Staying in our gîtes in the Lauragais, … means taking advantage of an ideal location between Toulouse and Castelnaudary to explore the Lake Saint-Ferréol, the Canal du Midi, the Montagne Noire and a string of villages, markets and heritage sites that are easily accessible.
A region to explore from the Gîtes du Lauragais
The Lauragais is a nature-oriented destination, where most activities are enjoyed on foot, by bike or on the water, in an unspoilt countryside setting. The villages, markets and places of interest are spread out over a relatively compact area, making it easy to go on day trips or half-day excursions.
When you stay in our air-conditioned holiday cottages, you’ll enjoy both quick access to the main roads leading to Toulouse, Castelnaudary and the Montagne Noire, and a peaceful setting with views over the rolling countryside of the Lauragais. Our location means you can enjoy plenty of day trips without spending too much time in the car, whether you’re travelling as a couple, with your family or on business.
1. Relax by Lake Saint-Ferréol
Le Lake Saint-Ferréol is one of the region’s most iconic sites, serving both as a historic reservoir for the Canal du Midi and a leisure centre much loved by locals and visitors alike. Surrounded by forests and Laricio pines, it offers a shaded environment that remains pleasant from spring to autumn, with paths accessible even with a pushchair.
Once there, you can switch between different activities throughout the day:
- Supervised swimming in summer.
- Pedalos and stand-up paddleboards can be hired from water sports operators.
- A walk along the path that goes round the lake.
- A picnic in the shade of the pine forest.
The site is open to the public all year round, with several car parks, drinking fountains and toilets dotted around the lake, making it particularly convenient for a family outing that can be adapted to the weather and the children’s ages.
2. Discover the Canal du Midi in Port-Lauragais
Le Canal du Midi is one of the main reasons for choosing the Lauragais as a base, and the area of Port-Lauragais makes it easy to enjoy, even for first-time visitors. In Port-Lauragais, you’ll find a marina, a towpath perfect for walking or cycling, and facilities to ensure a comfortable stopover.
Once you’re there, you have several options:
- Electric boat hire for a one- or two-hour trip, with no licence required and no need to pass through locks.
- A walk along the towpath, following a signposted route to La Planque lock or towards Castelnaudary.
- Tour of the Haute-Garonne House, which features a tourism information area, an exhibition on the Canal du Midi and a shop selling local produce.
This stage therefore combines an exploration of the river heritage, outdoor activities and practical information to help you plan further visits in the department.
3. Hiking in the Montagne Noire
In the south of the Lauragais region, the Montagne Noire forms a mountain range with varied terrain, offering a wide range of hiking trails for all levels, from family walks to more challenging hikes. There are some remarkable viewpoints, particularly around the Pic de Nore, the highest peak in the range at 1,211 metres.
The signposted trails take you through dense forests, past impressive waterfalls such as Cubserviès, and through typical hilltop villages. You can therefore plan:
- A short loop lasting a few hours with little elevation gain.
- A day's hike to take in the wider views.
- A tour exploring the natural heritage, combining lakes, waterfalls and viewing points.
From our holiday cottages, these hikes are the perfect complement to the more leisurely activities along the canal or at Lake Saint-Ferréol, offering a day out in the fresh air.
4. Enjoy the Revel Market
Le Revel Market, which takes place on Saturday mornings in the large central square, is regularly cited as one of the most beautiful markets in France. Housed in a vast market hall, it brings together numerous local producers offering fruit, vegetables, cheese, cold meats, poultry and specialities from the South-West.
This market offers a unique opportunity to:
- Do your weekly or weekend shopping.
- Discover seasonal produce and local recipes.
- Meet the artisans and producers of the Lauragais region.
It’s also one of the best ways to soak up the atmosphere of a small town in the South-West, before heading back to cook a leisurely meal in the fully equipped kitchen of your holiday cottage.
 |
 |
5. Visit Castelnaudary and its canal-side harbour
Located near the Gîtes du Lauragais, Castelnaudary is a key stop along the Canal du Midi, with a large basin and several locks that give the town its character. Here you can explore a wealth of architectural heritage, including the Saint-Michel Collegiate Church, as well as the canal quays, which have been developed as a pleasant place for a stroll.
Castelnaudary is ideal for a half-day visit: a stroll through the streets of the town centre, a walk around the Grand Bassin, and a stop at a viewpoint to watch the boats go by. At the end of the day, you can return to the peace and quiet of our gîtes, having enjoyed the atmosphere of a small port town typical of the Lauragais region.
