Sports Activities
Water Sports
- Sailing
- Wind/kite surfing
- Water Skiing
- Sand Yachting
- Diving
Adventure Sports
- Canoeing, Kayaking & Canyoning
- Rock Climbing and Caving
- Paragliding
Leisure Sports
- Golf
- Riding, Cycling & walking
- Cruising the Canals
- Sea Fishing
- Freshwater Fishing
Winter Sports
- Skiing
Rugby
- Rugby in Perpignan
Gym
- Club Moving
- Aqua Forma 66
- Blue Fitness
Cricket
- Cricket in the Languedoc
Water Sports
- Sailing
Languedoc-Roussillon is France’s most southern region with 4 out of it’s 5 departments bordering the Mediterranean sea. Therefore the coast tends to be the main destination for tourists during the summer months.
The Languedoc-Roussillon coast has 22,000 marina berths in 25 harbours, including the largest marina in Europe at Port Camargue, with 4,500 berths.
The harbours are a hive of activity all year round, with everything from family regattas to stages of the Sailing Tour de France and Clairfontaine Trophy.In the bay of Aigues-Mortes, you can watch training sessions for the America's Cup.
You can visit boat shows or watch stages of the Sailing Tour de France and the Clairfontaine Trophy.
For beginners you can learn to sail at many of the sailing clubs that are situated all along the coast. See below for listings of sailing/surfing centres.
- Wind/Kite surfingThe region’s climate, with its combination of wind and sun, makes Languedoc-Roussillon one of the best places in Europe for wind and kite surfing. The sea gives opportunity to more experienced sailors, while the shallow waters of the salt water lagoons, known locally as ‘etangs’ provide a safe haven for beginners and experienced sailors alike. From April to November the coastline is littered with camper vans, long term homes, for the many enthusiasts who flock here from all over Europe.
The annual Mondial du Vente, a national wind and kite surfing event is held in La Franqui, near Leucate each year which attracts all the big names in the sport.
For more information you can contact the following sailing and wind/kite surfing centres:
Gruissan Windcar
Z.A.C. 1 Mateille, Gruissan
Tel : 04 68 75 04 04
Centre de Narbonne-Plage Loisir
Base Navalia, Le Port, Narbonne-Plage
Tel : 04 68 49 70 58
12 Rue des Nauticards, Port La Nautique
Tel : 04 68 32 26 06
Adrénaline
19 av Méditerrané, La Franqui
Tel : 04 68 45 74 60
Website
La marina, Ave de la Pinède, Port Leucate
Tel : 04 68 40 72 66
Club Nautique Perpignan
B.P. 21 le Port, Canet
Tel : 04 68 73 33 95
Quai Jules Verne, BP33, Saint Cyprien
Tel : 04 66 21 11 53
Yaght Club Banyuls
2 bis avenue de Fontaulé, Banyuls-sur-Mer
Tel : 04 68 88 04 04
You can water-ski on skis or on wakeboards from a cable that travels 900m around a lake at Teleski Nautique at Port Bacares (D83 exit 15). Great fun for beginners and intermediates alike. According to them everyone can learn to water-ski in just one hour although personally I have my doubts having tried and hopelessly failed on many occasions before.
Tel: 04 68 86 23 45
The shores of the lagoons offer the perfect landscape for sand yachting races. To find out more about sand yachting in Languedoc-Roussillon click here...
- DivingThe clear blue waters and beautiful coves on the coastline close to the Spanish border make Languedoc a popular destination for both experienced divers and beginners alike.
Thétys Diving ClubRue de la Rotonde
Grau du Roi
Tel : 04 66 53 32 52
Half-day sea diving in summer and swimming pool lessons for beginners.
Sarl Sport Pulsion Plogee
7 Quai de la République
66660 Port Vendres
Tel : 04 68 82 55 55
Good diving club with lessons in English. Sea diving in the bays around Port Vendres
9 rue des Matelots
Res. Atalaya
Port Argeles
Tel: 04 68 81 63 84
Sea diving, open every day from April to October.
Aqualand
Route d’Argeles
66750 St-Cyprien
Tel: 04 68 21 43 43
Adventure Sports
- Canoeing, Kayaking and Canyoning
The rivers, torrents that run off the Pyrenees mountains offer the opportunity to try out the exhilarating sports of canoeing, kayaking and rafting.
Ideal conditions tend to be during July and August.
