A weekend
with friends in Volvestre
We decided to
come to Volvestre for a weekend. We are between 17 and 30 years old and come
from the Gironde region, and more precisely from Belin-Beliet.
When we
arrived around 10am, we went directly to « La Source », a nautical
base featuring a ski lift to do wakeboarding. They also offer several
refreshing water activities such as stand-up paddleboarding and an inflatable
water park. It’s a nice place, secure and lively, it’s exactly what we were
looking for. And also, being far from the sea, it’s ideal having access to a
beach. We tried wakeboarding in the freshness of the morning. 19€ for an hour
of intense feelings, it might seem a lot at first, but the managers and the
team did not clock-watch at all. They made us at ease in an atmosphere that was
exactly what we wanted. Music, unstoppable laughing and boarding. We stayed
there to have lunch since the place features a beach style restaurant. There is
a wide choice of meals and some shade if the sun is too strong. For us, the
plan for the afternoon was going to be swimming, resting, games in the water
and paddleboarding!
After a
lovely day, what’s better than setting up a challenge between friends? The loser will pay the next round!
Therefore, we
went bowling on the edge of Rieux. It’s a very welcoming place, we were able to
play several games and try out Pool. As our appetite got stronger, we didn’t
have to go far because just next to the Bowling centre, a door takes you
through to a restaurant, the Cante Grill. We took the 20 euros menu, which
included a round of bowling. We ate very well, the furniture and the style of
the restaurant are unusual and charming.
After this
lovely but long day, we followed the route towards the water pond a few
kilometres away from the Bowling centre. The campsite which welcomed us that
night was located beside the Garonne. It’s a calm and restful place. But don’t
expect any events for the youngsters or karaoke evenings, it’s not this type of
campsite. However, it benefits from two local swimming pools just opposite, one
indoor and one outdoor, and the view facing the Garonne is wonderful at
sunrise.
7am, time to
get up every one! Nothing is better than a jog to start the day. The sports
trail is located right there, so there is no need to take the car.
On the
program today, it’ll be the visit of the Castle of Longages-Comminges and
canoeing on the Garonne this afternoon.
We had to book
the castle visit, thankfully we had all the required information from the
Tourist Office. The castle is not in a perfect state but the garden is well
maintained and has some shade. The owner provided us with a very warm
welcome.
To end the
morning, we took a walk around the small village of Longages, before heading
back to Rieux-Volvestre.
We had lunch
in a lovely setting, on the terrace of the Restaurant of « La Halle »
in Rieux-Volvestre. Even in the middle of July, the Halle provides freshness.
We enjoyed an excellent “ris de veau” (traditional veal based meal). No need to
think about a snack for later, this meal was plenty!
And now, we
must digest; we made our way back to the nautical base of Carbonne for a
canoeing trip down the Garonne! It’s a simple and cheap activity but it gave us
great laughs whilst discovering the hidden landscapes of this lovely river,
which runs all the way to our home in Gironde…
In the
evening, we stopped in Montesquieu-Volvestre, at the « Bistrot d’Armand »
and once again we were not disappointed! Local products served on finely
decorated chalkboards, a rich wine menu… Our taste buds still remember it.
After this
lovely evening, our final destination was quite unusual as we spent the night
in the Robinsonnades in Saint-Christaud, on the border of the Ariège. It’s a
very unusual place: a wooden hut nestled in the tops of trees, within the
forest! We loved this peculiar place, clearly more expensive than a campsite
but so different. The breakfast served at the foot of the hut, the birds
singing, the leaves crunching in the trees with the soft morning breeze, what
more could you wish for?
Not far from
there, we heard about a market taking place every Sunday morning, it’s the last
stop before we leave: a short detour to the market in Montbrun-Bocage. A true
change of scenery, with once again amazing products, a variety of stalls and
musicians playing. The market is wonderful and is really worth a trip!
