10 refreshing ideas for your aquatic outings in the Pyrénées-Orientales
You have planned a getaway in Occitania and you like them sports leisure eco-friendly ? Are you looking for an original idea?aquatic activity in the Pyrénées-Orientales to practice for a weekend? River swimming ou tubing, canyoning, kayaking, windsurfing, kitesurfing : water sports are not lacking in the surroundings of Perpignan. Exterior Nature offers you an outing guide to take advantage of the water pleasures in July, August and even outside school holidays.
1. Canyoning: Explore the gorges and torrents of Roussillon
Canyoning is the ideal activity for nature adventure lovers. You combine water sports with the discovery of the hinterland of the Perpignan region.
Exterior Nature offers excursions suitable for all levels, supervised by qualified and experienced instructors for thrills in complete safety. Fantastic places for white water sports, explore the green canyons far from the crowds, with family or friends.
Combining climbing, jumping, swimming, hiking and abseiling in waterfalls, the canyoning courses in the Catalan country offer you an unforgettable experience.
2. Kitesurfing: Fly above the waves of the big blue
The winds which blow regularly attract water sports enthusiasts to the Pyrénées-Orientales. On the Salses pond, in the heart of the Parc des Dosses, you will find a kitesurfing spot whose reputation crosses borders. Safe and easy to access, it is ideal for beginners or Big Air enthusiasts via the northwest-facing tramontane.
If you prefer waves, wait for the southeast sea wind and have fun on the swells off Saint-Cyprien or Barcarès. Be warned: once you have tasted this nautical activity of pure gliding on this magnificent playground, you may want to come back.
Are you a beginner? Find a school to get off to a good start.
3. Tubing: Slide on a tube in the river
Want fun and a new and fun activity? tubing is made for you ! First, sit in a large inflatable tube. Equipped with a double paddle and a vest, you go down a river in an original way. Attention ! Lots of laughter and conviviality await you for children aged 12 and over, teenagers and adults.
You don't need to be an experienced sportsman, but if you're hungry for a challenge, take on the small rapids, slalom between the rocks and avoid obstacles until you reach the finish line. Enjoy the peaceful setting of the banks of the Têt in the heart of the Extérieur Nature leisure park. Picnic, swimming, tubing: this is the recipe for a successful vacation day!
4. Wingfoil: Discover the new aquatic activity of the Pyrénées-Orientales
Derived from kiting, wingfoil involves navigation using a board, foil and wing. This accessible board sport is open to a wide audience, experienced or not.
What sets the Wingfoil apart is the freedom to move on the water by harnessing the wind and waves to propel the wing and facilitate control of the foil. It is particularly suitable for water sports enthusiasts looking for new water games.
To get started, it is best to call on a professional instructor. There are several schools which will welcome you on the Salses-Leucate pond and in the surroundings of Canet-en-Roussillon.
5. Rafting: Challenge the white waters of Occitania
Are you staying in Languedoc-Roussillon and looking for a thrilling sporting activity? A rafting descent with Extérieur Nature will delight adrenaline-loving vacationers.
The rivers are not suitable for this type of aquatic outing in the Pyrénées-Orientales. But fortunately, our guides offer you 3 fantastic descents located on the border of the Aude department (11).
Green landscapes, mineral gorges and the welcome freshness of the torrents in summer: descents are possible for all ages, from beginners to experienced athletes.
6. Sea Kayak: Stroll through the coves of the Vermeille Coast
Departing from Racou beach, in Argelès-sur-Mer, plan a kayak trip that runs along the coast towards the South. Start paddling early in the morning and you will see the beautiful lights of dawn on the wild coves: a memorable moment of your summer.
If the walk in the sun makes you want to cool off, then come ashore. You will enjoy the privacy of beaches accessible only by sea for a swim in the clear water or a nap in the shade of the rock walls.
7. Hydrospeed: Take on turbulent waters by swimming
The south of France is full of treasures. Leave the beaches of the Mediterranean Sea for a few hours and come cool off by trying hydrospeed. Neighboring the Pyrénées-Orientales, the department of Aude (11) benefits from rivers suitable for white water swimming. Whether you are an amateur or experienced athlete, this aquatic leisure activity offers thrills for teenagers and adults alike.
Qualified Outdoor Nature guides provide all the necessary equipment and take you to discover spectacular gorges and limestone cliffs where crystal clear water flows. Unforgettable holiday memories in perspective.
8. Stand up Paddle: Paddle on the lagoons of the south of France
Roussillon has many bodies of water, ponds and rivers suitable for practicing stand up paddle (SUP). The protected natural site of Parc des Dosses has a rich biodiversity. As a couple or with the whole family, exploring the fauna and flora of the islets of this lagoon offers you a real feeling of freedom.
You don't need a lot of sporting experience to have fun, you just need a little balance to hold on to the board and then push the paddle to move forward. Calm and serenity, birdsong and the lapping of the water are yours... And great moments of adrenaline and laughter in the event of an uncontrolled dive!
9. Sailing: Sail along the Mediterranean coast
Do you like fine sandy beaches? How about changing your perspective to the seaside and enjoying a little peace and quiet, even during the peak tourist season? Windsurfing, catamaran or sailboat: you have the choice of many activities to practice during the holidays.
From Port-Barcarès to Port-Vendres via Saint-Cyprien and Argelès, there are around ten clubs approved by the French Sailing Federation. On the website, you will find the structure closest to your place of stay.
10. Diving: Observe the seabed of the nature reserve
Holidaymakers who love a preserved environment will find what they are looking for in the Cerbère-Banyuls marine nature reserve located to the south of Paulilles cove. You swim among the fish, corals, octopus, sea urchins and other invertebrates that inhabit these protected bottoms.
With this scuba diving experience, you will get your fill of sensations and beautiful images. The specially designed underwater trail markers inform you about biodiversity. You will find instructions for organizing your snorkeling trip on the website of the P.0 tourist office.
Do you prefer scuba diving? Banyuls town hall explains everything to you and gives you contact details for qualified structures.
The Pyrénées-Orientales are a true paradise for lovers of aquatic activities looking for original experiences. Whether you are a fan of extreme water sports looking for thrills or a nature lover preferring white water adventure: the department has everything to offer.
Book your outdoor activity now with Exterior Nature! We offer canyoning outings from spring to fall and tubing, rafting and hydrospeed outings every day in July and August. Immerse yourself in a unique aquatic experience with our qualified instructors, explore the crystal clear waters and let yourself be carried away by the beauty of the region's landscapes in a good mood and relaxation.
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