The turbulent waters of the Dourbie, the Orb, the Hérault, the Tech, the Têt, and the Aude offer perfect conditions.
www.rocaqua.com
Tel: 04 68 20 53 97
Tel: 04 68 20 23 79
www.quillan.fr/forge.htm
Tel 04 68 20 18 45
www.pyrenerafting.com
Tel: 04 68 20 52 76
www.vegapassion.com
Tel: 04 68 20 53 73
www.canoelimoux.com
Tel: 04 68 31 47 40
www.exterieur-nature.com
Tel: 04 68 05 72 12
Tel: 04 67 32 37 74
www.leucate-aventures.com
Tel: 06 10 04 58 50
For canyoning you need all the skills of caving, diving and climbing.
Canyoning involves moving through a fast flowing river between narrow gorges and over waterfalls, without a boat. You progress along by abseiling or jumping into the water as necessary. One of the most thrilling courses is the descent of the Llech Gorge, in the Pyrénées-Orientales.- Rock Climbing and Caving
The jagged cliffs and sheer drops of the Cévennes and Pyrenees mountains, and the challenging gorges of the Tarn, Jonte and Héric rivers, are a paradise for rock climbers. In this region pot holers and cavers will find plenty to excite and challenge them. Many sites, such as the caverns of the Lozère plateaux, are among the most famous in France.
www.climbfrance.com
www.thecrag.com
Indoor climbing centre
Espace Polygone
Perpignan
Tel 04 68 34 46 58
website - Paragliding
The Languedoc-Roussillon region is renowned for wind and sunny blue skies throughout the year. The combination of weather and rugged hilly landscape makes for a perfect location to paraglide.
Les Ailes CerdanesTel: 04 68 04 61 67
Vol’aime
Tel: 04 68 30 10 10
www.ailescerdanes.com
Tel: 04 67 73 36 96 www.envol-nature.com
Parapente Sud
Tel: 04 66 83 17 07
www.parapentesud.com
Leisure Activities
- Golf
There’s a great variety of golf courses in this region of France to suit players at all levels. Courses situated by the coast tend to be classy and chic whilst those situated inland offer great golf with stunning. With over 300 days of sunshine each year, the region is becoming an ever-increasingly popular destination for golfers from around Europe.
A partnership of Languedoc-Roussillon golf courses
14 major golf clubs in Languedoc-Roussillon have formed a commercial partnership to promote and market their services. You can find out more about these golf courses from the head office at:Domaine de Falgos, BP9
66260 Saint Laurent de Cerdans
Tel : 33 (0)4 68 39 51 42
Fax : 33 (0)4 68 39 52 30
Tel: 04 67 45 90 10
Website
Golf de Nimes – Vaquerolles
Nimes
Tel: 04 66 23 33 33
Tel: 04 67 87 87 87
Website
Golf de La Grande-Motte
Tel: 04 67 56 05 00
Website
Golf de Béziers Saint-Thomas
Tel : 04 67 39 03 09
Website
Tel : 04 67 26 54 40
Website
Golf de Carcassonne
Tel : 04 68 72 57 30
Website
Tel : 04 68 37 63 63
Website
Golf du Font-Romeu
Tel : 04 68 30 10 78
Website
Tel : 04 68 39 51 42
Website
- Riding, Cycling and Walking
For riding, cycling and walking Europe has few better destinations than Languedoc-Roussillon. The varied, rugged landscapes of the region make it one of Europe’s favourite locations for hiking, mountain biking, pony trekking and horse riding.
The region has over 4,400 miles of footpaths, bridleways and marked trails, through woodland, gorges and mountains. There are also historic trails to follow that take in interesting and stunning sites, such as the route of the Cathars, taking in many of the regions famous Cathar castles and the Via Domitia, one of the most ancient Roman roads.
To find out more: Comité Départemental de la Randonnée Pédestre des Pyrénées-Orientales66000 Perpignan
Tel : 33 (0)4 68 61 48 85
Website
Comité Départemental de la Randonnée Pédestre de l'Aude
11100 Narbonne
Tél : 33 (0)4.68.47.69.26
Website
Website
The Cathar (Sentier Cathar) horse riding trail is France’s most famous horse riding trail. The trail starts at the Mediterranean coast and passes through the foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains to Foix, passing two Cathar castles on the way.
Le Sentier CatharTel: 04 68 26 62 09
Circuit des Traboucayres
Tel: 04 68 95 85 20
The famous and beautiful Canal du Midi, as experienced recently by celebrity chef Rick Stein, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and flows through some of the regions most beautiful landscape. At the end of the Canal du Midi is the Canal du Rhône à Sète and the Canal de la Robine, which links Narbonne to the sea.
Cruising gently through the Languedoc countryside is one of the most enjoyable ways to discover the region.You travel at a leisurely pace of about 5 miles an hour, with frequent stops to pass through the locks or explore the surrounding area. This is a great way to sample the many local delicacies in restaurants who serve traditional, regional recipes unseen in the tourist towns of the coast.
