The Canal du Midi from Toulouse to Castelnaudary
Day 1
33 km
Toulouse → Montesquieu-Lauragais
Set off from central Toulouse and ease into your journey along the Canal du Midi’s peaceful, dedicated bike path. Just a few minutes from the city center, take a break at the Bassin de Radoub—a surprising little shipyard still in operation today, like a secret miniature port tucked within the city.
Shaded by plane trees, the canal path gently leads you to the first villages of the Lauragais. You’ll arrive in Montesquieu-Lauragais, a classic 10th-century village with red-brick facades, the Church of Saint-Jacques, and the remains of a historic pastel château.
Right outside the village lies the Négra lock. Once a stop for the 17th-century passenger boats known as the Barques de Poste, it featured an inn, an icehouse for cool drinks, and a small chapel where travelers could find peace.
Day 2
32 km
Montesquieu-Lauragais → Castelnaudary
Back on your bike in the morning, ride through sunflower fields and along quiet country paths. The lock at Gardouch is a lovely spot to pause for a coffee or a sunny lunch break.
Further along, you’ll pass by Avignonet-Lauragais, steeped in Cathar history. Be sure to visit the Church of Notre-Dame des Miracles and the Maison de la Haute-Garonne, where a Canal du Midi exhibition awaits.
Continue on to Montferrand, where a 14th-century fortified gate greets you, then reach the Seuil de Naurouze—the canal’s highest point at 189 meters above sea level. This is where Pierre-Paul Riquet devised the ingenious water-sharing system between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean.
The final stretch leads gently into Castelnaudary. Stroll along the Grand Bassin’s waterfront, take in the panoramic view, and treat yourself to a well-earned plate of the town’s famous cassoulet.
To return to Toulouse, you have two options:
– Cycle back along the same scenic route (33 + 32 km) to extend the adventure.
– Take a regional TER train from Castelnaudary.
⚠️ Don’t forget to check train times and reserve your bike spot in advance—places are limited, especially on weekends and in peak season.