Rieux-Volvestre walks

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.

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.

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

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 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.

THE TRAIL MAY BE OVERGROWN, SO BE CAREFUL AND 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.

The Volvestre Intercommunal Tourist Office offers a marked and secure route.Between small roads and paths, this walk takes you through the hillsides, offering magnificent views of the Pyrenees. You will pass through several wooded areas and numerous fields, where it is not uncommon to see farm animals and crops in bloom. Renowned for the quality of its skies, Latrape is the perfect place to observe the beauty of the stars and sunsets. If you would like to learn more about astronomy, Le Balcon des Étoiles is located at the start/end of the loop.

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 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.

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.

Starting from the village of Longages, this route invites you to discover the historical heritage of the centre and then its lakes. Don't miss the Art Deco market hall: there are only two of this type left in France! Lake Sabatouse offers you the tranquillity of a natural setting with many birds nesting or passing through. Along the lake, you will find picnic tables and a fitness trail with a small climbing wall for children. In summer, the water sports centre offers canoeing, kayaking and XXL paddleboarding, while the guinguette treats you to meals and a musical programme.

Hike on the plains and hillsides of Bastide-de-Besplas, a typical Volvestre village.

Walk in the hills of the historic village of Saint-Sulpice-sur-Lèze from its centre.In good weather, there are beautiful views of the Lèze valley and, on a clear day, a view of the Pyrenees mountain range where you can see Mont Valier (Ariège) and the Pic du Midi de Bigorre (Hautes-Pyrénées, 150 km away).

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.

Perched on the heights of Volvestre, the village of Montaut overlooks the surrounding area. This family-friendly rural loop offers superb views of the Pyrenees and the Garonne and Lèze valleys. At the start of the walk, you will find a signpost with all the information you need about the hike. Behind the town hall is a picnic area with tables, a barbecue and an orientation table where you can discover the names of the Pyrenean peaks stretching out before you. This sunny hike through fields and hillsides will warm you up in any season.

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.

During this hike, you will enjoy a beautiful panorama of the Pyrenees mountain range and views of the Lèze Valley. Across fields, this route on small roads and paths allows you to discover the village's farms. Don't miss the market under the hall on Tuesdays from 5pm to 8pm!

Pleasant forest walk.

This circular walk will introduce you to a mix of nature, urban life and countryside. Between the Garonne and its banks, the viewpoint and its view of the Pyrenees, the forests and the fields, there is something for everyone. You can enjoy an educational trail on natural environments along the Garonne before taking the climb that leads you to a superb viewpoint over the river and its valley. In spring, several species of orchids can be seen along the trail. Also, don't hesitate to stop at the Brasserie du Moulin next to the bridge, where you'll find the largest collection of rugby shirts in Europe!

A family walk on well-maintained and marked trails through forests, pastures and varied landscapes, with a view of the Pyrenees from the ridge. This route allows you to discover a rich heritage: the village with its half-timbered houses, a ruined castle, an outdoor sculpture exhibition, and more. The loop begins or ends, depending on your choice, at Lac de Bouydou, a fishing lake with pontoons, picnic tables and a barbecue. This route can be done in either direction.