Although some concentration is required, piloting a canal boat is not a difficult job. This is the perfect way to experience real France at a much slower pace than you will previously have been used to.On some sections you can sail your own boat or you could hire a canal boat, book a holiday on a barge hotel or floating guest house, or take an excursion on a floating restaurant.
You can take your own boat on the Canal, so long as it’s the correct size. You’ll also need to follow the regulations laid down by the canal authority. More information can be found at VNF.Carcassonne
Tel: 04 68 71 88 95
Website
Tel: 04 68 78 73 75
Sète
Tel: 04 99 04 07 85
Tel: 04 67 62 18 18
Mauguio Carnon
Tel: 04 67 68 01 90
Website
Tel: 04 67 94 78 93
Aigues-Mortes
Tel: 04 66 53 35 18
Tel: 04 66 87 79 15
Port-Camargue
Tel: 04 66 53 11 52 / 04 66 53 35 18
NaviCanal
Departing from Toulouse
Tel 05 61 55 10 91
Website
Sea fishing is popular in Languedoc-Roussillon.
You can fish from the quayside or from a boat, both at sea and on the inland salt water lagoons. Here you are likely to find eels, bream, bass and grey mullet.- Freshwater Fishing
This region, full of rivers and lakes, attracts many freshwater fishermen.
Especially popular is the Bouillouses plateau in the Pyrénées-Orientales region - an untouched wilderness strewn with natural lakes.
Fishing ponds in Lozère:Lozère offers three ponds for tourist fishing:
The Bastide pool (‘étang de la Bastide’), in the east of the department
The Saint Léger du Malzieu pool (‘étang de Saint Léger du Malzieu’) in the north
The Barrandon pool (‘étang de Barrandon’) in the centre, on Mont Lozère. The Barrandon pool has an area reserved for beginners and fly fishing practice. There’s also a refuge open to fishermen and walkers.
Fédération de pêche de la Lozère
Tel : 33 (0)4 66 65 36 11
E-Mail: infos@peche48.com
Website
Tel : 04 66 02 91 61 Fédération de pêche de l’Herault
Tel : 04 67 96 98 Fédération de pêche de l’Aude
Tel : 04 68 25 16 03
Fédération de pêche de Pyrénées-Orientales
Tel : 04 68 66 88 38
Winter Sports
-Skiing
The mountains of Languedoc-Roussillon reach heights of almost 3000 metres in the Pyrenees, with the peaks of Canigou (2784m) and Carlit (2921m), and more than 1500m in the Massif Central, topped by Mont Lozère (1699m) and Mont Aigoual (1565m). Whether you’re looking for a sunshine ski resort skiing, snowboarding or just a peaceful mountain hideaway, you’ll find it Languedoc-Roussillon.
The mountains of Languedoc-Roussillon are within easy reach of the large cities of France and Spain just a short drive from the regional airports and train stations. You can get to resorts such as Les Angles, Pyrenees 2000 and Font Romeau from Perpignan airport in just over an hour, and from Barcelona in two and a half hours.
The departments of Pyrénées-Orientales and Aude offer a whole range of winter sports: skiing, snowboarding, free riding, “handiski” for the disabled, snow-shoeing and snow trekking.
For something a bit special you can ride across snowy tracks on a sledge pulled by a team of beautiful husky dogs. The site is situated in Maternale near to Formigueres and Les Angles. Other facilities on the site include the parc des chiens, 4x4 electric quad bikes as well as a snack bar. The parc is open all year. Tel: 06 87 76 02 66Ski Resorts in the Pyrenees Mountains
Les AnglesAltitude 1600-2400m
35 ski runs totalling 82 km
Tel: 04 68 04 32 76
Website
Bolquère-Pyrénées 2000
Altitude 1800-2200m
62 ski runs totalling 152km
Tel: 04 68 30 12 42
Website
Altitude 1600-2213m
40 ski runs totalling 52km
Tel: 04 68 30 68 30
Website
Formiguères
Altitude 1700-2400m
17 ski runs totalling 60km
Tel: 04 68 04 47 35
Website
Altitude 1700-2400m
16 ski runs
Tel: 04 68 04 44 83
Website
Porté-Puymorens
Altitude 1600-2500m
20 ski runs totalling 45km
Tel: 04 68 04 82 41
Website
Altitude 18 -2700m
33 ski runs
Tel: 04 68 04 70 15
Website
Espace Cambre d’Aze
Altitude 1640-2450m
25 ski runs
Tel : 04 68 04 08 01
Website
Altitude 1500-2450m
3 ski runs and cross country
Tel : 04 68 04 22 25
Website
Camurac
Altitude 1400-1800m
16 ski runs
Tel : 04 68 20 32 27
La Quillane - GREAT FOR BEGINNERS
66210 La Llagonne
Tel: 04 68 04 22 25
Tel: 04 68 30 80 83 (ski school)
Situated between Font Romeau and Pyrenees 2000 this small resort only has three ski runs and two lifts. You can hire skis, poles, boots etc and can also arrange group or one to one lessons with ski instructors who all speak English. Lift passes cost approximately 15€ per day or 11,50€ for half day. There is a small cabin restaurant, with outside terrace that overlooks the ski runs.
