To enjoy the change of scenery of the Lauragais countryside and commune with nature for a whole day, we present our favorites of places to picnic.
1 / The Thésauque lake
Between Montgeard and Nailloux, the Thesauque lake has several picnic tables. North side, the many activities (swimming, pedal boat, canoeing, hiking, orienteering, mini-golf, aquapark…) make it a privileged place to delight young and old after a meal!
In search of more tranquility, choose access to the lake on the south side, via the D25. You can park in the small car park and very quickly find pretty green areas where you can settle down.
2 / The village of Calmont
At the gates of Ariège, the village of Calmont is a peaceful and pleasant village which offers a view of the Pyrenees chain among the most remarkable in Lauragais.
On the banks of the Hers, the Calmont beach offers a generous corner of greenery to eat while admiring the impetuosity of the stream. The place is also appreciated by fishermen.
On the heights of the village, a sheltered picnic area is set up next to a large orientation table. You will be able to identify the closest Pyrenean passes in good weather.
3 / The white Orme lake
Next to Caraman, the white elm lake has shaded picnic tables. Smaller, but also less frequented than Lake Thésauque, this lake has a supervised swimming beach in summer, inflatable games and fishing facilities. A footpath will accompany your digestion.
4 / Barrat wood
Off the beaten track, the Barrat wood is the ideal place to commune with nature and enjoy a calm and peaceful moment. In the undergrowth, the picnic area is very pleasant.
You can then enjoy a digestive walk on one of the two trails that run through the woods.
If you come with your family, you can improvise little nature awakening games, by observing footprints, by making a herbarium, or by imagining your artistic works from the elements of wood.
5 / Along the Canal du Midi
The Canal du Midi has several picnic tables along its greenway:
- next to theNegra lock in Montesquieu-Lauragais
- at the edge of theGardouch lock at the Renneville area
- withEmborrel lock in Avignonet-Lauragais
- à Port Lauragais.
6 / The Moulin de Nailloux
On the edge of photogenic Six Wing Mill is a lovely picnic table. Once there, don't just contemplate this curious monument with its brilliant color. The view of the surroundings also deserves a glance: a nice panorama of the Lauragais slopes, accompanied by the sumptuous chain of the Pyrenees that you can contemplate in good weather.
Add local products to your picnic basket
- Au Isatis counter, in the village of brands of Nailloux, you will find a very wide choice of pâtés, terrines or vegetable spreads, but also cookies, wines and drinks to take away for your meals in the open air.
- Beating heart of the village of Caignac, The source has a surprising choice of local products. The little extra: you will also take your homemade baguette with you.
- If you are near Auriac sur Vendinelle, you will find many farm products, including cheese, meats and sweets with Perrine Mills.
- In Villenouvelle, the Gardens of Saint-Sernin are a little paradise for fruit and vegetable lovers. Harvesting is possible in autumn.
- Locally Organic is the 100% local boutique in the heart of Avignonet-Lauragais. You will find all the ingredients for a good country meal with the flavors of Lauragais.
- A little further, in Port Lauragais, the House of Haute-Garonne succeeds in the feat of stocking its shelves only with products manufactured in the department.
- In Montgaillard-Lauragais, the grocery store Mont Relais Gaillard sells local and homemade. It is a must trade for the locals.
