We grant it to you, Foix, and Ariège generally speaking, are perhaps not the first destinations that come to mind for swimming in summer. But make no mistake, Foix has more than one trick up his sleeve and will surprise you once again! So prepare your suitcase, without forgetting the swimsuit...

Cool off less than 15 minutes by car from Foix

The Agglo Foix-Varilhes aquatic center

The aquatic center de the Foix-Varilhes Agglomeration offers accommodations for various practices, and there is something for everyone. Indeed, whether for sports or just for leisure, you will enjoy the interior space and its three pools: the sports pool, learning pool or the paddling pool for the little ones.
De multiple activities leisure activities are offered throughout the year such as: swimming lessons for all ages, aquagym, and aquabike and even for children, the aquatic garden. During school holidays, a whole entertainment program is offered to you !


It is during the months of July and August that the outdoor space is open to the public with its fun pool, to paddling pool and its facilities conducive to having a good time with friends or family (ping-pong tables, picnic tables).
Finally, if you want to relax after a long day of walking, take some time to enjoy the wellness area with sauna, hammam et jacuzzi.

Admission fees

Admission fees Min. Max.
Adult
5,50 € 6,50 €
Kids
4 € -
10 entry card
39 € 46 €
Adult season ticket

60 € 86,50 €
Student fee
4 € -
Disabled
4 € -

 The Varilhes municipal swimming pool also opens its doors to you for the summer season! 


Outdoor sport

Our destination is ideal playground 1 hour from Toulouse, to live an experience rich in sensations on the Ariège river. It turns out that it is in Foix that this river, which has its source in the mountains of Pyrenees, is the most tumultuous. This is therefore an opportunity to take advantage of a sporting moment and lots of fun to share without moderation with his as a group or in family.
On your route, during a descent, you will cross the rebech whitewater stadium and county town with a lovely view of the castle and the mountains.


Where to cool off in Ariège?

Ivan Olivier / Ariège Pyrénées Tourism
Paddle with a dog on Lake Mercus

Mercus Lake

It is 20km from Foix, at the gates of Ariège Pyrenees, that you will discover the Mercus nautical base. It is on the edge of a 45 hectare lake that the bar-restaurants, the children's playgrounds and the decor complete the flagship activity of the lake: the water ski lift on Ariège. You can also do pedalo, paddle boarding, Beach volleyball, picnic or, laze in the sun on the small beach.

Montbel lake

It's in the Cathar Pyrenees that you will find a oasis of freshness in the heart of a mountain landscape at Lake Montbel. This leisure center has become the ideal place to bathe, to fishis stroll or the nautical activities like paddle boarding, pedalo, canoeing … It is with its large extent of 550 hectares that the Montbel lake offers a range of activities and games to do with the family, particularly near a equipped and supervised beach, to have a pleasant time in complete safety!
Also let yourself be tempted by a nice walk around the lake, enough to appreciate your bathing !

Beautiful slow tomorrows / Ariège Pyrénées Tourism

With its turquoise blue water, Montbel is a real little paradise on earth 💙

For the more sporty and nature lovers, you will have the possibility of accessing the lake via the Cathar Pyrenees greenway! And yes, it is along the latter which connects Mirepoix and Lavelanet over 38km, that you can enjoy the magnificent landscapes and take a short (or long!) refreshing picnic break by the lake!


Is it possible to swim in the Ariège river?

We understand you, it’s tempting... but Swimming in the Ariège river can quickly turn your swimming afternoon into a rather dangerous outing. We will explain everything to you !

Riverside danger warning sign
OT FAP

“Apparent calm, present risk”

“Apparent calm, present risk”, this is the name of the campaign EDF prevention to raise public awareness and remind people of the importance of being extra vigilant when you are near rivers, lakes, and streams with hydroelectric developments.

Due to the dams located along the river Ariege, it is crucial to remain vigilant in the face of possible water releases. These releases, although necessary for the Water Management, can lead to sudden variations the level and strength of the current. This can make previously calm and serene places suddenly dangerous.


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