Top 7 walks around Toulouse

Covering an area of 118.3 km², Toulouse is France’s fourth most populous city, located in the south-west of the country. It’s true that the pink city is full of monuments, such as the Basilique Saint-Sernin, the Jacobins Convent, the Canal du Midi… and many others. But sometimes we need to cut ourselves off from the city, the stress and the daily grind. A study in Japan has shown that people who spend time outdoors are more relaxed and happier. Walking in the great outdoors and exercising can considerably reduce stress levels: with a slower pulse, lower blood pressure and cortisol levels, people tend to be more positive and optimistic about the future. Combined with better oxygenation of the brain, all this contributes to your well-being. The brain is stimulated by wide open spaces, beautiful landscapes… And if you take the opportunity to switch off your telephone, it will be even more beneficial.

It’s quite simple: we are an integral part of nature, and it’s in nature that we can feel good. Unfortunately, modern life has distanced us from what’s essential, but in order to feel more alive and more joyful, it would be a good idea for each and every one of us to organise a return to our roots, to regenerate body andmind, and to awaken our senses. We’ve put together a list of walks to do in the area…

What are the best walks around Toulouse?

Walk no. 1: The banks of the Garonne and Amidonniers

• Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Distance: 3.97 km
• Difference in height: 15 m
• High point: 147 m
• Low point: 131 m
• Difficulty: Easy

Looking for a bucolic setting where silence reigns and it’s good to sit back and meditate? Head for the Espace EDF Bazacle along the Quai Saint-Pierre. From there, let yourself be lulled and swept along by the water. You’ll find a spectacle for the eyes, as a viewpoint awaits you over the Pont Saint-Pierre and the dome of the Chapelle Saint-Joseph de la Grave. For the less sporty and adventurous among you, this walk is perfectly suited. All you have to do is follow a simple path filled with birdsong, beautiful trees and breathtaking scenery.

Tour 2: Garonne and Canal du Midi via the Toulouse cable car

• Duration: 4 hours 50 minutes
• Distance: 15.65 km
• Difference in altitude: 122 m
• High point: 255 m
• Low point: 133 m
• Difficulty: Easy

So put on your best pair of trainers, check the weather forecast just in case, pack your rucksack and a few litres of water, and off you go! Are you the marathon type? Do you like to make the pleasure of walking last? Then this is the walk for you! The walk starts at the corner of Pont Neuf, on the west side of Prairie des Filtres. You can get there easily by Metro A. The route runs alongside the Canal du Midi, passing through the Sentier Nature, Bois de Pouciquot, Cavaillé, Parc de Mange-Pommes and more, before returning to the starting point. The advantage? In summer or winter, this walk is easy to get to!

Hiking route no. 3: Nature loop at the gateway to Toulouse: from Launaguet to Montberon

• Duration: 5hrs 40mins
• Distance: 17.98 km
• Difference in altitude: 188 m
• High point: 212 m
• Low point: 141 m
• Difficulty: Medium

OK, then. Here’s where the going gets tough. Don’t worry, it’s not a Koh-Lanta test either, just a minimum of exercise. The truth is, you’re likely to get a bit tongue-tied as you go along. After all, you’re here for the adventure, aren’t you? All you have to do is follow the Chemin Cazalbarbier (south) and turn left to climb the Chemin de la Côte Blanche, which is tarmac. For trail enthusiasts, the slightly steep path with gentle climbs will be perfect for you, and will give your legs and calves a good workout too. After all, a healthy mind in a healthy body! This hike is perfect if you’re travelling with friends and looking for a new challenge. It will gently stretch your muscles and strengthen your cardiovascular system. But don’t forget to enjoy the panoramic views during the breaks!

Walk 4: The Saint-Cypriote walk

• Duration: 2 hours
• Distance: 7.09 km
• Difference in height: 5 m
• High point: 140 m
• Low point: 132 m
• Difficulty: Easy

When Toulousans talk about the city of Toulouse, they usually mention the town of Saint-Cyprien, known for its tranquillity and lush vegetation. If you’re putting together a photo album of the city of Toulouse, this is the place to go, where a thousand and one wonders await you! A veritable natural museum, it’s literally here that you can let your mind wander: the Jardin partagé des Micocouliers; the Parc de Bourrassol; the Jardin des Fontaines… So many artistic detours!

Walk no. 5: Loop from Blagnac to Gagnac via Fenouillet

• Duration: 7 hours 20 minutes
• Distance: 25.25 km
• Difference in altitude: 32 m
• High point: 143 m
• Low point: 115 m
• Difficulty: Difficult

There’s something for everyone and every level! In just 25 km, there are plenty of sites to discover: the Ruisseau de Riou, the Gagnac and Blagnac bridges, the Parc des Ramiers… all along the banks of the Garonne. The walk starts from Place du Relais in Blagnac, near the tram and bus station. This walk will give you a front-row seat to the spectacle of Mother Nature, so you can discover all her colours and shades, as well as the purity of her flora and fauna.

Walk no. 6: Countryside trail in Toulouse from Sesquières to the Garonne

• Duration: 3 hours 10 minutes
• Distance: 10.87 km
• Difference in height: 7 m
• High point: 130 m
• Low point: 121 m
• Difficulty: Medium

Of all the routes on the list, this is clearly THE one best suited to bikes, and one that children are sure to enjoy. Park at the car park south of Lac de Sesquières and start your journey. Do you remember the cartoons with their magical locations that you loved watching as a child? Well, this is exactly the same style! A forest and water features straight out of a fairytale world. You’ll feel like you’re in the countryside!

Hike 7: The Canal du Midi from Castanet Tolosan lock to Ayguesvives lock

• Duration: 7hrs 10mins
• Distance: 25.09 km
• Difference in height: 9 m
• High point: 159 m
• Low point: 149 m
• Difficulty: Medium

Set off at a leisurely pace from the car park near the Castanet Lock. Although long, the walk is not complicated. You can also turn back at any time. Alone or in a group, it gives you all the time you need to step back and refocus on yourself. It’s been known to push you to go beyond your limits, and even surpass yourself! Just for a moment, close your eyes and imagine that feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment once the ride is over…