the essential
Between two swims, spread out your towel on the sand, lie down and think of nothing, that’s what vacation is all about! Here are some corners where you can recharge your batteries by the water, in Haute-Garonne.
1/ In the shade of the pines of Lake Saint-Ferréol
Head to Saint-Ferréol lake, near Revel, for a well-deserved break in an exceptional natural setting where you can picnic, walk in the shade of the pine forest (around the lake is 4.5 km, count one hour) and of course take a bath. So many assets that make this very beautiful 67-hectare lake designed by Pierre-Paul Riquet, a very popular place for joggers, cyclists and families, particularly because of its accessibility. Swimming is authorized and supervised in summer in a delimited area. During this period, qualified lifeguards watch, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. At the brand new Sport & Nature area, it is possible to rent paddle boats and pedal boats to navigate along the water.
2/ Farniente on the fine sand of La Ramée
With its fine sand beach and its lake, La Ramée offers an unexpected swimming area, in Tournefeuille, to Toulouse residents in search of sun and escape. But also all lovers of idleness.
This year, the supervised swimming area is delimited by a green floating dike, equipped with a skirt going to the bottom of the lake. It must make it possible to limit as much as possible the formation and proliferation of cyanobacteria, which appear at high temperatures. Last summer, these algae ruined the season. This summer, all measures have been taken to guarantee risk-free swimming until August 27, every day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and until 8 p.m. in the event of a heat wave. Thirteen lifeguards take turns on the site, including 7-8 permanently, knowing that the Ramée bathing site can accommodate up to 400 bathers simultaneously.
3/ In Caraman, on the edge of White Orme Lake
Here, in Caraman, in the Lauragais on the edge of the white elm lake, summer is in full swing. With its tree-lined banks that offer beautiful walks over 1.5 km and its wooden picnic tables, this 5-hectare lake is one of the favorite places to relax for families. Its Beach corner has been open since June, swimming is supervised there every day from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. until September 1st. Access to this 80-metre space is free for residents of Caraman, campsite users and children under 3 years old, others will have to pay €2.50. Right next door, the Aquapark and its many water games promise great sensations (also paying). So that the happiness of summer visitors is complete, it is also possible to rent paddles, enjoy an ice cream at the small restaurant, or indulge in the pleasures of fishing. This is authorized on the lake where the fishing environment is particularly rich and varied (information at the Fishing Club). What else…
4/ At Lake Thésauque, it’s time to jump into the water
Between Nailloux and Montgeard, the lake of Thésauque, with its 33 hectares, assures you of beautiful walks on its banks and some beautiful dives. Swimming is free and authorized every day, with an equipped beach (which has grown this year), as well as the establishment of a paddling pool for the little ones. The space is supervised in July and August from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. The leisure center managed by the Aquaparc Lauragais offers several aquatic activities: pedal boat, paddle and kayak rental. There is also the Aquaparc, an inflatable water play area for children who can swim, and this year’s great novelty, the Water Jump with water slides.
5/ The Aouach, on the banks of the Garonne, attracts in spite of itself
In summer, and more particularly on weekends, the place called Aouach, in Fauga located 10 kilometers south of Muret, is invaded by a flood of holidaymakers. It must be said that the place lends itself to relaxation. Located on the banks of the Garonne, it benefits from pebble beaches and generous shade. Many city dwellers therefore come to spend a few hours of relaxation and swimming there, even if it is not authorized.
6/ In Muret, Lac des Bonnets is still a hit
Without competing with the Aqualudia aquatic complex, the Bonnets beach, in Muret, is about to confirm its success for the 5th year. Open every day from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (3 to 4.5 €), it unfurls its canvases of white sand and its games. For those who want to prolong the evening at the water’s edge, a break at the La Java guinguette is a must.
7/ In Montréjeau, dive facing the Pyrenees
Thanks to its Blue Flag label and its idyllic setting at the foot of the Pyrenees, Lake Montréjeau attracts an ever-increasing public, including many families. And for good reason, with completely free entry and parking, the site hosts a wide variety of sporting and leisure activities and events. In addition, in the summer season, swimming is authorized, free and supervised in the demarcated area, every day from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., until September 3. Children under 6 years old can enjoy a paddling pool. The beach also has a lifeguard station, toilets, shower and changing room.
8/ In Villemur, in the river
A free natural swimming area is available in the waters of the Tarn, near Villemur, north of Toulouse. Located on the left bank of the river, this confidential bathing place is supervised by a lifeguard. It also offers many water activities.
9/ In Carbonne, everyone has a blast!
At a place called “Baudean”, in Carbonne, in a former quarry, La Source Wake Park is a place of relaxation for the whole family. There is a water park, stand-up paddle and playgrounds. Since this summer, there is even a panoramic restaurant overlooking the swimming pool, shaded terraces and a laser tag.
10/ Otherwise in Toulouse, there are always swimming pools
In Toulouse, during the summer, the Minville, Jany, Nakache Summer, Bellevue, Castex, Chapou, Papus and Toulouse Lautrec swimming pools welcome you from Monday to Sunday with adapted opening hours. Thus, the Alfred Nakache swimming pool (3, allée Gabriel Biénès) is open from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays, and from 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on weekends. The 25-meter swimming pool of Chapou (1, rue Saunière) welcomes you from Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Papus swimming pool (64, allée de Guyenne) awaits you offers all the daily from noon to 7 p.m. Alex Jany (chemin du Verdon) is open Monday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Toulouse-Lautrec basin (26, impasse Barthe) is open from noon to 7 p.m. Alban Minville (1, place Martin Luther King) is accessible from Monday to Sunday, from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. The Castex Olympic basin is open Monday to Sunday, from 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Finally, the Bellevue Nordic basin (69 ter, Narbonne route) is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
