Make Waves on the Water
Dive Right In!
Stay Cool This Summer
For many of us, summer holidays are about being outdoors and having fun in or around water. And there is nothing like the cool relief of jumping into a pool, lake or river when the hot sun is blazing down. Water sports are a great way to stay cool and keep active on holiday.
Your private pool is a few steps from the gîte and the River Lot is just a 5 minute drive. No day is ever too hot if you have got somewhere to dive in or dip your toes. This holiday, why not try a new water sport? Whether it’s swimming in the pool against the current machine, canoeing, paddle boarding, or sailing – you are sure to find something nearby. There are also plenty of water sports that you can either enjoy with friends or go it alone. If you are on a family holiday, it’s a great way to spend quality time together.
Nearby Water Sports Activity Centres
There are a lot of leisure centres within an hour’s drive of the gite. Almost all of them provide a range of water-based activities, suitable for all ages. For any activity where you and other members of your group are in the water, you are likely to be asked whether you can swim. Some centres also have minimum age requirements. Check the rules before you set off, otherwise there could be some very sad faces in the car coming back.
Copeyre canoë Vire-Sur-Lot
Based in Puy L’Evêque (and also at several other places along the river), they have stacks of activities for all ages. But this is one place where it is compulsory to know how to swim. They offer canoe or kayak rental (life jackets included). Also there is a canoe/bike trail where you can paddle from Puy L’Evêque to their base at Port de Viré (Vire Sur Lot). Then return by bike along a converted railroad track and through vineyards.
They also provide boat hire, mountain or electric bikes, pedalos, paddle boards and a giant paddle slide set up into the river. Great fun!
Alternatively, you can relax and enjoy a quiet boat trip on their 100% electric barge. Sit back and admire the scenery and wildlife while you gently float along on the water.
Verignac Canoe Nature
Distance – approx. 1hr drive. They offer a wide range of canoe courses from 6km to 30km, starting and ending in different location. Plus an all day Leisure Biathlon – MTB, Canoe and a Minibus back to base. Great experience for a group of friends or a family. However, the minimum age is 5 years and for the water sports, participants must be able to swim 25 meters and go underwater.
Want something a little different? Then this business also offers Archery, Mountain Biking, Tree-Climbing, Caving and a Climbing Wall!
All the activities are supervised by experienced professionals.
Caïx Nautical Base & Leisure Centre
Distance – approx. 30mins drive. Everyone can enjoy a wide range of exciting activities in the leisure centres unique setting in Luzech, near Cahors!
Boat hire, canoe, kayak and paddle boarding on the river Lot. Plus mini-golf, all-terrain bikes with electric assistance and an onsite restaurant.
Note: It is compulsory for water sports participants to be able to swim at least 25 metres and be able to go underwater.
Some supervision is possible with a certified instructor.
Cap Nature Pradines
For water skiing, head over to the outdoor leisure centre at Pradines about 35 minutes away. Whether you are a water-skiing enthusiast, an experienced skier or just want to try it out, you will have a great time.
As well as the water skiing, there are lots of on-land and in-the-air activities to be enjoyed at this centre, so everyone can enjoy a full day out!
- Treetop adventure courses, with different heights and difficulties.
- Bubble game
- Tree-climbing
- Paint-balling
- Mini-golf
- Orienteering
- Laser games
- Digital treasure hunt
For the regulations relating to specific activities please make sure you check the website.
Fishing
Fishing is one of the most relaxing and favourite pastimes in France. Nearby Moulin de Guiral fish farm (less than 15 mins), provides a wonderful fishing experience for all ages.
Lessons, including an introduction to fishing, fly fishing and carp fishing can be provided, So, it is ideal for experienced fishermen or beginners. Fish for carp, trout and roach from the riverbank. No license is required at Moulin de Guiral – you fish for free and just pay for what you catch. They provide a full service and will send you home with your fish cleaned and ready for the BBQ. So all the unpleasant stuff is taken care of for you. The site is also accessibility-friendly
If you plan to fish anywhere else you may need a permit. There are also fishing season depending on the category of water. Check the regulations on www.pechelot.com
Swimming
The lake at Montcuq is a Blue Flag site, meaning the site is regularly checked to ensure the beach and bathing water are maintained to a high standard.
There is an on site restaurant open for lunch and dinner, as well as picnic tables and BBQs for DIY dining. In addition, there is an area for water games and a family fishing course. Parking, toilets and water points are also available on site.
During the summer season (June to September), an entry fee is charged between 10am and 6.30pm for each car.
Similar facilities are available at the lake at Cazals.
Aquaparks
Whether you are a fan of paddling in a canoe or pedalo, or playing around in the aquapark, you will find everything you need in the lotsofsports.fr water parks in Catus and Prayssac.
Both are a short drive from La Bergerie, but have different opening times and activities. Find your favourites and enjoy a great day out!
Connect with Nature on the Water
France is home to over 100 rivers, four of which are more than 500 km long, and are all impressive and beautiful. The three rivers in le Lot meander through magnificent valleys and rugged terrain, passing charming medieval villages and picturesque châteaux along the way. Originating in the wild Cévennes near Mont Lozère in southern France, the Lot flows 480 km (300 miles) west past Entraygues-sur-Truyère, where it joins the Truyère. It then passes through Cahors and medieval Villeneuve-sur-Lot to join the Garonne at Aiguillon.
The rivers, along with natural and artificial lakes and streams, host a variety of species such as coypu, dragonflies, frogs, numerous species of fish, beavers, otters, and beautiful kingfishers. Come and stay at La Bergerie and discover the wildlife that populate the rivers, land and the sky!
