Water parks

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Swimming in lakes

Nearby lakes for swimming and water-based activities include one at Castera Verduzan, about 20 minutes by car.

Rafting in the Pyrénees

If you are more adventurous, try rafting in the Pyrénees. Several companies offer rafting in the foothills near Lourdes (for the journey allow 2-3 hours). Normally several boats make the descent together and a lot of water flies around. Early afternoon departures are the best and normally take 2-3 hours. www.rafting-ecolorado.com

Quad biking

Quad biking near Auch (30 mins) is enormous fun under the guidance of Francis, who runs Quad Concept. There is a short practice track, but the real fun starts when the route takes off across fields and woods, with new tracks being created all the time. Challenging slopes, hills and narrow tracks through trees are mixed with open-throttle runs across the fields back to base. Book in advance. More information: www.quadconcept.com

Go-karting

There is a large Go-carting track at Layrac, which is around 6km South East of Agen and the A.62 motorway junction (around 40 minutes from Le Lavandou). The track is 1.2km long and a range of carts (by power and size) are available. More information from: www.fabukart.com

Tree walking

5km South of Auch near Pavie, with seven courses through the trees. Course 1 is very short for practice. You must then follow the other courses in order. Courses 2 and 3 are fine for children of 7 years but Course 4 is significantly harder and not recommended for under 10s. Course 5 is long and testing. Course 6 is the most fun, with six separate wire rope runs (see photo on left), the last one of which is 100m long over a small valley. Very well organised with good training and equipment. Safety helmets and Double safety harnesses for clipping to safety ropes. Le Vert en L’Air web site: www.levertenlair.com