Toulouse may be France's fourth-largest city, but it has no shortage of green spaces, both in its immediate vicinity and further afield. Our selection of the most beautiful hikes around Toulouse offers a range of circuits to suit all levels, all starting within an hour or less of the city.
1. Canal du Midi from Toulouse to Cavaillé
- Distance: 17.1 km
- Difference in altitude: 382 m
- Duration : 4 h 30
- Itinerary
The Canal du Midi starts in Toulouse, before following a course that takes it all the way to the Mediterranean Sea. The 278 kilometer-long Unesco World Heritage waterway is an excellent hiking destination, and offers some of the most beautiful walks around Toulouse. This is a walk or bike ride of intermediate difficulty. Indeed, the circuit is fairly flat, but it's its length that can make it a little tiring. However, as this is an out-and-back itinerary, you can turn back whenever you like.
2. Around Clermont-le-Fort
- Distance: 6.6 km
- Difference in altitude: 231 m
- Duration: 2 hrs
- Itinerary
One of the most beautiful hikes around Toulouse, this itinerary starts in Clermont-le-Fort, half an hour's drive from the city. You'll then walk along a circuit forming a loop in a rich natural area of forest and river. The area is protected as the Garonne-Ariège confluence nature reserve, so visitors are encouraged to take steps to reduce their ecological footprint. The forest trail can be uneven, even muddy after wet weather, so good walking shoes are recommended. This medium-level hike is also ideal on hot summer days, as it is rather shady and partly follows the course of the river, which cools the air.
3. Around the Pech David leisure park
- Distance: 5.1 km
- Difference in altitude: 150 m
- Duration: 1 h 30
- Itinerary
The big advantage of this easy hike is that you won't have to go too far, as it starts directly in the southern part of Toulouse. You'll explore the most beautiful spots at the Pech David leisure park, perched on a hill above the Garonne. It's a must-see in Toulouse, not only because it's a veritable green lung, but also because it offers a superb view of the pink city, and even, on a clear day, of the Pyrenees. You can also enjoy a variety of sports on site, including mountain biking, soccer, rugby and even archery.
4. The GR®861 Via Garona
- Distance: 166 km
- Difference in altitude: 2,104 m
- Duration: 7 to 12 days
- Itinerary
This is not a leisurely Sunday stroll, but a French GR, i.e. a long-distance, signposted itinerary requiring several days to complete in its entirety. Of course, you can also choose to do only part of it, for example, over a day or a weekend, especially as it's a point-to-point route, so you'll have to make your own way back, usually by train or bus. The Via Garona can also be used as a pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. In this case, you'll need to continue along the Pyrenean Piedmont route. The GR®861 is a pleasant walk through beautiful Midi countryside and pretty villages.
5. The Cabéou circuit
- Distance: 8.9 km
- Difference in altitude: 237 m
- Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
- Itinerary
The Cabéou circuit is a little further afield, starting in Bruniquel, an hour's drive from the pink city. Despite this, it remains one of the most beautiful hikes around Toulouse, not only because Bruniquel is one of France's most beautiful villages, and therefore worth a visit, but also because the route follows the Aveyron river, before descending into forested landscapes, forming a loop that returns to the starting point. This is a medium-level hike, and one of the must-do's in Occitanie.
6. Pechbusque - Old Toulouse
- Distance: 16.6 km
- Difference in altitude: 560 m
- Time: 5 hrs
- Itinerary
This is one of the best hikes around Toulouse if you're looking to push yourself, as it's a difficult one due to its long distance and hilly terrain. You don't have to go far to do it, as it starts just outside Toulouse, in the commune of Pechbusque. Good sports equipment is required, especially hiking or trail shoes, as the course can be muddy.
7. Stage 19 of the GR®65: Moissac - Lauzerte
- Distance: 28.2 km
- Difference in altitude: 683 m
- Duration : 7 h 30
- Itinerary
The GR® 65, or Chemin du Puy, is another long-distance hiking trail that passes close to Toulouse. Here, we're proposing just one stage, of a difficult level due to its length and some climbs. This represents a full day's walking. The starting point is Moissac, an hour's drive from Toulouse, whose abbey is a UNESCO World Heritage site. You'll then walk to Lauzerte, one of France's most beautiful villages. Please note that this is an itinerary on earthy, sometimes muddy ground, so good walking shoes are essential.
The article to read: to organize your next bivouac, read our tips for sleeping in a tent.
8. The Notre-Dame des Bois loop
- Distance: 12.2 km
- Elevation gain: 310 m
- Duration: 3 hrs 30 mins
- Itinerary
This route starts in Clermont-le-Fort, Haute-Garonne, about half an hour's drive from Toulouse. The medium-level trail passes through a variety of landscapes: fields, vineyards, riverbanks, villages and woods. Once again, waterproof hiking boots are required, and walking poles may also be necessary, as there are muddy sections.
9. Around Lac de la Ramée
- Distance: 4.2 km
- Difference in altitude: 116 m
- Duration: 1 h
- Itinerary
The tour of Lac de la Ramée is one of the most enjoyable walks around Toulouse for families or leisurely strolls. It's not particularly difficult, doesn't climb much and takes just one hour to complete, which can easily be extended with a picnic by the lake. What's more, Lac de la Ramée is only 20 minutes from the center of Toulouse, and can even be reached by public transport.
The article to read: organize your stay in more detail with our program for a weekend in Toulouse.
10. Promenade Henri Martin
- Distance: 3.5 km
- Height difference: 91 m
- Walking time: 1 h
- Itinerary
The Promenade Henri Martin is a pleasant, easy walk in the heart of Toulouse. Walk along the banks of the Garonne and admire the city's rich heritage of historic bridges and churches.
