Camping in Ariège by the water

Nature and freshness at the water’s edge

Here, rivers and lakes are more than just a backdrop: they’re the heart of the holiday. The crystal-clear waters, typical of the Ariège valleys, offer a welcome coolness in the heart of summer. The campsites are set on the edge of the forest, with their feet in the water, in a green setting that the big tourist resorts have long since lost.

Whitewater activities for the whole family

Swimming, canoeing, kayaking, rafting, fishing or just lazing on the riverbank – the river is enough to keep you busy for a whole week. But the Ariège doesn’t stop there: hiking, mountain biking, canyoning, via ferrata and accrobranche await adventurous families just a stone’s throw from VAP campsites. Adolescents, who are often difficult to convince, are won over.

The friendly atmosphere of Ariège campsites

Far from the noisy camping clubs, the campsites in the Ariège have a human scale and generously shaded pitches. You’ll receive a warm welcome and be treated like a friend. Children can run freely between the river, the little wood and the playground – a freedom parents no longer find everywhere.

4-star Camping du Lac in Foix

In the heart of the Ariège capital, this riverside campsite in Foix is just 150 metres from the Ariège river, and a stone’s throw from the Arabaux stream. From canoeing to rafting, the Ariège at Foix offers a mix of rapids, thrills and swimming, at the foot of the medieval castle.

• On site: swimming pool, playground, family entertainment, restaurant, mobile homes, tent, camper and caravan sites.
• Nearby: swimming, fishing (brown trout), paddle, whitewater stadium for canoeing, Foix castle, Ars waterfall, Labarre lake.

3-star campsite La Bastide in Mazères

Fishing and canoeing enthusiasts will be delighted: the river Hers runs directly alongside this waterside riverside campsite in Mazères, Ariège.. At the Hers bridge in Mazères, it’s pleasant to rest, picnic or swim. The downstream banks of the Hers are classified Natura 2000.

• On-site: swimming pool with two pools, snack bar, café, mini grocery store, entertainment, mobile homes, pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes.
• Nearby: fly-fishing, canoeing (Mirepoix-Mazères), Domaine des Oiseaux and marked trails, Cathar villages, Château de Lagarde, medieval town of Mirepoix.

3-star campsite Le Rupé, Toulouse

At the gateway to the pink city, this campsite on the banks of the Garonne in Toulouse, Ariègeoffers a charming stopover close to Lac de Sesquières and the Canal du Midi, the World Heritage-listed waterway that crosses France’s Midi region. An ideal destination for a peaceful night’s sleep, just a stone’s throw from the metropolis of Toulouse.

• On site: snack bar, launderette, electric hook-up point, mobile homes and shaded pitches, PRM sanitary facilities, bike hire, themed evenings in summer.
• Nearby: the Sesquières leisure park (wakeboard, paddle, inflatable water courses), the Canal du Midi linking Toulouse to the Mediterranean, the Aeroscopia Museum and the Grands Machines, the Cité de l’Espace.

The Oustalous complex at Les Cabannes

At the foot of the Plateau de Beille, in an unspoilt natural setting, this village of waterfront gîte at Les Cabannes, is just 150 meters from the Ariège river. The nautical base onLac de Bouan offers canoeing, kayaking and rafting between Tarascon and Les Cabannes.

• On-site: gîte d’étape, rooms with shared bathroom and kitchen, heated swimming pool, laundry facilities, picnic area.
• Nearby: climbing routes at Quié de Sinsat, canyoning, accrobranche park, Orlu nature reserve, Niaux cave, Tarascon-sur-Ariège and Ax-les-Thermes.

Where to swim in Ariège: the 5 most beautiful rivers, lakes and ponds

The Ariège river at Les Cabannes – les marmites: in the Ariège Pyrenees Regional Nature Park, the Ariège river carves out natural basins called “marmites” – polished rock pools where the water is cool and the setting unspoilt. One of the department’s most popular river bathing spots. → Camping VAP : Complexe des Oustalous aux Cabannes

The Salat at Seix – turquoise waters of the Couserans: between the cliffs and forests of the Parc Naturel Régional, the Salat unwinds its turquoise-blue waters in a breathtaking setting. Swimming in the calm zones, access to the unspoilt banks – a wild, crystal-clear river. Unsupervised swimming – good swimmers only

Mercus-Garrabet water sports center – the family option: between Foix and Tarascon-sur-Ariège, free beach access, playground and beach volleyball. Supervised swimming in summer – ideal for families with young children.

Lac de Montbel – the great Cathar expanse: 570 hectares facing the Tabe massif, supervised swimming, inflatable games, accessible from the Cathar Pyrenees greenway. → Camping VAP : Camping La Bastide in Mazères

Lac de Carla-Bayle – Ariège’s most bucolic lake: nestling in a green valley in the Ariège Pyrenees, below the hilltop village of Carla-Bayle, this lake offers supervised swimming, fishing, mini-golf, beach volleyball, tennis and a skatepark. An authentic, unspoilt setting, far from the hustle and bustle of summer.

Good to know: in mountain rivers, currents and water releases from dams can be dangerous. Always use supervised areas, especially with children.

The Ariège river – fun for all levels : between Tarascon-sur-Ariège and Foix, the river offers routes suitable for beginners and experienced paddlers alike: canoeing, kayaking slalom, rafting (up to 8 people, with guide). The Rebech whitewater stadium in Foix hosts courses, introductory courses and competitions. Levels 2 to 4 depending on the season. → Camping VAP : Camping du Lac in Foix

The Salat and Garbet – for experienced paddlers: kayaking, canoeing, rafting, hydrospeed, The Salat between Seix/Soueix-Rogalle offers wild gorges and technical rapids (level 3-4). Its tributary, the Garbet, a Pyrenean torrent descending from 2,676 m, is reserved for expert kayakers during the snowmelt season. Technical level – accompaniment recommended

When to go? The best times

• May-June: high, fast waters, ideal for whitewater sports
• July-August: lower water levels, perfect for families and beginners
• September: cool waters, fewer visitors – the preferred period for connoisseurs

With or without a guide? A number of approved service providers offer supervised outings from campsites in the Ariège-Pyrénées: half-day discovery tours, full-day trips with picnics on the river banks, or multi-activity holidays combining canoeing, hiking and swimming.

1st category rivers – the angler’s grail: the Ariège, Salat and Hers-Vif rivers and their tributaries are classified as 1st category for fish over a large part of their course. Cold, well-oxygenated waters, populated by wild fario trout: ideal conditions for fly and toc fishing.

The Hers-Vif at Mazères – the patient fishermen’s river: downstream from the Pyrenees, the Hers-Vif crosses the Ariège plains in an exceptional Natura 2000 setting. Its accessible banks, calm waters and reserved fishing zones make it the preferred address for lovers of tranquil fishing, among herons and kingfishers. → Camping VAP : Camping La Bastide in Mazères

High-altitude lakes : more than 200 glacial lakes dot the Ariège Pyrenees. Fario trout, Arctic char, crystal-clear and isolated, these high-altitude waters reward anglers ready to put on their hiking boots. Access from the Vicdessos, Castillonnais or Couserans valleys.

Regulations and permits:

• The river fishing season generally opens in mid-March for 2nd category fish, and at the end of April for 1st category fish.
• Daily permits are available from local fishing associations (AAPPMA) and tourist offices.
• Some courses are fishing reserves or no-kill areas – check local regulations before setting off.