Sport & Leisure
Walking & Trekking | Rock Climbing | Road Biking | Mountain Biking | Caving | Watersports | Fishing | Kids | Winter Sports | Horse & Pony Trekking | Golf | Paragliding | Wellbeing
The 2009 Tour de France passing through bedeilhac
Road Biking
The village of Bédeilhac regularly features on the Tour de France with the 'Col du Port' (1250m) a 600m climb straight from the house. The Col d'Agnès (1570m) and the Port d'Envilira (2408m) are more substantial challenges in the Ariège and can be achieved in a days ride. For those after something a bit less strenuous, the valley roads provide a wealth of scenic routes to take on and sights to discover. Bike hire is available locally and we can have high spec road bikes delivered to the accommodation.
Mountain Biking
Mountain Biking (or 'VTT' as its known in France) is very popular throughout the Ariège. Marked tracks and circuits abound and there is plenty to do in the local area. There are a number of dedicated Mountain Biking areas, the best of which is probably Ax les Thermes. Around a 30 minute drive from the house, the Ax les Thermes Mountain Biking area offers over 100km of marked circuits and uses the ski lift system in the summer months so you can save your legs for the downhill! Numerous guide books exist and mountain biking guides can be hired to help explore the area. There are a number of bike hire shops in our local area.
Caving
The Limestone of the Ariège is the perfect material for the formation of caves and it's no coincidence that in addition to the world famous 'Grottes' there is also some excellent caving around the Tarascon area. A number of 'topo' guides are available and trip can be arranged for cavers of all standards.
Water
sports
The beach at the Mercus
water park
Just
10 minutes down the road from us is the Mercus water park featuring a
water ski & wakeboard tow cable, a beach and bar and pedalo
hire.
Organised canoe trips are operated from several locations, with a descent of the Ariège, including equipment hire and pick up a popular option. White water is plentiful and rafting and kayaking make exiting ways to experience it.
Canyoning, the art of throwing oneself down rapids, in a safe and controlled manner, is another popular activity in the Ariège with a number of options for beginners and experts alike.
Swimming
An indoor pool in Tarascon is open to the public throughout the year.At Aston, about 20 minutes drive away, you'll find an excellent outdoor facility with a curly slide, baby pool, jets, beach area and café/bar.
The nearest lake to swim is the Mercus lake (see above) although it can be a little chilly. For something a bit warmer there are several fantastic lakes around the Ariege. Pick of the bunch are probably the 'Lac de Montbel' and the 'Lac de Mondély' both feature beaches, warm water, fantastic scenery and wildlife, and are rarely crowded. The 'Lac de Mondély' is around a 45 minute drive from the accommodation and was ranked second in the Sunday Times 'The 20 hottest European beaches for 2010' survey. (See links)
We have our own blow up pool which is great for younger kids (and cocktails before dinner!) complete with mountain views.Fishing
The Ariège offers a number of options from white water rivers to picturesque mountain lakes. The season runs from June to September and licenses are cheap and easily obtained. Stocking is carried out in some areas but at higher altitude the fish are wild. Close to us the Saurat valley offers a number of river fishing spots.
If you like the fish without too much work, there is a trout farm just 5 minutes down the valley, where you pay just for your catch. It's prepared on site and you can cook it there or bring it back here.
Kids
Many of the activities on offer to adults are also available to kids in one form or another and its a great place to try out some adventurous activities in a supervised and secure environment. Everything from caving, canoeing, canyoning, rock climbing, paintballing, pony trekking and fishing can be arranged for the kids to give them an unforgettable experience. For the younger children there are numerous activity play areas including a small area in our village. At home we have a swing and a range of toys and games. Having two young children of our own we have plenty of ideas to keep youngsters (and parents) happy.
Winter Sports
The biggest downhill
ski resort in the Ariège is Ax-Trois-Domains
above the village of
Ax-les-Thermes. Around a 40 minute drive from us, the resort
offers something for all levels, with over 70km of
pistes.
***Special
offer*** A combined rail & lift pass including travel from
Tarascon-sur-Ariege to Ax les Thermes by train, cable car to
the
resort and a days lift pass is currently €22 which is excellent value
for money and very convenient.
Guzet, near the
town of
Saint Girons has 40km of pistes, Ascou
Pailheres and Les Mont
D'Olmes both offer around 20km of pistes.
There are also a number of smaller resorts dotted around the region;
including Goulier Neige
in the Vicdessos valley, providing great places for kids and beginners,
or a day's skiing for those with more experience.
Unlike their Alpine counterparts, the ski resorts of the Pyrénées can be wonderfully quiet outside of the French school holidays and can provide a more relaxed and friendly experience.
Cross country skiing and snow shoeing can be enjoyed at the
two
neighbouring, yet different environments of Beille
and La Chioula;
one an immense plateau at 1800m offering panoramic views, the other a
welcoming forested landscape. The magical experience of dog sledding is
also on offer at Beille. Another popular area is the Etang de Lers with 57km of marked
pistes
All the resorts offer a range of facilities such as
restaurants,
children's areas and equipment hire.