The Canal du Midi is a true paradise for sportsmen or Sunday walkers. Located in the furrow of Lauragais, it runs along an old Roman road leading to the Mediterranean! We take pleasure in pedaling on the old towpath, in the shade of its hundred-year-old plane trees ...
AN EASY AND ACCESSIBLE WAY
The section of the Canal du Midi between Toulouse and the Seuil de Naurouze is a tarmac greenway very well maintained. As a result, it is the ideal place to work out as a family with small children or the elderly. People with reduced mobility will also find their account there as this route poses no difficulty. The pilgrims going to Santiago de Compostela sometimes choose this route rather than the official, the GR 653, sometimes involving certain dangers due to traffic.
Did you know?
As seen above, the section Toulouse - Seuil de Naurouze, about sixty kilometers long, does not involve any difficulty. It is a greenway developed by the Departmental Council of Haute-Garonne and as such, you can move around freely.
On the other hand, after the Naurouze threshold, the towpath is not developed and presents many difficulties. Choose a mountain bike or VTC to get around and carry a puncture spray in your bag to anticipate any problems!
Take the time to admire the works of art
By bike, you will undoubtedly have time to contemplate the boats or the locks that line your path. We never tire of seeing the boatmen at work when they pass a lock. In addition, it is a pleasure to be able to chat with relaxed and smiling people, happy to enjoy the holidays to the rhythm of the waves ...
You can also contemplate the many bridges which for the most part date from the end of the XNUMXth century or the beginning of the XNUMXth century, such as the very fine work of En Serny in Montesquieu Lauragais, a few hundred meters from theNegra lock.
a well-deserved stopover
Bars and restaurants are scarce on this part of the route. However, you can still make a stop in theold lock keeper in Gardouch (open from April to September). If you're looking for a place to grab a bite to eat, stop byNegra lock at Montesquieu Lauragais or at that of Gardouch : picnic tables are at your disposal.
A Port Lauragais, in the town of Avignonet-Lauragais, you will find all possible catering services: a cafeteria, a restaurant renowned for its cassoulet or a shop selling regional products. If you go there in spring or summer, don't miss theexhibition on Lauragais : it is open access from May to the end of September. You can learn more about the story of this masterpiece of civil engineering, class world heritage of humanity by Unesco since 1996.
Download the Guide handy du canal du midi to prepare your getaway!
Bike rental
- Electric Bike in Mauremont: This rental point is 6 km from theNegra lock, the closest access to the edge of the Canal du Midi, but the electric bikes make the hills of Lauragais extremely easy to navigate!
Bicycle repair
- Pinion on wheel : This bicycle repairer is located in the center of the village of Gardouch, a stone's throw from the Canal du Midi. Opening in July 2024.