The 10 most beautiful hikes to do around Toulouse

Passing through the Rose City, do you have a sudden desire for nature? Here is our selection of the best hikes around Toulouse.

Toulouse is a metropolis of southern France in the department of Haute-Garonne. La Garonne is this river that crosses the city and department.

You can also enjoy the famous Canal du Midi or its alleys more charming than others. The surroundings of the city have been preserved from massive urbanization. They have beautiful picturesque villages and beautiful walking opportunities.

Here, moreover, why not organize a revitalizing exit around the Rose City? To help you choose your route, discover our selection of the best hikes around Toulouse.

1. The trail of the Crests in Lautrec

This superb hike around Toulouse leads you to the sumptuous village of Lautrec. You will discover its picturesque little streets and surrounding hills. From these, the medieval city or the Black Mountain can be admired. This well-marked loop starts from Mercadial Square in the centre of the village.

The itinerary is easy to follow and requires no special equipment: this quiet walk will delight small and large. The undergrowth trail is particularly pleasant because of the shadow, especially the summer.

Moreover, you are advised to go there in July and August to enjoy the many festivals organized around the corner.

2. From Toulouse to Cavaillé by the Canal du Midi

This hike around Toulouse takes a section of the famous Canal du Midi. Built by Pierre-Paul Riquet In the 17th century and escorted by majestic centenary plane trees, he made the famous of the region. This colossal work is even classified as Unesco World Heritage!

The trail is shaded and runs along a popular and frequented bike route. The points of interest to be discovered during your walk are many: time locks, bridges and spots for a quiet picnic. The Canal du Midi continues until Sète but turn around at Castanet for this rando, it’s safer!

3. The Cammazes Lake Tower

From the parking lot of the Cammazes school, head to the “Cammazes breakthrough”. This tunnel designed by Vauban is more than a hundred metres long and leads to a path leading to the village lake. Well-appointed and carved by a forest of foliage and conifers, it’s good to walk there in the summer.

This randonné around Toulouse will make you discover the streams feeding the lake, farms of times and pretty meadows. These are blooming from April to September: they highlight the horizon from which the ruins of the castle of the commune emerge.

A nice bucolic and refreshing walk for the whole family!

4. Lake Balerme

Lake Balerme is known throughout the region by fishermen and walkers. This tourist site is very pleasant to explore. Close to the centre of Verfeil, it allows to decorate the legs by avoiding too much fatigue. On both sides of the water plan are well-appointed grassy picnic areas.

What a pleasure to have a fresh lunch in the middle of the summer season! Fruit trees pass through your path: beautiful in the spring when nature awakens, it is forbidden to touch them when they produce their fruits.

5. Lac des Montagnès

This hike around Toulouse is a must-see tourist. It crosses the village of Hautpoul, high place of catharism and cradle of the city of Mazamet. The circuit links the laces between the Gorges de l’Arnette and its valley. An exceptional view of this latter is proposed to you from the Masamet Bridge.

Long 140 meters long, it is perched over 70 meters above the tumultuous waters from the Black Mountain. Finally, you reach Lac des Montagnès: its 25 hectares welcome hikers for a well-deserved break. A botanical path will precede the view of the "Plo de la Bise".

It offers beautiful views of the city of Mazamet, the valley of the Arnette and the village of Hautpoul.

6. Lac de la Ramée

This hike around Toulouse takes place at Lake Ramée. Enjoyed by small (and large) for its leisure base, this carefully designed water plan allows swimming between July and August only. There are many activities: kayaking, rollerblading, golf, modelling, fishing...

You can simply picnic there after having longed its peaceful shores where the typical trees of the region are reflected. Easily accessible from the Pink City, La Ramée Lake is a pleasant walk in relaxation mode. Cool, right?

7. The Canal du Midi between the lock of Castanet and the bridge of Mange-Pommes

Once in the city of Castanet-Tolosan, south of Toulouse, park near its lock. You will have to follow the course of the Canal du Midi to the bridge of Manges-Pommes. Ducks, péniches and plane trees accompany your quiet walk along this shaded route. Information plates mark your path and will bring you interesting information about the construction of the canal.

A few inns dating from the 19th century are on your road and offer traditional regional cuisine. Cassoulet or apple chips, you choose!

8. The Cubservies Waterfall

This hike around Toulouse crosses the Rieutort valley in the department of Aude. From the village of Roquefère you will cross a sumptuous green oak forest to the Cubserviès waterfall. This waterfall is almost a hundred meters away!

Close by, the beautiful medieval village of Labastide-Esparbaïrenque is quickly found thanks to the well-appointed trail. A breathtaking panorama opens onto the Black Mountain and the Sambrès Plateau. This journey in the middle of nature has everything for him: come and enjoy it!

9. The path of Canti

A hike around Toulouse in the undergrowth at the same time bucolic and with beautiful views, is it rubbing you? Then sock them and climb to the panoramic table of the Tectosages. The colours of the Garonne valley are beautiful, aren’t they?

Continue your progress to Auzil Castle, a 17th century masterpiece. Your itinerary flows in the shade on a earthy path with a delicate smell of humus. A nice moment in the open air to share with all those you love: it does not present any difficulty!

10. Lake Bancalié

Near the commune of Roumegoux, the Lake of the Bancalié is willingly ready for a small loop. This hike around Toulouse starts at the parking lot along the D138, a few hundred meters after the dam. What, a dam? Yes: Unfortunately, the latter prohibits swimming... But not the ride!

Between the lake shores and undergrowth, this well protected course of the sun is part of a remarkable natural setting. Between hills and pastures, you will enjoy the beauty of the region by stinging or picking mushrooms in the autumn. The spot is taken from the gastronomes, it seems...