The 10 best swimming spots around Toulouse

When the Toulouse summer is in full swing and the heat becomes overwhelming, there’s nothing like a refreshing break in the area surrounding the Pink City. With natural lakes, landscaped leisure centres and exceptional swimming pools, the swimming opportunities around Toulouse offer a remarkable diversity to suit all tastes and ages. Whether you’re looking for water sports thrills or just a relaxing moment by the water, discover our selection of the 10 best places to swim around Toulouse.

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1. The Saint-Ferréol lake in Revel

Just an hour’s drive from Toulouse, the Lac de Saint-Ferréol is undoubtedly the jewel in the crown of the region’s bathing spots. This historic lake, created in the 17th century to supply the Canal du Midi, offers an enchanting setting at the foot of the Montagne Noire. Nestling in a lush green valley at an altitude of 350 metres, this 67-hectare lake boasts an unspoilt environment surrounded by maritime pines (Bassin de Saint-Ferréol, France, rated 4.6/5 on Google out of 1362 reviews).

The bathing area, supervised from 1 July to 31 August from 12pm to 6.30pm, has a beach with showers and on-site catering. Families particularly appreciate the gentle slope of the lake and the excellent quality of its water. As well as swimming, the site offers a wide range of activities: pedalo hire with slides, hiking trails around the lake, shaded picnic areas and even a night market in the last week of July.

2. La Ramée lake in Tournefeuille

A veritable urban oasis, Lac de la Ramée is one of the most accessible swimming spots in Toulouse. This 62-hectare leisure park features the famous Ramée Plage, a supervised swimming area open from 6 July to 25 August, from 10am to 7pm (8pm in the event of a heatwave). The special feature of this site is its fine sandy beach, rare in the region, which offers a real change of scenery on the outskirts of the city.

The site has a full range of facilities, including wheelchair-accessible changing rooms, picnic tables, barbecue areas and a water sports centre offering sailing, windsurfing, kayaking and stand-up paddling. Sports enthusiasts can also take advantage of the beach volleyball courts, running trails and rollerblading areas. Access is free and parking is easy, making it a favourite destination for Toulouse families.

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Also read the Toulouse guide:

• Toulouse in 1 day: 23 things to do and see on foot
• Top 7 most beautiful villages around Toulouse
• Top 10 culinary specialities in Toulouse
• Top 7 walks around Toulouse

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3. Braguessou lake in Saint-Jory

Just 30 minutes from Toulouse, Lac de Braguessou is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. This former gravel pit has been converted into a leisure centre, offering the ideal setting for swimming and sensational water activities. The site is home to Aqua Parc, an inflatable water park open 7 days a week in summer, from 1pm to 7pm on weekdays and 11am to 7.30pm at weekends.

Snow sports enthusiasts will not be outdone at AWAKE Park, which offers wakeboarding, kneeboarding, wakeskating and water ski cableways. The quality of the water and the relaxed atmosphere make it an ideal spot for young people and families looking for a thrill. Access to the beach is free, with a charge for water sports activities. Barbecues are available on site to extend the day.

4. Sesquières leisure centre

Just 15 minutes from the Place du Capitole, the Sesquières leisure park is a 62-hectare green lung entirely dedicated to water sports and leisure activities. The site is home to Wam Park (4 Allée des Foulques, 31200 Toulouse, 05 61 70 92 88), a leading centre for water-based activities, offering wakeboarding, paddle boarding, kayaking and introductory sailing courses from April to November.

The site’s infrastructure is impressive: as well as water-based activities, there’s an accrobranche course (AccroCamp) with 7 secure courses, beach volleyball courts, a bicross course and plenty of green spaces to relax in. Swimming is authorised and supervised during the summer season, in a natural, unspoilt setting on the water’s edge.

5. The Orme Blanc lake at Caraman

Located 40 minutes from Toulouse, Lac de l’Orme Blanc offers a more intimate and wild setting for nature lovers. Less well known than its neighbours, the lake’s unspoilt setting and tranquillity make it a real attraction. Access is free, so you can make the most of this site with its authentic charm.

The clear waters of the lake are perfect for swimming, while the shady banks invite you to relax and enjoy a family picnic. The site has free parking and a few basic facilities, preserving its natural character. There is a small campsite nearby where you can extend your stay for just a few euros.

6. Lac des Bonnets in Muret

Just 30 minutes south of Toulouse, Lac des Bonnets is one of the best-quality bathing sites in the Haute-Garonne. This landscaped lake has a supervised swimming area in summer, with family-friendly facilities including picnic tables, toilets and free parking.

