In summer, Toulouse attracts locals and tourists alike. There’s nothing like a refreshing dip between two visits! Let’s take a tour of the swimming spots around Toulouse!
From Place du Capitole to the chic Saint-Étienne district, via the lively terraces of Saint-Georges, Toulouse can also be discovered by water. The pink city is divided by the Garonne River and criss-crossed by several canals. Its quays, lined with 19th-century buildings, are a favorite meeting place for Toulousans and tourists alike.
However, when we talk about discovering the Ville Rose with your feet in the water, we mean far beyond the tranquil waters of the Garonne. There are plenty of natural swimming spots around Toulouse. Here’s a round-up of the best spots for a dip around the capital ofOccitanie!
Lake Braguessou
Just thirty-five minutes from the Ville Rose, Lac de Braguessou is an unusual place to swim near Toulouse. This pretty lakeside area, elbow-to-elbow with a sandy beach, stands on the site of a former gravel pit. Today, this verdant site promises great swimming and a plethora of water sports activities offered by the park‘s wakeboard animators. Don’t forget your picnic and a few Toulouse sausages to grill on the barbecues! Find out more about Lac de Braguessou.
Aveyron Gorges
Photo credit: Shutterstock / C.Carayon
The Aveyron Gorges, although the most remote of our selection, are well worth a visit! These vast canyons, dotted with picturesque villages, are just an hour and a half from Toulouse. The gorges form a real link between several villages, and you’ll have plenty of options along the way: equipped leisure centres, swimming spots in natural pools, canyoning sessions and picnic areas to recharge your batteries!
Lac de l’Orme Blanc
The intimate Lac de l’Orme Blanc is a small, shady natural setting just forty minutes from the Ville Rose. This confidential spot is ideal for a dip, a stroll with the family or a picnic with friends. This natural lake welcomes swimmers, and part of its waters is open to anglers, who can cast a line in peace and quiet. If you want to extend your stay, you can spend the night at the campsite next door for just a few euros. Find out more about Lac de l’Orme Blanc.
Lake Saint-Ferréol
Photo credit: Shutterstock / yvon52
Lac de Saint-Ferréol, an hour’s drive away, is surely the most popular natural swimming spot for Toulousans. You only have to put your towel down under the tall trees that surround the lake to understand why! Right in front of you, the Montagne Noire and a whole host ofwater and land-based activities:
- Paddleboarding,
- catamaran,
- windsurfing,
- mountain biking,
- caving,
- and of course: swimming!
The last week of July is a good time to spend a day swimming on the shores of Lac de Saint-Ferréol. An evening market under the lake’s pine forest attracts some 50 stallholders. Find out more about the day and time of this market.
Lac de la Thésauque
Lac de la Thésauque is a great place to swim, less than an hour from Toulouse. This complex is a veritable jewel of greenery where nature and diving enthusiasts will find everything they need. Near the swimming area, it’s not uncommon to observe various species of ducks and endemic plants. And there’s plenty to do just around the corner:
- hiking trails,
- a mini-golf course,
- inflatable water games,
- pedal-boat rentals,
- canoes,
- or paddleboarding.
The site also features three restaurants, perfect for keeping the fun going! Find out more about Lac de la Thésauque.
La Ramée beach
Photo credit: Shutterstock/Spech
La Ramée plage is one of the most accessible swimming spots around Toulouse. Located in the heart of the city, this vast, lush expanse is a popular spot for relaxation. Vacation atmosphere and bucolic interlude guaranteed! Several water sports agencies have set up base camps on the beach. They offer stand-up paddle, sailing and kayaking lessons and rentals, while lazy beach-goers perfect their tan!
Ardus Beach
This bathing spot around Toulouse is perfect for a refreshing break just an hour’s drive away. Located near Montauban, the Ardus beach invites you to dive into the clear waters of theAveyron. This magnificent natural basin, surrounded by a charming setting, is a very safe place to swim. In addition to the absence of currents and the presence of lifeguards in summer, the water quality is exceptional. The beach has several picnic tables, a snack area and barbecues. Perfect for a refreshing swim! Find out more about Plage d’Ardus.
Cavayère Lake
Photo credit: Shutterstock/ Semmick Photo
Lac de Cavayère may be best known for its proximity to the medieval city of Carcassonne, but it’s only an hour and a quarter from Toulouse. This pretty lake borders the Raymond Chésa leisure complex. Both cover forty hectares of Mediterranean vegetation. In addition to swimming, the area is ideal for walks, Sunday picnics and water sports such as pedalos, wakeboards and (again!) paddleboats. Swimming is permitted on supervised beaches in summer.
Lake Carla-Bayle
Photo credit: Shutterstock/Pierre Jean Durieu
Carla-Bayle, which has been awarded the « cité d’art » label, also boasts a lovely 15-hectare lake nestling at the foot of the village. In addition to swimming, you can rent a boat, try your hand at fishing or embark on a variety of land-based activities. In summer, the lake is home to a floating play area featuring colorful modules that serve as springboards and slides for young and old alike. Nearby, you’ll find numerous restaurants catering to hungry bathers.
Lake Saint-Ybars
The final choice in our selection of the best places to swim around Toulouse: Lac de Saint-Ybars. Located in the heart of the Lèze valley, this man-made lake is a favorite with anglers and swimmers alike! The lake is surrounded by a succession of footpaths, tennis courts and boulodromes. This beautiful stretch of water extends over more than seven hectares. Please note that swimming is not supervised, even in summer. Find out more about Lac de Saint-Ybars.
Ready to recharge your batteries in the fresh air around Toulouse?