Although the Midi-Pyrenees does not boast a coastline, it is however a water region with its 80 stretches of water and the 1,550 miles of rivers. The region is a land of enclosed seas and many water sports are available on specially equipped stretches of water: swimming, windsurfing, rowing, water skiing, dinghy sailing, etc. It’s the ideal solution for those of you who want to avoid overcrowded beaches! The lake of Pareloup in the Aveyron is the largest enclosed sea in France covering 5 sq miles at an altitude of 2,640 feet. Sailing enthusiasts will find everything they could wish for and will be able to make the most of its nautical base to relax between hiking outings.
In the Haute-Garonne, close to the fortified town of Revel, you can swim or sail on the lake of Saint-Férréol, created over 400 years ago to feed the "Canal du Midi". Surrounded by sandy beaches, maritime pine trees and English-style gardens, it's always a pleasant experience.
In the Tarn-et-Garonne, a magnificent bird sanctuary surrounds the 1.5 sq miles of a stretch of water called Saint-Nicolas de la Gave.
The Tarn has the breathtaking scenery and lakes of the Montagne Noire (the Black Mountain), including the lakes of Laouzas, Saints-Peyres, and des Montagnès.
The Pyrenean lakes are virtually uncountable. It is estimated that the Hautes-Pyrénées alone has over 300 of them forming a veritable aquatic constellation throughout the mountain chain.
