Sports and leisure activities Midi-Toulousain

The Domaine des Dieux de Nistos is a true paradise for cross-country skiers. Eight different itineraries wind their way through the mountain, offering exceptional panoramic views of the Pic du Midi, the peaks of Haute-Garonne and Ariège, and the border peaks of the Luchonnais. With levels of difficulty ranging from green to black, the routes vary from two to ten kilometers. For keen hikers, there are also trails for walking and snowshoeing.

At the gateway to Bigorre, the countryside reveals its charm through 18 signposted walking loops, offering an immersion into the canton of Rabastens, with the chance to discover its flora, fauna and local heritage. The area boasts a wealth of landscapes, from hillsides to forests. In all, there are 170 kilometers to explore on foot or mountain bike. Don't forget to venture out on the famous Adour trail, but be sure to visit www.adouretaffluents.fr, as the water can sometimes be capricious.

Located between 1,700 and 2,215 meters above sea level, the Saint-Lary Mountain Bike Park, with its 10 marked trails, is one of the best places for downhill mountain biking in the Pyrenees. Thanks to the Bouleaux chairlift equipped with bike racks, access to the slopes is quick and easy. The trails, suitable for experts and beginners alike, offer a fun and friendly experience. Although the terrain is safe, we strongly recommend that you wear the correct equipment: helmets and gloves are mandatory. Children under 12 must be supervised.

The teaching team at the French Ski School in Saint-Lary-Soulan offers a wide range of tailor-made products. Opting to learn with one of the French Ski School's instructors means benefiting from the guidance of a highly qualified educator. During school vacations, group lessons last 2 hours, with variable prices. Please note that only ESF instructors are authorized to issue level certificates.

This area includes a mogul track, the first in the Pyrenees, and is waiting for the most dynamic. Snowboard lovers will also be served with a restructured snow-park, with sound, boardercross and quality modules. This is the high altitude area of Saint-Lary. Always well covered with snow, it is as big as many other resorts in the Pyrenees. At the foot of the Pichhaleye peak (2,626 m), you descend between pine trees and waterfalls and you can discover the lake of Loule in a superb setting. A specialist ensures the maintenance of this place.

At Soum-de-Matte, the view on the massif is exceptional and not to be missed. By the cornice, you can ski to the heart of Espiaube, an area much appreciated by snowboarders and good skiers. This area is part of the Saint-Lary-Soulan ski area, for all skiers, and also promises great sensations to the most athletic, with vertical drops of more than 700 meters continuously. For all information, see the tourist office of Saint-Lary-Soulan.

The Saint-Lary ski area boasts over 100 kilometers of slopes and 3 snow parks spread over 700 hectares of terrain. One of Saint-Lary-Soulan's main assets is that it has been designed so that all members of the family can enjoy the whole area. As well as being served by numerous lifts open to pedestrians, the ski area offers a number of easy-travel alternatives to the more difficult pistes.

The remarkable sequence of religious oratories dedicated to the crucifixion of Christ, which you can admire today, is largely the result of the unstinting commitment of the residents. Built in the second half of the ^19th century, the chapels were damaged during the war and then forgotten under a thicket of brambles. It wasn't until 1984 that a voluntary clearing initiative was undertaken by the villagers.

This mountain sport association offers outings for climbing, hiking, canyoning, alpine skiing, trucking. It is a dynamic club that brings together qualified coaches for snowshoe or walking tours, in the Pyrenees, the Alps and even abroad. See the French Mountain and Climbing Federation (FFME) website for all practical information by showing the region.

Tarbes, a town in France's Hautes-Pyrénées region, offers caving enthusiasts a unique experience thanks to the Comité Spéléologique Départemental des Hautes-Pyrénées. The club's website provides detailed information on the various outings and training courses on offer. Whether you want to explore the region's underground caves or learn caving techniques, the Comité Spéléologique Départemental des Hautes-Pyrénées will meet your expectations.

The Groupe Spéléologique Haut-Pyrénéen de Tarbes (GSHP) is the oldest caving club in the department. With around thirty members, it's a modestly sized structure, but one that operates with great flexibility. The GSHP is mainly focused on exploring the Pierre St Martin and St Pé de Bigorre massifs. The club's activities are varied and there's something for everyone, whether you're looking for new entrances, clearing out caves or visiting caves you already know. Visits to "classic" caves are also organized throughout the year. The GSHP also takes part in inter-club exploration camps and more distant expeditions. The club is also involved in underground rescue activities in collaboration with Spéléo Secours Français and CDSC. To take part in outings, simply contact the author of the message on the club's mailing list. The GSHP has also contributed to the publication of an exhaustive inventory of the department's caves on Karsteau, a database accessible to all.

