Le Grès walks

A hike in the countryside on the border between Gers and Haute Garonne, starting from the Abbey of Sainte-Marie-du-Désert and passing through two pretty little villages, Vignaux and Garac.

Le Burgaud, a name that recalls the heather that once covered its territory, is a rural municipality where the first hillsides of Gascony begin. Traces of six Gallo-Roman villas have been found in the village. It was founded in 1124 by Lord Bertrand de Cobirac, who ceded the territory to the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem, who held a commandery there until 1789. The fortified village was clustered around the church and the Commanders' fortified house.

This walk will allow you to discover three villages, mainly along paths.

At the beginning ofthe 12th century, the village belonged to the Counts of Isle Jourdain. A fortified village, which later became the property of the Kings of France, Bretx came under the control of various lords: the Faudoas family inthe 16th century, the Le Mazuyer family inthe 18th century and the Belbèze family before the Revolution. Bretx enjoyed prosperity in the19th century, as evidenced by most of the buildings in the village. After declining in the last century, the village is now experiencing a new boom as it welcomes new residents.

A short, easy route, accessible to all. There is little traffic, beautiful views, the lake shore... 30% of the route is paved.

Le Burgaud, a name that recalls the heather that once covered its territory, is a rural commune where the first hillsides of Gascony begin. Traces of six Gallo-Roman villas have been found in the village. It was founded in 1124 by Lord Bertrand de Cobirac, who ceded the territory to the Knights of St John of Jerusalem, who held a commandery there until 1789. The fortified village was clustered around the church and the Commande fortified house.

Menville is a pleasant little village on the left bank of the Save. The river meanders lazily through green meadows. Pretty houses with carefully tended gardens are grouped around the bell tower. The residents of Menville enjoy the peace and quiet and proximity to nature. Country roads lead to beautiful old farms, which everyone takes pride in maintaining and improving.

Cologne, near Toulouse, remains one of the most beautiful bastides in the South-West. In the surrounding area, open farmland offers glimpses of brick houses, hydraulic and tourist facilities, and more.

On the west bank of the Save, a passageway through the Pyrenees, marked by evidence of ancient occupation: carved and polished stones, jewellery, coins from the Gallo-Roman period. In the 12th century, Larra became an agricultural estate owned by the Cistercian abbey of Grandselve. The fairs in Grenade allowed the farmers of Larra to sell their produce. The Avocat dairy farm produced wine that rivalled the best vintages of Fronton. In 1955, Larra became an independent commune.

Route through the Bouconne National Forest. No particular difficulty as this hike has very little elevation gain. Very shaded route, perfect for summer family hikes.

This yellow-marked hike is not difficult. However, be careful when crossing the D6 road twice.

Starting from the church in Pujaudran, route between Pujaudran and Lias with a detour to Fontenilles. CR1 marked route from Pujaudran.

Among the hiking routes available from Pujaudran is the CR2, the Bouconne Forest route. This is a circular route to the north-east of Pujaudran, which crosses part of the forest via a forest track and continues along theGR®653trail, the Saint-Jacques path, almost to the Saint-Louis entrance, before returning up a small valley, following the central stream.

Circular starting from the forest house car park, mainly on paths with beautiful views. The start follows part of the Way of St James via Arles. The route to Pujaudran largely follows the GTP (Grand Tour de Pujaudran).

Founded in 1290 on the initiative of Eustache de Beaumarchais, Seneschal of the King of France and Prior of the Cistercian Abbey of Grandselve, the town of Grenade was built in a grid pattern, with a market hall and church. It prospered as the population cleared the surrounding wooded areas. Often pillaged during the Hundred Years' War and the Wars of Religion, calm and prosperity returned under Henry IV. In 1790, Grenade became the capital of the canton of Haute-Garonne.

The Gimone and its three main tributaries cover more than 600 hectares of natural floodplain meadows. These meadows occupied the entire floodplain at the beginning of the 20th century. They have declined significantly, even disappearing from some municipalities with the development of intensive agriculture and the decline of livestock farming. Nevertheless, these meadows play an important role in flood control and represent a heritage that deserves to be promoted.

Throughout this hike, you can admire the multitude of dovecotes, each one different. The trail takes you back to the bastide town along the banks of the Gimone and ends at the wash house.

Circular, mainly in the forest or forest edge, with relatively little asphalt. May be muddy in places (field edges and tractor tracks) after rain. Some beautiful views of Lias, Bonrepos-sur-Aussonelle and the Toulouse plain.

An easy hike through the woods and vineyards of Frontonnais, once you have completed thefirst climb.

This walk close to the city remains mostly rural and allows you to discover the pretty Pont Saint Jean bridge and the small Bois de Monturon forest. An ideal family walk with no difficulty.

Come and escape to the bucolic surroundings of Bonrepos-sur-Aussonnelle, on the border between Haute-Garonne and Gers.

Starting from the village of Saint-Rustice, you cross the magnificent Pompignan communal wood and join the greenway along the Garonne side canal. Be careful at the start as there is a short steep slope!

This easy route allows you to explore some of the many paths in the commune, offering beautiful views of the Pyrenees and the rolling landscapes of Saiguède. Avoid after heavy rain as some areas may be muddy.

This long walk along the Touch, between the river, lakes, woods and meadows, is very pleasant, varied, often shaded and well laid out. It can also be done by bike. And, of course, you can walk shorter sections.

Easy walk around the various lakes of the Bidot estate between Fonsorbes, Plaisance du Touch and Frouzins. This route starts at the park entrance and the Salle Bidot in Fonsorbes.