Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges (top left), the castle of Roquefixade (bottom) and the surroundings of Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val. - Aurélien Ferreira, Claude Alleva, Nicolas Stival

  • The health crisis linked to the coronavirus should favor tourism in France during the next weekends and this summer.
  • To inspire you a bit for your holidays, 20 Minutes  has chosen five hikes or bicycle tours to discover around Toulouse.

Of course, the movement limit of 100 km set up during deconfinement is now lifted. But the coming holidays will be essentially hexagonal. 20 Minutes has concocted great tips, exotic, near Toulouse. And there's something for everyone.

A change of scenery close to the Capitol

No need to go far from the Pink City to take a breath of fresh air in nature and discover magnificent panoramas of the Pyrenees. From Saint-Geniès-Bellevue, north of Toulouse, families can take advantage of marked trails, between fields and hills, passing through the shaded banks of the Lenguille stream and oak woods, to Saint-Loup- Cammas.

Château de Saint-Geniès in Saint-Geniès-Bellevue #MonumentH historique 👉 https://t.co/ZkxP9l1mjC pic.twitter.com/LVzFfL2dVR

- Monumentum (@monumentum_fr) February 6, 2020

Before entering the hills of northern Toulouse, a stop is essential at the castle of Saint-Geniès, a listed historic monument, and its pretty church. Another walk is also possible by taking the Poutou footpath, connecting Paulhac.

A circus near you

Gorges and limestone cliffs within 100 km of Toulouse? It exists, near the pretty city of Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val, in Tarn-et-Garonne. Many paths allow you to discover the Cirque de Bône and, why not, take a dip in the Aveyron river after tackling the coast of "Ouf".

"Phew", like the sound you emit when you have finished the steep climb, using the cable attached to the rock wall if necessary. No need to be afraid: although sporty, the route can be done with the family. But with good shoes.

By bike, in the wheels of Pierre-Paul Riquet

To rediscover all the magic that led to the creation of the Canal du Midi, nothing beats a bike trip on the lake side of Saint-Ferréol. There, before riding their mountain bike, walkers can discover the museum and the canal gardens. This is the starting point for the greenway, passable by mountain bike and hybrid bike in dry weather.

The lake of Saint-Ferréol which feeds #CanalDuMidi 👍 # BaladeSympa #TourismeOccitanie #MagnifiqueFrance #BeautifulFrance #patitage #histoire #nikon #photography #occitanie #Tarn #aude #hautegaronne pic.twitter.com/xH8YH3AmOP

- Balade Sympa🏃 (@Balade_Sympa) March 14, 2018

It follows the channel of the plain, dug to supply water to the Canal du Midi. Winding its way, this shaded and marked way leads on 17 km to the lake of Lenclas, in the Aude. It will take a good hour to connect the two lakes on the outward journey, and allow half an hour more for the return due to the ascent to Saint-Ferréol. The more athletic can continue after Lenclas to the threshold of Naurouze and the Canal du Midi, 23 km further.

In Via Garona mode

Stretching over 170 km, Via Garona links the sites of Santiago de Compostela between Toulouse and Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges. Upgraded three years ago by the Haute-Garonne departmental council, this long-distance hike crosses no less than 41 municipalities and links the six monuments listed as Unesco World Heritage.

One of the stages spans the church of Gourdan-Polignan in Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges, where it is possible to visit the cathedral and exhibitions among Olivetans. During this 9.9 km hike, between history and nature, to be done in almost three hours, you will discover Seilhan, Labroquère or even the Saint-Just de Valcabrère basilica of the 11th and 12th centuries. Bus line 398 serves the two municipalities on weekdays.

Roquefixade, in the footsteps of the Cathars

Even if it only reaches 900 m, the castle of Roquefixade offers a superb 360 ° panorama on the mountain and the Ariège foothills. 15 km east of Foix, this 11th century building is the symbol of a small town located on the Cathar trail and the Bonshommes trail.

Among the ten marked hikes that leave from the village, a 2.8 km loop allows you to climb to the majestic ruins. But it is possible to choose other routes with evocative names, such as the path of the Dead Man.

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  • Covid 19
  • Hiking
  • Summer holidays
  • Deconfinement
  • Coronavirus
  • School vacation
  • Toulouse