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Choose your department
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Haute-Garonne
Le Canal du Midi
Whether you are on foot or on a bike , you should not miss this beautiful canal. It crosses Toulouse, and then makes its way towards the Lauragais, before dropping into Lake Thau near Sète.
So, what's the history of this lovely waterway? In the 17th century, Pierre-Paul Riquet, a farmer and thus a thinking man, persuaded Colbert to let him oversee the construction of a Canal to join the two oceans: Océane and the Mediterranean. Once they'd reached an agreement, ten thousand people started working on the Toulouse-Sète stretch. Although the work went ahead at a good rate, its originator would not live to see its completion.
Originally, the canal was used to distribute the agricultural products of south-west France. Today, its main use is for recreation. There is a bicycle track that runs from Toulouse to Villefranche-de-Lauragais. Once you've pedalled through the joggers in the first few kilometres, it's just the water and you. You're living Riquet's dream - the blend of natural beauty and simple solutions. You hardly need any more information, really. Just pedal along and enjoy yourself.
If you start your trip on the Demoiselle Bridge in Toulouse, then have a quick look at the radoub basin. Also worth a look is the 18th century hall in which barges get restored in dry-dock
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Ariège
Les Talcs de Luzenac
It’s at an altitude of 1700m, and it’s very white. The sheer size of this old quarry is impressive, as are the enormous dumper trucks, which trundle around its white roads. Man and machine have to work in total harmony in order to obtain this powdery harvest. It’s true that the hard grind of quarrying is done mechanically, but the individual worker is responsible for sorting the finest rock. It’s a breathtaking scene. You can buy statues carved from talc, by the workers in their spare time. It is possible to visit the quarry between May and October, but you need to book. For information, call the Ax Valley
tourist office on + 33 (0)5. 61. 64. 60 60
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Tarn
The Ambialet Meander
It’s simple, and so beautiful. The Tarn meandered round the Ambialet hill, and presto! - a perfect circle of water. Not wanting to be outdone by Mother Nature, man decided to add his mark, and built a castle in the 10th century, as well as two churches and an Abbey between the 11th and 15th century. And it’s by no means an easy place to build.
It’s magnificent to view by road, but treat yourself to a kayak trip right round, if you get time. It’s more spectacular than the pyramids!
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Gers
The Flaran valley
As the General himself once said: “Does one really need a house in Gascony?” Er, yes. And the place to have it is in the old abbey situated just south of Condom, in which the Institut Culturau de Gasconha has its headquarters. It’s a magnificent building which dates from the 12th century, and which has suffered over the years from the 100 years war, religious disputes, and revolutions. This good example of Cistercian architecture was until 1970 used as a farm store. It was only in 1972 that the départment (state / county) bought it and made it into a cultural centre. Historical seminars are organised there. And when this beautiful building surrounds you, you’re envious of the students who attend!
Tel +33 (0) 5 62 28 50 19
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