Palaminy walks

Discover the local area in the heart of nature. Departure from the commune of Palaminy, on the right bank of the Garonne, at the hamlet of Les Pesquès on the D62. Stay alert, as you will be walking on tarmac roads for much of the route, although there is not much traffic; I only came across one vehicle. However, beautiful paths and tracks await you, and the Ruisseau des Goutères stream is a sight to behold. The route is very well signposted, even if some points are hidden by dense vegetation. Thanks to the Department.

The Volvestre inter-communal tourist office offers a marked and secure route. Starting from the Saint-Christaud keep, this walk takes you through the hillsides of Volvestre, with regular ascents and descents. You can admire numerous views of the Pyrenees mountain range and discover the agriculture of Volvestre, its fields and cattle farms. This sunny hike allows you to enjoy magnificent views of the snow-capped Pyrenees in winter and spring.

(!) The trail can be overgrown, so be careful and make sure you are well equipped. The Volvestre Intercommunal Tourist Office offers a marked trail. The Roman road trail, with a slight incline, is accessible to families. Approximately four kilometres long, it starts and ends at the village square.

A lovely family walk, suitable in all seasons, starting in the heart of the bastide town of Le Plan. Set off on a stroll through the countryside to discover the natural and historical curiosities of our region. Take the time to explore the bastide, its stone gates, half-timbered houses, the old Monranier mill, the banks of the Volp, the bridge and dyke, the church, the old convent chapel, the old hearse and the blacksmith's workshop.

This circular loop starts at Le Plan and passes through Pradette, Coumo Tortos and La Piche, returning along the Volp. It is not difficult and has little elevation gain. There is a magnificent view from the Chemin de Coumo Tortos over the Pyrenees and the Cazères plain.

The origins of the commune date back to Roman times, with the Roman road from Dax to Toulouse crossing the territory. During this walk, you will discover the history of the village named L'Aveylas or L'Aveynas in the 13th century (a place planted with hazelnut trees) and its 15th-century castle. This easy, flat walk takes you through the surrounding fields and the village along small roads and paths.

A large figure of 8 in the hills, with views of the Pyrenees: the Pic du Midi, Mont Valier, Néouvielle, etc.

The Volvestre Intercommunal Tourist Office offers a marked and secure route. This hike will allow you to discover the Gouzens area between hills and streams. You will see many farms with horses, cows, sheep and goats. The first part is accessible and follows a country road, allowing you to enjoy the sun and views of the fields. The second part passes through hedgerows and forest. It is possible to cut the trail in half by going directly to point 6 from the start.

Pleasant forest walk.

Formerly known as "Le Chemin des Mules" (The Mule Track), this smuggling route was also a Roman road and a route to Compostela. Starting from Sainte-Marie Cathedral, you will first discover the historic centre of this most beautiful detour in France. The trail then offers magnificent panoramic views of the Garonne plain and the river before arriving at the Gallic Village. There are four picnic spots along the route, and you can refill your water bottles at the fountains in the historic centre. Public toilets are available on the cathedral square.

The Volvestre inter-communal tourist office offers a marked and secure route. This circular loop is a little hillier towards the end. You will start by discovering the plains of Renaudis and its medieval residence. Once you arrive at the picnic area, enjoy the view of the Pyrenees.

This hike, mainly on quiet asphalt roads and farm tracks, can be done after rain. Do not follow the signpost at the start indicating a left turn; you must turn right. The signposting is somewhat unclear as it crosses several routes, so follow the app and the description. There are some beautiful views as the route follows a ridge line.

Starting from the beautiful medieval village of Montesquieu-Volvestre, discover a rural getaway on the paths and ridge roads. After a beautiful climb, you can admire the Pyrenees mountain range from the Castera orientation table. It was made of ceramic by the famous artist Toutain with the children of the village. The peaks of the Pyrenees will hold no more secrets for you! A picnic table awaits you right next to it. The panorama sometimes offers 360° views of the Arize plain and the Volvestre hillsides. At the end of the route, you will quickly follow the wild Arize river.

