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Home 9 Discover 9 Natural spots

Natural spots

Welcome to the Bassin Auterivain, a natural area just half an hour from Toulouse. Here, you’ll discover a variety of landscapes: between hillsides, woods, plateaux and the Ariège valley, treat yourself to a real break in this soothing natural setting!

Photo réserve naturelle

Access

  • Venerque – Venerque Camping Car Park
  • Vernet – on the banks of the Ariège, accessible from the Venerque village hall

Discover the Regional Nature Reserve (RNR Confluence Garonne-Ariège)

The Bassin Auterivain is the gateway to the Confluence Garonne-Ariège Regional Nature Reserve, which stretches from Vernet-Venerque to Toulouse. Downstream from the bridge over the Ariège, bask on the banks of the river and take advantage of this reservoir of biodiversity to immerse yourself in the nature of our region! Here you can observe some of the 950 animal species and 800 plant species listed in the Reserve.

ATTENTION: The Nature Reserve is a remarkable and fragile site, where every visitor has an important role to play by knowing and respecting the rules! Swimming is prohibited.

Photo parc

Take a nature break in the Parc du Vignaou

In the charming village of Lagardelle-sur-Lèze, behind the château and the town hall, discover a soothing island of greenery! In the Vignaou park, enjoy a bucolic moment surrounded by century-old trees, including the majestic Atlas cedars, which have been awarded the ‘Remarkable Trees of France’ label. Between two games of pétanque, discover the flora of the park on an audio-guided tour while the children enjoy themselves on the playground.

Photo escalier parc

Access

Rue du Château in Lagardelle-sur-Lèze

Photo accrobranche

Notre Dame Wood

The green lung of the town of Auterive, the Bois Notre-Dame is a must for a day out in the countryside! This vast area on the banks of the Ariège, classified as a Natura 2000 site, alternates between large family-friendly spaces (car park, picnic area, paths, etc.) and undergrowth lined with hundred-year-old oak trees that will delight nature lovers.
It’s the ideal place to take a break from nature, just 30 minutes by train from Toulouse: come along the river and listen to the birds, play a game of pétanque or go fishing with friends!

Banks of the Ariège (auterive, le vernet, venerque, cintegabelle, grépiac)

Crossed from north to south by the Ariège, the Auterivain Basin boasts relaxing riverbanks! Immerse yourself in nature as you stroll along the Ariège in Cintegabelle, Auterive, Grépiac, Le Vernet and Venerque. Settle down for an afternoon picnic and take a moment to listen to the soothing sounds of flowing water and the birds that live here! Nature immersion guaranteed!

Photo cours d'eau

Access

  • Le Vernet – Parc du Vernet – 2 Avenue du Camping
  • Venerque – Behind Venerque Eaux Vives on the Allées du Duc de Ventadour
  • Auterive – Esplanade de la Madeleine and Bois de Notre Dame
  • Cintegabelle – Rue du Général Carretier