Rugby
- Rugby In Perpignan
Whichever your preference of code, whether Union or League, Perpignan has a lot to offer to fans of the oval ball game. Perpignan now has a professional team represented in the top national league for each code; USA Perpignan (union) and Catalans Dragons (league). A rugby union club has existed in Perpignan since 1902 although the Union Sportive Arlequins de Perpignan was formed in 1933. USAP (as they are better known today) play in the French top division and have made some remarkable progress over the last few years.
Since their rise to the French top flight and their first outings in the bigger and more prestigious European competitions, USAP have established themselves as a club with a great deal of talent and ambition. No longer are they the push-over they would often be billed as in days gone by, and certainly not at their home ground, the Stade Aimé Giral. In recent years many teams have been beaten here and left this cauldron of a stadium with its partisan atmosphere and cacophony of brass bands and drumming still ringing in their ears. Fans of the English game can often find the atmosphere quite intimidating when compared with the much more reserved ambience of Welford Road, Leicester or Bath’s Recreation Ground.
It is by no mere coincidence that USAP have this season firmly cemented their position as France’s 4th best team behind the might of Biarritz, Toulouse and Stade Francais. Runners-up in 2003, this year they made it to the quarter finals of the Heineken Cup, losing a closely fought game 19-10 to eventual Cup winners Munster. USAP are also still in with another chance of glory when they meet Biarritz in the semi-final of the French championship play offs…In all fairness, Perpignan cannot boast the number of international elite players of the other “big three” but it is without doubt that Biarritz and the rest will have one eye firmly over their shoulders next season.
Perpignan’s rugby league team, the Catalans Dragons have a slightly different heritage. Formed in only 2000, the club entered its first season in the Super League in 2006 as only the second French team ever to do so. In order to guarantee the presence of a French team in the Super League, the Dragons were promised that they would not be relegated from the league for 3 years even if they finished bottom.The current team is largely made up of Antipodean players brought in to strengthen the relatively small core of French players, although the Dragons hope to increase the number of French players to 75% of the playing squad. Their star player is undoubtedly former New Zealand international fly-half Stacey Jones, arguably the greatest player of his generation.
The Dragons’ Super League adventure got off to a dream start when they beat Wigan Warriors 38-30 in their first game at the ground they share with their union counterparts. Despite some heavy defeats by some of the stronger sides in the league, the Catalans have surprised some observers by staying off the bottom of the table. Their recent form has seen them make the last 8 of the Challenge Cup where they travelled to the in-form English side St. Helen’s but lost 56-10 to crash out of the tournament. No doubt the Catalans will be back again next year - and probably quite a bit stronger and harder. USAP official websiteGym
- Club Moving
Classes include:
- Aqua Fitness
- Aqua Circuit
- Aqua Dynamic
- Body Step
- Body Pump
- Body Balance
- Body Combat
- Body Attack
Membership can be arranged monthly, quarterly, six monthly, annually or based on 12 sessions.
Club Moving Narbonne
Route de Perpignan
11100 Narbonne
Tel: 04 68 42 83 17
Open Monday to Friday 7h00-21h00
Saturday 9h30-19h00
Aqua Forma 66
Perpignan
Tel: 04 68 56 74 30
Website
Pool, aqua gym, sauna, cardio training etc.
Blue Fitness
Saint Esteve
Tel: 04 68 35 64 17
Pool, aqua gym, classes, danse, cardio training etc
Cricket
There are over 50 cricket clubs in France, one of them being in Roujan, in the Hérault near to Pézenas. The Midi Cricket Club has over 70 members and encourages people of all ages and nationalities.
Midi cricket club - Le Pigeonnier de Senaux, 34320 Roujan.
Contact - Richard Hicks: hicks-france@wanadoo.fr
Midi Cricket Club:www.midicricket.blogspot.com
There is also a national website where you can find out more information about cricket in France, http://www.cricketeurope.net/FRANCE/