The Volvestre inter-communal tourist office offers a marked and secure route. You will appreciate the calm and serenity of the hamlet of Argain, which will welcome you before or after your walk. This is a pleasant short hike with an uphill section that allows you to admire the hillsides of Volvestre against the backdrop of the Pyrenean peaks. If you prefer circulars, you can return via the small road through the woods rather than going back through the forest. To do this, at the point (6), turn right and follow the road to the chapel.

A shaded walk that will allow you to enjoy the pretty village of Montesquieu-Volvestre and a view of the Pyrenees, detailed on an orientation map.

With the Pyrenees as a backdrop, this route takes you along wide paths where you can enjoy the charm of the countryside with its oak woods, lakes and pretty houses. Walkers should note that much of the route is on tarmac or stone paths, which is ideal in wet weather but may not be to everyone's liking.

A family walk on wide, well-maintained and marked trails between forest and pastures with splendid views of the Pyrenees. The route can be done in both directions: the opposite direction to the one described is perhaps even more beautiful! The markings are easy to follow.

Beautiful views of the Pyrenees and the Salies-du-Salat valley. Pleasant, undulating paths.

This short, figure-of-eight walk takes you along quiet paths and trails where you can observe wildlife, the hillside forest and the 14th-century Saint-Pierre de Birac Chapel. In spring, you can see many different species of orchids; there is an information panel behind the chapel to help you identify them. Please note: the ford over the Camedon stream between (1) and (2) is inaccessible during periods of high water (footbridge destroyed by bad weather).

Discover the lakes of Peyssies and their many activities starting from the church. The church, built of brick and pebbles, showcases the typical architecture of the Volvestre region, while the lakes offer a breath of fresh air in all seasons. The walk around the large lake is accessible to wheelchair users, as are the fishing pontoons. The small lake is home to a heronry, a central island where many species of birds nest. You can rest in the shade of the large weeping willows or on the benches along the banks. Two restaurants welcome you if you feel peckish after your walk. 20/07/2023 Moderator's message: Hike modified between (S/E) and (2) to avoid private property on Montgiscart.

The Volvestre inter-communal tourist office offers a marked and secure route. The "balade des abris" (shelter walk) takes you in the footsteps of the visual artist and sculptor Laurent Cadilhac, who created nine shelters combining history, art and sculpture. You will start the walk in the Bois de Castres, which also has an orienteering course, a fitness trail and a socio-cultural centre.

This beautiful hike takes you to the heights of Carbonne and the meeting point of the Garonne and Arize rivers.

This walk will allow you to explore the open countryside around Montbrun-Bocage and take you to the Plantaurel ridge via old paths and forest tracks. You will come across numerous springs and streams. A GPS will be essential as signposting is virtually non-existent.

This is a very pleasant, uncrowded walk that is suitable for everyone. On the way there, you will pass through the beautiful Fabas Forest and on the way back, you will walk along the Lac de Saint-André, which is well worth a look

A pleasant walk on quiet roads, mainly on the heights, offering beautiful views of the Cornudère ridge and the Cagire, after passing through a beautiful forest. Then, the descent along the Arbas, to the sound of running water, should charm walkers. Please respect the gates.

This hike takes place mainly on agricultural and forest tracks with beautiful views of the Pyrenean foothills. Contrazy is a hamlet that you will only discover when you see the sign, as it is nestled in its green surroundings. Beautiful renovated farms, a remarkable church, a street decorated with flowers. On the way back, don't miss the unusual Notre-Dame de la Goutte chapel in Montardit.

This circular starting from Saint-Martin is a good warm-up to prepare you for climbing the Pyrenean peaks. It will take you down and then back up some pretty hills in the foothills, around Figarol, to reach the bed of the Garonne before climbing back up to the starting point, with the Cagire as your focal point.