To enable fishing enthusiasts to enjoy their hobby in the best possible conditions and keep fish populations healthy, the Federation works to protect aquatic environments, manage fish stocks and promote recreational fishing. The federation is made up of 18 approved associations. On the website, you'll find all the information you need about your fishing licence, the best places to fish and the calendar of events.

If you're looking for originality, you've come to the right place! Marc Dequidt creates and composes religious and decorative stained glass, and also works glass into objects and furniture. All styles are present, from antique to design, even futuristic, and lamps, mirrors and coffee tables are mounted with lead and soldered with tin. If you'd like to discover the art of stained glass, then take on this project at your own pace. Everything is provided at a reasonable cost, and you'll leave with your own custom-made stained glass. Don't hesitate to call before coming to the workshop!

Hiking in a hilly 95 acres of private parkland, place for all... Playground. You can even options on site (reservation! After a preliminary initiation, if need be of course, you can hike discovered in the heart of the scents of thyme and lavender, or to attack you with a sporting hiking on board your off-road vehicle with the specific vision of different animal species that live this paradise. 80 km of slopes for: secured timed challenge, course trial, handiness, crossing... Rates €30 and more... of course according to time you hope to party with these machines. In addition to the quad, paintball, archery... For the work's councils, extra services, do not hesitate to request one.

The Louis Fourcade swimming pool offers a host of facilities and activities for all ages. This oasis of freshness boasts indoor and outdoor pools with bubble benches, swan necks and massaging jets, plus a paddling pool, two slides and a children's play area. Visitors can also enjoy a relaxation area with sauna, hammam and massage showers. Various activities, such as aquagym, aquabike and swimming lessons, are on offer. Picnic areas and snack bar on site.

Since 2011, Albi has hosted a new recreation base: that of Cantepau. Free access and open all year round, it has many sporting facilities that will make the athletes in the corner happy! Between the fields of bicross, mountain biking, tennis, football or beach volleyball, the space is a health course. Far from the sports venues, let us admit that the physical exercise in this natural setting along the Tarn is very nice. A playground and picnic area are also available.

Tariff: free.

Duration: free.

Difficulty: pretty easy.

Here is an urban hike, accessible in the middle of the city, and yet in the nature, along the Tarn and the Caussels. These three trails take you through a preserved and maintained country setting for 7 kilometers along the GR 36. The "sentier des Berges" first links the cathedral parking lot to the mouth of the Caussels stream, then gives way to the "Sentier sauvage", between the Pont-Neuf and the avenue du Loirat. Finally, the Mouline trail ends the loop, stretching to the Planques parking lot.

If you live Albi, perhaps you have already noticed some explanatory panels installed here and there on the streets of the old center. They are, in fact, three discovery courses for the curious and urban walkers. Would you like to explore Castelviel, Castelnau and Bourg Saint-Salvi? Follow the purple circuit! Do you prefer Patus Cremat and Vigan? Then choose the golden color loop. If you want to cross the banks of the Tarn and the Combes, it will be the Azur circuit! Accessible even to the youngest, they will give you an hour and a half of walking, good insights of the emblematic places of the old town.

Tariff: free.

Duration: on average.

Difficulty: .

This greenway follows the path of the old railway line that once linked Carmaux to the Découverte mine. Today, the rails have given way to a pleasant shady walk and the mine to a rather complete leisure centre. With 35 kilometres of free cycle paths, it will allow you to continue your physical effort a little longer. The only drawback is that the surface is not ideal for rollerblades.

The forests of the Black Mountain, the Grésigne and the Sidobre offer majesteueux spaces, where the hunters will be happy and can enjoy their passion in all its forms. In fact, fox hunting, mass game hunting or solo hunting are practiced. You can hunt on small game (hare, quail or woodcock) and big game like wild boar, deer or deer. 

Golf d'Albi is one of the most popular golf courses in the Tarn region. Superbly designed by Jean Garaïalde and Jeremy Pern, the 18 varied holes of this 6,157-meter course perfectly combine technique and originality. Surrounded in part by the river Tarn and dotted with a number of ponds, it's a pretty spot of greenery that deserves to be trodden and played. Between two swings, you can enjoy the restaurant, whose terrace offers a breathtaking view of the course. In addition, there's a store to help you with all your equipment needs, whatever your level.

If Altissimo has managed to win the hearts of climbers all over France, it's in Albi that you'll have the opportunity to discover a place that's truly exceptional for its sheer immensity! This former cement works, transformed into a climbing gym by Patrick Bonami, boasts 1,000^m2 of climbing space, some 4,000 holds, 150 routes (difficulty up to 8B) and a height of 15 metres. This makes it one of the highest climbing gyms in Europe! Talented coaches run the gym with efficiency and care. Audiences of all levels gather here.

