Lakes, leisure centers and places to swim around Toulouse

It's summer, it's sunny, it's hot! Are you near Toulouse and want to go swimming? Between the Garonne, the rivers and lakes of the Toulouse region, you are spoiled for choice.

Whether you prefer to stay in the Toulouse metropolis to enjoy the comfort and infrastructure of the pink city or whether you are rather tempted by a more natural environment, on the lakes and aquatic leisure centers in the surroundings, there is something for you every taste. The Toulouse Pyrenees Guide takes you to cool off at the water's edge and reveals the best spots for swimming and enjoying the water in the Toulouse region.

Opening photo: © Drew Dau | Unsplash

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Cool off on the lakes of the Toulouse metropolitan area

The Toulouse metropolis is very vast and encompasses natural spaces which delight the people of Toulouse. Very close to the city, but in the countryside to get away from it all, the leisure centers are little corners of paradise for families.

At the Wam Park leisure center at Lac de Sesquières, you can satisfy all your desires: rental of paddle boards, kayaks, canoes, initiation to sailing, water games, towed buoy... And why not try a more unusual activity: the water ski lift or wakeboarding! Apart from the leisure center, the surroundings of the lake are also very well equipped with picnic tables, toilets, playground and sports area, bar and brasserie... But beware, swimming is prohibited outside of activities nautical.

Accessible by bus from the city center, the Ramée Leisure Center in Tournefeuille offers all kinds of sports and leisure activities to please the whole family. In addition, swimming is authorized from 12 noon to 7 p.m. at the " Ramée Plage ". Do not miss: the initiation to sailing and swimming lessons in the pool. Find all the contact details on their page: La Ramée leisure center.

The Lac de la Thésauque leisure center has all the necessary comforts and a play area for children. But what families love above all is its inflatable water structures. If you prefer a quieter activity, you can hire a pedal boat.

Read our article which presents a very nice hike to do in the direction of Lake Thésauque!

The Lake of Thésauque

You need freshness but you are not reckless enough to bathe in nature. The swimming pools are made for you:

The Nakache swimming pool has two pools: one is open for the summer and the other, covered for the winter. This is also the case for the Bellevue swimming pool.
The Ancely and Chapou swimming pools are only accessible in summer, since their pools are open. They have the advantage of offering a solarium.
The Toulouse-Lautrec, Papus and Pech David swimming pools have a removable cover. Depending on the weather, you will bathe in the shelter or you will enjoy the sun.
The Castex swimming pools and that of the Parc des Sports have Olympic pools. You might be able to break some records there!
Several indoor pools are available for rainy days: Alban Minville, Alex Jany, Jean Boiteux pools.

To find all the addresses and contact details, consult our directory of swimming pools and aquatic centers in Haute-Garonne.

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Have fun at the leisure centers of the Toulouse region

The Awake Park leisure center on Lake Braguessou is a former gravel pit. This original place has been completely redesigned and fitted out to welcome you. Swimming is supervised and barbecues are available for your picnic. On site, you can try out wake-boarding and paddle boarding, and even the water ski lift!

The Source Wake Park on the Carbonne lake brings together many activities for adults, such as children from 6 years old. Aqua Park, water ski lift, stand-up paddle, you will have fun! The youngest will be able to have fun on the playground, while the parents will enjoy the sports grounds or play a game of pétanque. Here is the information on their page: The Source Wake Park.

The Bruguières Lake Leisure Center has a major asset for families: its miniature port of the "Ti'Pirates". On this body of water, no swimming possible but an unforgettable moment with the family. Children can experience navigation on board electric boats. The boats can accommodate up to 4 people and you can share this activity with the youngest. Fun guaranteed!

On Lake Bessières, at the Original Green Park, you will experience thrills: water ski lift and wakeboard! But you can also rent stand-up paddle boards or bask in the sun on their terrace...

At Lac de l'Orme Blanc, in the town of Caraman, east of Toulouse and not far from the Tarn, there is no rowdy leisure center, but you will appreciate the calm and serenity. Between its sandy beach and shaded lawns, it is a place of family and friendly relaxation. You can swim, fish or stroll along the lake.

La Source Wake Park is THE leisure center in southern Toulouse, just 35 minutes from the city center!

© La Source Wake Park

Canoeing on the Garonne, Ariège or the Canal du Midi

If swimming on the banks of the Garonne and Ariège is very tempting during the summer, beware all the same. The river and the river can be treacherous, after a storm in particular. In the surrounding rivers, swimming is also prohibited because the bottom can drop suddenly and reach a depth of 3 to 4 meters in places.

Read our article on a kayak trip just 20 minutes from Toulouse, with Granhota!

Se swim, during a kayak or canoe trip, to have the best spots!

To enjoy it in complete safety, we advise you to contact professionals and to be accompanied on a canoe trip. It is a very pleasant, refreshing sport and you will be able to contemplate this still preserved environment, over the water. In addition, they will be able to tell you the authorized and recommended swimming areas.

On the Garonne, several stations welcome you:

Toulousain canoe-kayak in the heart of Toulouse
Canoe 31 at Gagnac-sur-Garonne

On the Ariège:

In Clermont-le-Fort, Canoë Kayak Granhota offers sports, discovery or relaxation routes. Accompanied or independently, you can discover Ariège in all its facets!
Verneque Eaux Vives

On the Garonne canal :

Nautical circle of Granada in Castelnau d'Estretefonds

On the Canal du Midi :

OphildelO

On the Gesse or the Savès :

Canoeing in Gascony at Sabaillan

Relax on a cruise on the Garonne

The Bateaux Toulousains allow you to make beautiful excursions on the Garonne and the Canal du Midi. Themed cruises of different durations are available to you. To have another angle of view on the pink city and its surroundings, you can also take night walks. It's a good way to discover the region and savor the freshness of the river, without getting tired or getting wet!

In the Lauragais, in Renneville, embark on a Surcouf Barge for a gentle stroll on the Canal du Midi.

Our tip : Here are all the good addresses to cool off and have fun in the Guinguettes of Toulouse and Haute-Garonne.

A nice refreshing ride with the Surcouf Barge