Enjoy the Canal du Midi… from Toulouse to Avignonet-Lauragais
Dive into the fabulous history of the Canal du Midi, designed in the 17th century by Pierre-Paul Riquet. The waterway runs under the shade of age-old plane trees, dotted with numerous structures (locks, watering holes, canal bridges, etc.) and brick villages topped with distinctive bell towers.
Practical information
Toulouse -> Avignonet-Lauragais 50 km of greenway built on the old towpath, perfectly flat!
(Allow about 3h30)
The recommendations of Haute-Garonne Tourisme
- First of all, we rent a bike at the starting point in Toulouse, there is no lack of offers
- Then, we make a one-way trip and return by train (check the return timetable of the railway stations of Villefranche-de-Lauragais or Avignonet-Lauragais)
- Last but not least, you can take advantage of the many picnic areas set up to take a break (écluse de Castanet-Tolosan, écluse du Sanglier, écluse de Négra, écluse de Gardouch et Aire de Port-Lauragais)
From Toulouse to Port Sud (Ramonville Saint-Agne)
Stage 1
The starting point can be in front of the Matabiau station, as the Canal du Midi passes right in front of this building. This is where you will find the Maison du vélo, where you will find all the information you need for your trip (bike hire, children’s trailer, etc.).
After a 10-minute ride, you will discover the Port Saint-Sauveur, a nautical stopover in the heart of the pink city. A little further on, admire the houseboats moored along the banks under the Pont des Demoiselles.
Visit “La Halle de la Machine” and “l’Envol des Pionniers“.
These 2 tourist sites are located 5 minutes from the cycle track, in the Montaudran district, just before your arrival in Port-Sud.
From Port Sud to Ayguesvives
Stage 2
Port-Sud, a real marina, is the starting point of the route outside the Toulouse conurbation. Here, the countryside gives way to the bustle of the city.
The Castanet lock is flanked by a mill built by Riquet in 1674. The one in Montgiscard still has an old wash house dating from the same period. Equipped with a bench, you can still see a chimney used in the past to heat the washing water.
❤ Don’t miss the Sanglier double lock in Ayguesvives and the incredible story of this animal that gave it its name!
From Ayguesvives to Port-Lauragais
STAGE 3
Quite a chapel!
At the Négra lock, go through the door of the chapel which was used as a set for the film La Veuve Couderc with Alain Delon and Simone Signoret.
Admire on your way (on the right) the pink brick bell tower of the church of Montesquieu-Lauragais, a high perched village dominating the plains of the Lauragais.
❤ The village of Saint-Rome:
Located 2 kilometres from the Canal du Midi, this small village is extraordinary for the houses and buildings that make it up. Visible from the enclosure which surrounds the village, several architectural styles cohabit: Scandinavian, Moorish, Flemish, Baroque…
The port of Gardouch, a real postcard! With its colourful barges, this is the place to stop and take a photo. 📷
🚂 or 🚲 … 2 options for the return
- From the port of Gardouch, you return to Villefranche-de-Lauragais station for a train ride back to Toulouse
- From the port of Gardouch, you continue your bike ride to Port-Lauragais and return by train from Avignonet-Lauragais station
Take advantage of the Port-Lauragais area
Visit the Maison de la Haute-Garonne, a real showcase of local products (crafts and gastronomy), then the Canal du Midi exhibition to find out all about the construction and history of this waterway classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Would you like to book accommodation?
Fill in this form and our team of specialists will take care of you!