This 35-hectare lake, which has been converted into a leisure park, is the playground of many of the region's residents and tourists. It is ideal for a wide range of activities: swimming (supervised on the Almayrac shore during the high season), rowing, windsurfing, pedal boating, fishing, horse-riding... For walkers, there's a 7 km circuit around the lake. Families will be delighted to find a picnic area with barbecue and children's playground nearby.

10 minutes from Thermal and close to Monestiés, this recreation base is dedicated to outdoor activities: sailing, quad, horse riding, rowing… Many hiking paths are also available. And for contemplative, the activities of discovery of the fauna and flora, and aquatic activities around the lake, remain. Swimming is permitted and monitored on the bank of Almayrac in July and August.

The Mazamet golf course covers 54 hectares. Two rivers intertwine, the Thoré to the west, and the Issalè, which crosses it from east to west. The golf course could just as well be a botanical park, or even an arboretum, with over twenty local species and 53 imported ones. Long limited to 9 holes, the course has been successfully extended to 18 holes. Since 1959, this Scottish-style layout has enjoyed a superb location at the foot of Montagne Noire.

At the exit of the city, in the heart of the Gourjade park, the architect Yves Bureau was able to integrate the Castres golf course with the historical and natural beauty of the area. The complex includes a 9-hole competition course that crosses the Agoût river. A beautiful driving range with 36 posts, 16 of which are covered, and a 3-hole practice course that will delight beginners, near a beautiful ^19th century residence. The area also offers training courses, beginners' courses, advanced courses and competitions. 25 hectares of leisure and pleasure all year round.

The Castres Olympique stadium in the north of the city has been the club's permanent home since 1990. Previously named "Stade Pierre-Antoine" in memory of the illustrious player, it was renamed "Stade Pierre Fabre" in 2017 in honor of the man and his group. Pierre Fabre's unwavering support has enabled Castres Olympique to flourish to its current level. This large complex has several dressing rooms, and during matches you'll find a gourmet village, a children's area, the club store and numerous refreshment stands!

From Castres, the path of the little train of Lacaune invites you to hike in a bucolic setting, partly along the Agoût river. Gardens, streams, undergrowth and small bridges are on the program - be careful with children when you overhang the river. After eight kilometers of walking, jogging or biking, you will reach the medieval village of Burlats. In addition to its several monuments, you will find toilets and a water point. The more athletic walkers can continue the hike towards Lacaune.

Reputed to be one of the best courses in the Midi-Pyrénées, this natural golf course combines technical and visual pleasure. Designed by Mark Hawtree, a British architect, it is built around twelve ponds, making the course technical but very pleasant to play: beginners as well as high level players will be delighted with this very natural 18-hole course. To train, there is a driving range on water, with 25 posts, 3 of which are covered, and a grassy area. The Douze Etangs restaurant completes the picture with flavour and harmony.

This 5.5 km urban trail allows you to discover different aspects of the town of Gaillac. From Saint-Michel Abbey, it descends towards the river to follow the banks of the Tarn. The city seems far away! The Hortalisse district, with its maze of paths leading from garden to garden, tells the story of the market gardeners who, until the ^mid-20th century, supplied the surrounding markets. The walk ends at the river Tarn and the prosperous old port.

Veteran racer and speed freak Franck Vidal combines his time on the racetrack and his experience with leather to make motorcycle suits that are safe, light and comfortable. It was a successful turn for the company when, in the 2000s, Vidal Sport was chosen to become the official supplier to the French speed team. The company's two-wheeled suits, designed by a rider for a rider, are distinguished by their French, handcrafted, made-to-measure construction, guaranteeing safety and adaptability.

Starting from the lake of Nabeillou, between woods and hills, the path of the Three Lakes offers beautiful views of the region. Lakes and forests, panoramas of crests and multicolored valleys, will make you discover a preserved fauna and flora. A rather impressive nature bath! With a length of 7,5 km, and a duration of approximately 2h30, you will discover on the way an old chapel, Notre-Dame-des-Vignes, and pretty woods. And for the more athletic, there is a fitness trail around the lakes of Miquelou and Nabeillou.

When you're lucky enough to live or stay at altitude, there are some physical activities that just flow out of you! Nordic hiking is a perfect example. At Col de Picotalen, there are three signposted routes for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. If you're a beginner or have little training, we recommend the shortest. Its 3.6 kilometers will already give you a great view of the snow-covered mountains. Cross-country skis, sledges and snowshoes are available for hire from the chalet.

This fun trail was created at the Col de la Bassine, on the road to Brassac, 6 kilometers from Lacaune. At an altitude of nearly 1,000 meters, the 3.5 km itinerary lasts a maximum of 1.5 hours. Its circuit leads to the discovery of a well-preserved nature and of the traditions or legends that have marked its history. To better understand the different elements of this interpretation trail, booklets for adults and children are on sale at the Lacaune tourist information office.

