Earliest starting point on Canal du Midi into Toulouse?

[Karl G]

Does anyone know if you can walk the Canal du Midi from the point a few km before Montferrand (which is a short distance before Avignonet Lauragais) into Toulouse?

 

[jsalt]

Does anyone know if you can walk the Canal du Midi from the point a few km before Montferrand (which is a short distance before Avignonet Lauragais) into Toulouse?

Yes, I stayed at the Fasthotel, having walked FROM Toulouse along the Canal. I then followed the trail alongside La Rigole, with Montferrand over to my left.

 

[Karl G]

Thanks so much - I was looking at the Fasthotel option as accommodations seem scare in that area. It’s either that or the church in Montferrand. Staying at either will make the next stage a little longer than I’d like unless I take the Canal du Midi.

 

[jsalt]

Note that the Fasthotel does not sell alcohol as it is in a freeway stopover! The only place you can buy a glass of wine or a beer is at the restaurant on the lake if you order a meal. I had to survive on a non-alcoholic beer in the café while waiting for the restaurant to open at about 7.30pm.

I LOVED the 2-day walk along the Canal du Midi – I took my time, stopping to watch the boats going through the locks.

I stayed at the Gite du Pelerins at Ayguevives, about a km or two off the trail. It’s about half way along between the Fast hotel and Toulouse. It doesn’t have many beds, so best to phone or text the day before. It costs 15 euros (bed only). I didn’t see a shop anywhere in the village, but fortunately I had a few provisions with me from Toulouse.

 

[Karl G]

Note that the Fasthotel does not sell alcohol as it is in a freeway stopover! The only place you can buy a glass of wine or a beer is at the restaurant on the lake if you order a meal. I had to survive on a non-alcoholic beer in the café while waiting for the restaurant to open at about 7.30pm.

I LOVED the 2-day walk along the Canal du Midi – I took my time, stopping to watch the boats going through the locks.

I stayed at the Gite du Pelerins at Ayguevives, about a km or two off the trail. It’s about half way along between the Fast hotel and Toulouse. It doesn’t have many beds, so best to phone or text the day before. It costs 15 euros (bed only). I didn’t see a shop anywhere in the village, but fortunately I had a few provisions with me from Toulouse.

Good to know about the possible lack of provisions in Ayguesvives. It won’t be the first time I’ve relied on my reserve trail mix and an apple if need be. Maybe Montferrand is the place to stay. Not sure if they serve wine with the communal meal!

I’m also glad to hear the walk along the canal the whole way is enjoyable. Gronze seems to really discourage taking that extra leg of that route.

 

[Karl G]

Yup, totally get your rest stop and lack of alcoholic refreshment comments having gone through there two nights ago!

Thanks for encouraging the walk along the canal. My experience was like yours. Beautiful, peaceful, a real treat.