The Canal du Midi is one of the best-known navigational canals, linking Toulouse to the sea as it empties into the Mediterranean at Sète. Whether by bike, on foot or on board a boat, the Canal du Midi may have been built by man in the 19th century, but it's also a great way to immerse yourself in nature and admire some stunningly beautiful scenery. Running parallel to the Garonne, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Because all beautiful things must be earned, take a short 1? hour round trip to the Roquefort-Les-Cascades waterfalls. Located to the south of the pink city, this walk is perfect if you're looking for a hike around Toulouse. Accessible in an hour by car, this short stroll takes in waterfalls made of tuff, a crumbly limestone.
Discover the deepest lake in the Pyrenees, 135 metres deep... Located just outside Bagnères-de-Bigorre, it has a lovely blue colour that has earned it the name Lac Bleu. It's a 2? hour walk to get there, and you'll need to be in at least good physical condition as it's at an altitude of 1977m.
Discover the natural wealth of the Midi-Toulousain region, an area where flora and fauna thrive in a variety of environments. The dry hillsides are home to plant species such as Montpellier Aphyllanthus and wild orchids, while birds of prey nest here. The wet meadows, located near watercourses, offer refuge to plants such as the guinea fritillary and the loose-flowered orchid. Higher up, the Pyrenees are home to a rare fauna, with species such as the bearded vulture and the brown bear. These unspoilt areas are a treasure trove of biodiversity waiting to be discovered.