The area around Lacaune boasts over 1,000 hectares of deciduous and coniferous trees, as well as numerous hiking trails and picnic areas. More than half of the Monts de Lacaune's surface area is forested, a perfect illustration of the department's conservation and protection efforts. Most of the forest is made up of hardwoods - dominated by beech - located on the heights and slopes. Perfect for venturing out into the greenery.

For fun and enjoyment with the whole family, there are water games, a canoe or stand-up paddle, mini-golf, a children's playground, a bowling green, a picnic area with barbecue... And every weekend in summer, there are free concerts on Friday evenings, and DJ evenings on Saturday evenings. For a drink or an ice cream, the refreshment bar opens every day at 2 p.m. with a 100% local menu!

Saint-Sulpice is embraced by a mosaic of landscapes just waiting to be discovered. It is criss-crossed by numerous signposted footpaths, allowing you to get close to its natural and heritage treasures. Le Petit Futé shares two favorites:

the Pays d'en hauttrail , covering 15 km and passing through Lugan, Azas and Saint-Sulpice

the Plaines de l'Agouttrail : 6 km long, it passes through Saint-Lieux-lès-Lavaur and the Ludolac leisure park

Further information is available from the tourist office.

The lake of Tasconis is a natural space of relaxation and leisure where you will be able to fish (maps available at the tobacconist's), picnic, camp on a natural area, play a game of petanque, play volleyball, go for a walk, and take advantage of the playground for the children. The lake is also the starting point for many horseback rides. A "guinguette" with a terrace on the lake is open every day from May to October. Be careful, swimming is forbidden!

This charming establishment, more than 30 years old, is located on the banks of the Garonne, where the key word remains conviviality. The setting is peaceful and the 9-hole course has many water hazards carefully designed to please both beginners and experienced amateurs. The golf school is just as good and the smart ones will particularly appreciate the unlimited golf courses for young people as well as for adults. The Golf d'Espalais regularly organizes competitions in the joy and good mood!

In this leisure center, water activities will delight lovers of aquatic sensations but also artists of strolling! Skilifts, water games, water jumps, inflatable games, slides, and stand up paddle rentals create this "new generation" space. In this setting where it is as pleasant to move as to stop, deckchairs and a restaurant area are available for a relaxing break. An open-air space where each member of the family will find something to do among the many activities.

The CVVTG offers you the possibility to try an unforgettable experience: flying a glider. Flights are possible every day depending on the weather and availability, and on reservation. If the experience is conclusive, you can then really start learning to fly in a glider, supervised by the club's most experienced instructors. Various events are offered throughout the year: training courses, open days, organization of aerobatic competitions ..

At 6 minutes from Castelsarrasin and 4 minutes from Moissac, ideally located in a low urbanized area, the Aerodrome of Castelsarrasin - Moissac offers a multitude of aerial activities for the greatest pleasure of enthusiasts, but also that of neophytes. One can indeed observe and even try to fly, with walks, discoveries, trips, training courses and training, aerial photos or the amateur construction of aircraft.

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.

At first a section of the caving group of the Montauban Society of Natural Sciences, it is in 1969 that the group of Caussade takes its autonomy by becoming the "caving-archaeological society of Caussade". Today, the SSAC has become one of the most important and dynamic caving clubs in the Midi-Pyrénées! The club organizes many events all year round to help you discover this little-known but important heritage.

Isabelle and Frédéric Favrot's pony club welcomes children and teenagers, and offers a gîte, all supervised by four qualified teachers. Young riders are welcomed from the age of 4, with a programme of games to music and pony rides with the help of parents. For the older ones, the riding centre also offers initiation, improvement, the passage of the gallops until the competition. It is possible to go for walks and rides.

This 9-hole golf course, hilly and wooded, is located in the middle of nature and open all year round. It can accommodate you for a day, a weekend or a longer stay in charming individual houses. The Proshop has equipment for hire and for sale. Access to the driving range is free and tokens for practice are available at the Club House. A qualified instructor gives lessons throughout the year, by appointment. Access to the pool and tennis court is reserved for members and residents.

The Rand'Eau Loisirs base offers you the opportunity to discover the Tarn and Garonne valleys by bike, canoe, kayak, boat or stand-up paddle. Each activity is available for hire or with an instructor. Those who choose canoeing can try their hand at this sport on the Moissac waterway, or go for a hike. A shuttle bus can bring you there, depending on your choice of route. Two hours will be enough, for example, to cover the five kilometres that separate Moissac from Saint-Nicolas-de-la-Grave.

On this easy walk through the heart of the town, you will quickly understand why stone and art are the emblems of Moissac. Starting from the cloister, you will slowly make your way towards the Saint-Pierre abbey church and the tympanum, then, before continuing to the Place des Récollets, make a detour to the former abbey palace. Then take successively the rue du Général-Gras, the rue des Arts and the rue Sainte-Catherine, without missing the beautiful Saint-Jacques church on the way.