The bucolic setting of the lake, surrounded by greenery, offers a peaceful environment ideal for a relaxing day out. The shallow waters near the shore are perfect for children, while older children can enjoy the deeper swimming area. The site also offers fishing for those wishing to vary their aquatic pleasures.

7. Alex Jany swimming pool

Located on the chemin du Verdon in Toulouse, the Alex Jany swimming pool stands out as one of the finest aquatic complexes in the city. This modern facility, open all year round, impresses with its contemporary architecture combining wood, glass and metal, and its privileged location on the edge of the Argoulets green belt.

The complex has two pools: a 25-metre pool with six lanes (2 metres deep) for advanced swimmers, and a 15×10-metre pool ideal for beginners and family leisure activities. Times vary from day to day, with dedicated slots for free swimming and lessons. Bathing caps are compulsory outside the summer period.

8. The Thésauque lake at Nailloux

Situated in the heart of the Lauragais region, Lac de la Thésauque is a natural haven less than an hour from Toulouse. This verdant complex will appeal to nature lovers with its supervised swimming area and its many activities: miniature golf course, inflatable water games, pedalo, canoe and paddleboat hire.

The site also offers walking trails around the lake, where you can observe different species of ducks and endemic plants. There are three restaurants on site, where you can enjoy a meal and make the pleasure last. A path along the shoreline allows you to walk around the lake in complete safety.

9. The Villemur-sur-Tarn bathing facility

For a different kind of swimming experience, the Villemur-sur-Tarn bathing area offers a unique setting on the banks of the Tarn. This safe natural swimming area offers the rare pleasure of bathing in a flowing river, just 30 minutes from Toulouse.

The site boasts excellent water quality, regularly monitored by the health authorities. The landscaped banks provide easy, safe access, while the surrounding green spaces invite you to relax. There are plenty of local shops to eat and drink after a swim, and the charm of the village alone is well worth a visit.

10. Nakache Aquatic Centre

A veritable institution in Toulouse, the Centre aquatique Nakache combines tradition and modernity to offer a unique swimming experience. Located in the Minimes district of Toulouse, this historic complex has been completely renovated to offer the very latest facilities while retaining its old-world charm.

In summer, the centre opens its outdoor pools, transforming the site into a veritable urban oasis. The indoor pools remain accessible all year round, with dedicated slots for everyone: sports swimming, aquagym, learning and leisure activities. The pool also has relaxation areas and spacious changing rooms for optimum comfort.

Download the audio-guided tour to discover Toulouse on foot and on your own

After a refreshing day out on the outskirts of the Pink City, why not extend your discovery by exploring Toulouse’s historic centre? The Navaway app offers you a complete audio-guided tour to visit Toulouse on your own. This 6.2 km route takes you through 23 emblematic places of interest, from the Capitole to the banks of the Garonne, via the Saint-Sernin basilica and the town centre’s private mansions. Let yourself be guided by the audio commentary and discover the fascinating history of the Pink City at your own pace, between two aquatic escapades.

In conclusion, the Toulouse region is bursting with aquatic treasures to satisfy every desire for summer freshness. From historic lakes to modern leisure centres, not forgetting exceptional swimming pools and rivers, each site has its own personality and special features. Whether you’re a water sports enthusiast, looking for some family relaxation or simply want to cool off in a natural setting, these 10 destinations are sure to meet your expectations. To extend your discovery of the region, don’t forget to visit Toulouse with the Navaway audio tour and its architectural wonders, the perfect complement to these water-based escapades.

When can I swim in the lakes around Toulouse?

The bathing season in the lakes around Toulouse generally runs from June to September, with active surveillance from 1 July to 31 August. Supervision times vary from site to site: 10am to 7pm for La Ramée, 12pm to 6.30pm for Saint-Ferréol, and 1pm to 7pm on weekdays for Braguessou (11am to 7.30pm at weekends).

Are the lakes around Toulouse free?

Access and swimming are free at most of the lakes around Toulouse, particularly at La Ramée, Saint-Ferréol and Braguessou. Only specialised water sports activities (wakeboarding, equipment hire) are subject to a charge. Parking is also free at most sites.

What is the water quality like in the lakes near Toulouse?

Water quality is excellent at six major sites in Haute-Garonne: Lac de la Ramée, Lac des Bonnets in Muret, the Villemur-sur-Tarn bathing area, and other sites regularly inspected by the health authorities. Analyses are carried out throughout the season to ensure the safety of bathers.

Are water sports available on these lakes?

Yes, many lakes offer water-based activities: wakeboarding and waterski lifts at Braguessou, sailing and kayaking at La Ramée and Sesquières, paddle and windsurfing at several sites. Leisure centres such as Wam Park in Sesquières and AWAKE Park in Braguessou specialise in these exciting activities.