resumes from service. With its long list of activities and its location on the edge of the Lot and in full nature, the place is paradise. Choose from a boat ride (without a permit), kayaking unless you prefer to ride on water. Children are not forgotten and can enjoy their own attraction with small electric bumper boats in a secure basin. It is also possible to rent bikes or simply enjoy the surroundings and tranquillity with a fishing part. All you have to do is decide.

This family pool welcomes young and old, beginners and experienced swimmers, schoolchildren and clubs of the agglomeration all year round. It is equipped with a large 25 m sports pool, with swimming lanes for swimming and a section dedicated to free swimming. Supervised by a team of lifeguards, it is the scene of daily swimming lessons or aquagym sessions. On sunny days, the roof can be partially opened.

Copeyre canoe is a 120 km descent on the Dordogne: from Argentat to Beynac, you'll navigate through 3 departments with varied landscapes: Corrèze, Lot and Dordogne. Day trips or multi-day tours, create your own itinerary. Paddle or giant paddle (max. 8 people) available at Copeyre and Gluges. Free bus service. Only condition: be able to swim 25 m on your own. Also mountain bike, VTC and electric bike rentals. All rentals include free access to the Quercyland water park and the Labyrinthe de l'Ermite on the same day.

More than just an attraction: a place to relax, enjoy natural sports and dine out, the Lac de la Cavayère ski lift combines the best of water sports in the largest expanse of water on site. From simple ski lifts to wake-boarding and paddleboarding demos and contests, beginners and enthusiasts alike can free-style on the floating structures dotted around the course, while sipping a soft drink at the end of the day in front of the beautiful surrounding countryside.

After Paradise Aventure, Canyoning Park and the extreme tower, young and old will enjoy the Drop'in fresh water sliding games. 18 tracks to have fun with your children or your friends, Drop'in Donuts, Crazy Jump, Crazy Slide or Drop'in tracks. For the older ones, I owe you an explanation: these are sliding games on a buoy, surf, board or ski with jumps for all levels. Teenagers love it. Of course, everything is safe and supervised, so the little ones can have fun from 5 years old. Success guaranteed.

Created by Carcassonne Agglo, which comprises 82 municipalities, Les Bains de Minerve consists of an outdoor basin and two interiors, a relaxation area with sauna and steam bath, a snack and a restaurant. Various activities are proposed, such as aquabike, "baby swimmer" initiation, activities for future mothers that take place with a midwife, and many aquatic games. Animations are organized for children who can, for example, celebrate their birthday here. The relaxation area allows you to enjoy benefits such as different types of massages, osteopathy sessions, sauna or steam bath, or floral therapy. Everything is studied for the well-being and comfort of visitors. Because relaxation is important for all, Les Bains de Minerve is equipped with a wheelchair and a wheelchair for the shower, for people with reduced mobility. The place is ideal for a relaxing break in a Zen atmosphere.

Located near Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, 30 minutes from Montpellier, Borg canoe-kayaks offers you a sporting experience along the gorges and rapids of the Hérault. Nicknamed the "green canyon", this unspoilt area is a veritable ecological paradise, home to exceptional flora and fauna. Join Hubert and his team for a canoe or kayak trip of 3 to 14 km, lasting from 1h30 to 4h30. This enthusiastically-guided excursion will enable you to discover the region far from the hustle and bustle of the beaches.

In the lush Gers forest, the Base de Loisirs at Aignan is a pleasant surprise. Its sandy beach is almost reminiscent of the sea, and its lake invites refreshing swims in July and August. A waterslide is available for children. Fishermen and sports enthusiasts are not left out, with a volleyball court and marked trails for hiking, cycling and horse-riding. Picnic tables dotted around the forest invite you to relax. As an added bonus, a guinguette offers meals and snacks in summer.

For people who are fond of strong sensation, "Haute Vallée de l'Aude" is the perfect place to practice canyoning, rafting,  hydrospeed, or other water running sports suggested by Rodéoraft. The starting point of the adventure is at Belvianes and Cavirac, small village 4 km in the south of Quillan. Managed by professionals, you will discover with the current of the exceptional landscapes in the middle of a green nature, and you will experience an unforgettable feelings for kids and for adults.

Located on the Ramee Lake, Oasis is a haven of wellbeing. In the aquatic area you will find a swimming pool of 25 meters, a playground with massage jets and a pool. Relax and enjoy a hammam, a solarium with sun loungers and facilities at Les Délices de la Beauté (at an additional cost). Massages, scrubbing, facial care and relaxation sessions! On the sport side, Oasis hosts two swimming clubs, a rescue school and two diving schools. For children, it also proposes, within the framework of the School of Sports, activities outside the year (kayak, archery, circus arts…).

Far from the crowd of the seaside, the lake of Escoumes of Vinça, with in panorama our beautiful Canigó, proposes you nautical activities for the children from 3 years, thanks to a mini-park especially conceived for them. From 6 years old, inflatable games on water will make the joy of the biggest with the Aquagliss. But teenagers, adults and seniors are not forgotten, paddles, kayaks and pedal boats for a lot of fun. You think the water is too cold? Then enjoy a quad bike tour from 6 years old or a game of laser-game (on reservation).

On the menu: water hiking, tree climbing, climbing, or 6 feet underground, around a good sausage and a aligot-magret, sliding all schuss along a canyon ... Vert Tea Jeu offers an anthology of outdoor recreation, super fun and accessible to all generations. The team has found the best spots in Aveyron for kayaking, caving or via ferrata. Along the Lot river in Espalion, at the bottom of the canyons of Salles-la-Source or on the trees of Combelles, in the water or high up, Vert Tea Jeu invites you to get a maximum of sensations.

Managed by a qualified team, this nautical center offers many activities accessible to young and old alike: windsurfing, optimist, catamaran, windfoil, urban gliding... Everything is there to live an unforgettable experience, alone or with your family. The nautical center has two spots all year round: the Miaille and Munoz base on the pond side, and the F. Pascal base on the sea side. In the form of training courses, group or private lessons, everyone can discover the pleasures of water sports.

The summer swimming pool is open, as its name suggests, from the end of June to the end of August. The grounds are planted with trees and the beaches are grassed, with deckchairs, parasols and a picnic area. The pools: a paddling pool and two pools, one of which is 25 metres long for swimming and playing. In summer, group swimming lessons are available for children. Numerous facilities: table tennis, table football, beach volleyball, beach rugby, beach soccer, for a moment of family relaxation, refreshing and privileged, in a pleasant setting. Free and accessible parking.

Géraldine and Christophe's water sports center is located on the banks of the Pissevaches lake. Many activities are available: paddle, giant paddle, kayak, wingfoil, wingsurf, kitesurf, ski lift... Depending on your choice, you can practice your hobby on the sea or on the pond. Glisse & Kite also offers a most unusual experience... Imagine yourself at sunset, on a floating pontoon in the middle of the water, comfortably seated on deckchairs and enjoying aperitifs and tapas with friends, family... or just the two of you!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.