6. Explore the villages and fortified towns of the Lauragais
The Lauragais region is also notable for its charming villages, often laid out as bastides with a central square and a grid-patterned street layout. Around Revel and Saint-Félix-Lauragais, you’ll pass through many typical villages such as Saint-Julia, Mouzens, Cuq-Toulza and Montgey, all easily accessible by car or bike.
Several nearby medieval villages are well worth a visit, such as Sorèze, Revel and Saint-Félix-Lauragais, where the half-timbered houses and shaded squares create a very pleasant atmosphere for a stroll. For a slightly longer trip, the village of Mirepoix also boasts a remarkable medieval square with arcades, ideal for a stroll and a coffee on a terrace.
These visits can easily be combined with a wider day out, for example by including two or three villages on the same itinerary.
7. Discover Saint-Papoul Abbey and the religious sites
Among the heritage sites in the area, the’Saint-Papoul Abbey is notable for its peaceful setting and gardens, which offer a pleasant stroll around the religious buildings. The abbey gardens provide a relaxing setting in which to admire the architecture and the carefully tended plants.
This type of visit is ideal for warmer days, when you’re looking for somewhere that’s both shaded and culturally rich. It can be combined with a visit to other villages in the Lauragais region or a stop at Lake Saint-Ferréol, which is easily accessible from this area.
8. Set aside a day for a visit to the Cité de Carcassonne
About an hour’s drive from the Lauragais, the The City of Carcassonne is a memorable day-out, particularly for longer stays. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this fortified medieval town is one of the finest examples of military architecture in Europe, with its ramparts, towers and cobbled streets.
From our holiday cottages, you can spend a whole day exploring the Cité and the lower town, before returning to enjoy the peace and quiet of the countryside in the evening. This contrast between the hustle and bustle of a major tourist attraction and the tranquillity of the Lauragais region enhances the comfort of a holiday in a self-catering cottage.
9. Take a trip to Toulouse, the ‘Pink City’
Toulouse, located about an hour’s drive from the Lauragais, offers a wide range of cultural and city attractions to round off your stay. Highlights include the Place du Capitole, the Basilica of Saint-Sernin, the banks of the Garonne, and several museums such as the Musée des Augustins.
A day trip to Toulouse is easy to organise from our holiday cottages, thanks to the region’s major roads and train stations. You can alternate between the hustle and bustle of the city and a return to your quiet, air-conditioned and comfortable accommodation, where you can settle back into your usual routine, just as if you were at home.
10. Sample local produce and cuisine
The Lauragais region is renowned for its hearty cuisine, which you’ll find at markets, in specialist shops and in places such as the Haute-Garonne House in Port-Lauragais. This shop offers a selection of local specialities, including foie gras, cassoulet, Fronton wines, honey and regional ceramics.
To organise your meals on site, you can:
- Go shopping at Revel market or in the nearby villages.
- Pick up a few local specialities in the shop, in Port-Lauragais or at the tourist information offices.
- Make the most of the fully equipped kitchens in our holiday cottages to easily prepare meals using local produce.
This approach allows you to choose your own meals, whilst discovering the culinary diversity of the South-West at your own pace.
FAQ
What activities are suitable for families with children?
Families particularly appreciate the Lake Saint-Ferréol, which offers supervised swimming in summer, treasure hunts and accessible walks around the lake. The Canal du Midi at Port-Lauragais, with its flat towpaths and electric boat trips, is also very child-friendly, as is exploring the markets and small villages, where distances are manageable.
How many days should you allow to see the must-see sights?
In three to four days, you can already visit Lake Saint-Ferréol, the Canal du Midi, the market in Revel and a few villages. If you add a day in Toulouse or the Cité de Carcassonne, a week-long stay allows you to enjoy a more relaxed pace, with time to rest at your gîte.
Are the activities available all year round?
Most walks, village tours and hikes are available from spring to autumn, and many sites, such as Lake Saint-Ferréol, are open free of charge all year round. However, certain activities, such as supervised swimming or some water sports, are mainly available during the summer, whilst major towns and heritage sites can be visited at any time of year.
Is the Lauragais a good base for visiting Toulouse and Carcassonne?
The Lauragais lies between Toulouse and Carcassonne, making it a convenient base from which to organise one or two major city breaks during your stay. This allows you to enjoy the cultural riches of these cities whilst returning to peaceful accommodation in the heart of the countryside in the evening.
Is it easy to go cycling in the Lauragais?
Yes, there are several cycle routes that take you along the back roads of the Lauragais, particularly around Revel and towards the Montagne Noire. The Canal du Midi also offers sections of towpath suitable for cycling, with easier stretches for family outings and longer sections for experienced cyclists.