Canal Du Midi Toulouse Walk and Cycle Map with GPX
Start your walk along the Canal du Midi from the scenic Port Saint-Sauveur in Toulouse, a well-known canal basin in the heart of the city.
This peaceful spot is a popular starting point for walkers and cyclists exploring the historic canal. The route follows the towpath southeast from the port, offering a tree-lined path alongside the calm canal waters.
As you head out of Toulouse, the walk quickly takes you away from the busy streets and into quieter suburban areas. Near the canal, you can explore the nearby Place du Capitole, a historic square that is one of Toulouse's most famous landmarks, and a great spot to visit before starting your walk. Shortly after leaving the city, the path passes close to the Cité de l'Espace, a space museum with interactive exhibits and life-size spacecraft, offering an interesting diversion if you wish to explore the area more deeply.
The Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the oldest working canals in Europe, completed in the 17th century to connect the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. Along this section, you will pass by traditional canal locks, stone bridges, and historic structures that showcase the canal’s engineering importance. The towpath is flat, well-maintained, and shaded by plane trees, making it an excellent walking route for all levels.
Continuing southeast, the walk becomes increasingly rural with open countryside and quiet canal-side villages. You will pass close to the village of Montgiscard, a pleasant place to pause and enjoy local cafés or explore the village streets. Montgiscard is also a convenient end point for a day’s walk, located roughly 10 miles from the starting point. From here, you can either return by public transport or continue your journey along the canal.
For more information about the history and features of the canal, the official Canal du Midi website provides further details and visitor resources. This walk offers a perfect combination of historical interest, natural beauty, and urban highlights, making it one of the most enjoyable ways to experience the heritage and landscape of southern France.
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