Heading for the south of France, more precisely between Toulouse, Carcassonne and Albi, to discover the Lauragais region. At the source of the famous Canal du Midi, this area boasts a remarkable heritage and a multitude of small authentic villages where it is pleasant to stop and taste some of the local flavours. Among other specialities, foie gras and cassoulet from Castelnaudary, to be enjoyed with a good Malepère PDO wine. But it is also a great place for nature lovers. The varied landscapes offered are a call to hiking, contemplation and the practice of different sports activities. Here are some reasons to make the Pays Lauragais your next holiday destination
The Lauragais region: heading for the villages and the discovery of a rich heritage
A major place of Catharism between the 11th and 12th centuries, in the Pays Lauragais there are traces of this period of history in splendid villages, from Laurac-le-Grand perched at the top of a hill, to Saint-Félix-Lauragais or Fanjeaux, a pole site of the Cathar Country whose Seignadou offers an exceptional panoramic view over the surrounding plains. The territory also has about twenty bastides, these new villages with a geometric construction in the shape of a checkerboard. The town of Revel is a perfect example, with its square, its beautiful period residences, the museum of wood and marquetry which allows you to discover crafts and arts and crafts and its market identified as one of the 100 most beautiful in France, which for more than 600 years, have delighted Saturday mornings with its life and its colours. Don't forget to mention the abbeys, which offer a journey back several centuries. At the foot of the Montagne Noire, there is the impressive abbey-school of the village of Sorèze, which since 1988 has been classified as a historical monument and houses the Dom Robert Tapestry Museum. You can also take the direction of the episcopal city of Saint-Papoul, where another magnificent abbey takes place, in the middle of a village with remarkable medieval streets. These different places are proof that the Pays Lauragais offers the possibility of a stay where culture and heritage punctuate escapades in a natural setting. And because there is undoubtedly something for everyone, you can also enjoy a few moments of shopping in the Nailloux brand village, before taking a look at the southern Gothic style pastel church in Montgeard
Take full advantage of outdoor activities
Pays Lauragais is an exceptional natural destination, with more than 300 km of marked trails, it offers the opportunity to take countless walks and hikes on foot or by bike and to cross landscapes with undulating character. It should be recalled that the territory is bordered to the north by the Montagne Noire and to the south by the hills of La Piège, the first fruits of the Pyrenees. Several itineraries are proposed in the region in order to carry out small or long hikes, each with its own specificities. From Calmont, we walk the wind turbine path, a walk of a rather easy level and where the wind regularly invites itself. By choosing Nailloux as your starting point, we make sure to take a path that will allow us to discover a 6-winged mill and enjoy an exceptional view of part of the Pyrenees. Let us not forget either that a pilgrim road leading to Santiago de Compostela crosses the Lauragais region and therefore offers the possibility to follow part of this mythical and so travelled path every year
The difference in altitude on the various paths that cross the region makes it a favourite terrain for mountain biking enthusiasts. With in particular a site labelled by the FFC. And since the Pays Lauragais is crossed by many rivers and streams, water sports enthusiasts have the opportunity to swim on sunny days, such as at Lac de l'Orme Blanc or Saint-Ferréol, but also to practice canoeing from Belpech on the Hers Vif or rowing from Renneville as well as fishing on the shores of Lake Thésauque or Via Ferrata in the Malamort gorges, sails at Lake Ganguise and water ski lift in Bram. Climbing and flying over the territory are also possible in a region where sport is like second nature
Discover or rediscover the Canal du Midi
Since the 17th century, the Canal du Midi has linked Toulouse to the Mediterranean Sea. There are different ways to explore the Lauragais region and enjoy its surroundings. It is the gateway to incredible discoveries and must appear in the agenda of all those who wish to visit the Lauragais region. On foot or by bike, you can walk along the canal and take the time to stop and contemplate the surrounding wonders. We pass through the Naurouze Threshold, where the water, which comes from the Black Mountain, takes two different paths, one towards the Atlantic and the other towards the Mediterranean. You can also reach Saint-Ferréol by the Rigole to learn more about the history of the canal by visiting the museum and the gardens of the Canal du Midi. It should be noted that on foot, the banks are often shaded by tall century-old trees and are therefore a privileged place for relaxing walks and gourmet breaks around a picnic with local flavours. By bike, several loops are available. The bicycle path of the Canal du Midi, which is about forty kilometres long, leads through a colourful countryside and is an opportunity to stop in remarkable small medieval villages. Finally, there is also the possibility of renting a boat, for a few hours or a few days, and going down the canal peacefully, to the rhythm of the sounds of nature and the sound of the water. We pass through different key places in the region such as Le Grand Bassin, with a unique view of the city of Castelnaudary. Further on, we stop in the canal port of Bram. We take the path that leads to the town to see its architectural splendours and see its circular shape, typical of many villages in the Languedoc. Take the time to stop at the Essarts, Arts and Culture Centre in Bram or the Eburomagus Archaeological Museum. We finally reach Carcassonne and of course we do not fail to conquer the one that is the largest fortified city in Europe
