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Swimming
When the weather gets too hot
sometimes the only activity
you can contemplate is finding
some water and leaping into
it. Luckily the Ariège has a few
great spots for a refreshing
dip. The first two are some
distance to the northwest, the
rest are shown on the map to
the right.
Lac de Mondéy
GPS
43.05780
1.43222
Lac de Mondéy is
around 25km
northwest of Foix. It has a
sand beach for swimming, a
snack bar and a picnic area. A
lifeguard is on duty in the
summer. The lake is also good
for fishing, kayaking and bird
watching. From Foix, take the
D117 to Bastide de Serou then
the D501 towards Suzan. Open year round.
Lac de Carla-Bayle
GPS
43.14830
1.38490
Another lake around 30km to the
northwest of Foix. It has a bathing
beach for swimming (with a lifeguard during the
summer) and a playground. Sail-boarding,
fishing, kayaking and a picnic area. From Foix,
take the D117 then D11 and D191 to reach
Carla Bayle. The lake is to the west of the town.
Open year round.
Base Nautique - Mercus-Garrabet
Situated between Foix and Tarascon, this
place offers a beach for bathing, a snack bar,
waterskiing, pedalo boats, sailboats, plus a
waterski and wakeboard tow cable. Open in
July and August. The mornings are reserved
for groups. Approach on the N20 from Tarascon
and turn off for Mercus-Garrabet on the way to
Foix, following signs.
Pont de Gers
A popular river-swimming spot between
Auzat and Marc. Park by the bridge where a
bridge jump is possible. There is also a small
jump from a rock on the bank just below. At
times there can be a hydro-electric release
but a warning is given and the river is used
regularly for canyoning. 200m downstream of
the bridge is a small parking area, the farmer
allows swimming isn't happy about litter from
picnicking. There are rock pools and slides with
plenty of stones to skim.
Cascade de l'Artigue
A stunning emerald pool with waterfalls and a
possible rock jump. From the parking at the Aire
de l'Artique, follow red and white GR10 markers
towards the Refuge de Pinet and then the
Cascade de l'Artigue, yellow markers. Crossing
a foot bridge the waterfalls and pools are down
on the right after 1.5km.
Etang de Comte
A mountain lake with a long approach but in
some stunning scenery. From Ax, follow the
RN20 south for 8km to Mérens turning right to the
campsite shortly after leaving the village. Cross
the Ariège river and take the forest track to the left
of camping, which winds for about 4km up into the
forest to a car park. It takes 1hr from the parking
to the lake. From the bridge it is possible to walk
up either side of the river. The walk to the lake is
marked by red and white GR10 markings.
Other swimmable mountain lakes include Etang
de Sourd above l'Artigue, and several above the
Soulcem dam.
Th e P l a n t a u r e l
Ca l amè s A r e a
N i a u x A r e a
Au z a t A r e a
S i n s a t A r e a
Ax - l e s -Th e rme s A r e a
Moun t a i n
Wa l k s
- Swimming
- Kayaking
26
GPS
42.88109
1.627239
Base Nautique
Pont de
Gers
Ariège
Evasion
Etang de Comte
Cascade de
l'Artigue
Lac de Mondéy and
Lac de Carla-Bayle
Foix Canoe
GPS
42.71035
1.42623
GPS
42.73114
1.45785
GPS
42.64796
1.81298
Ariège Other Activities
Water Sports
Massat
About 5km
Foix
Ax-les-Thermes
Auzat
Luzenac
Les Cabannes
Ussat-les-Bains
Roquefixade
Montségur
Surba
Marc
Tarascon-sur-Ariège
Lavelanet
E9
N20
D618
D117
D18
D18