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DE LA PLAINE LAURAGAISE AUX PORTES DE TOULOUSE, A LA DECOUVERTE DE LA VOIE D'ARLES-GR653
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Description
From the Lauragais plain and the banks of the Canal du Midi, escape to the hillsides of south-east Toulouse to discover the Voie d'Arles-GR653. Along the way, you'll come across panoramic views of the Pyrenees, between ridges and valleys, and local producers in the surrounding area.
Follow the red and white GR653 markings all the way along.
Places of interest along the way:
- Village of Baziège: former Laurag cooperative of wheat growers, Saint-Etienne church (14th century) and milestone (4th century), grain market, former Aéropostale lighthouse, etc.
- Canal du Midi, Montgiscard lock and wash-house
- Village of Montgiscard and its Grand'Rue with its 20th-century postcard appearance
- Village of Montbrun-Lauragais, hamlet of Montbrun-le-Vieux, working mill and the bakery L'Ami du Pain d'Autan, which processes the flour produced at the mill
- The village of Corronsac and its heritage interpretation trail (planned for early 2026), the church of the Nativity of the Virgin with its bell tower reminiscent of that of the Basilica of Saint-Sernin in Toulouse.
- Village of Rebigue: orientation table and panoramic view of the Pyrenees mountain range
- Village of Pechbusque, 19th-century church of Saint-Jacques (IMH listed) and its Pietà, which can be seen inside
- Garden of scents and colours and botanical trail in the hills above Ramonville Saint-Agne
Technical Information
Altimetric profile
Starting point
Points of interest
Additional information
Elevation gain
(High)
Signage
Red and white
Detailed stages
1 - Baziège-Montgiscard
From Baziège station, there are two options:
Head straight for the town centre, then follow the GR signs.
Take a diversion via chemin du Phare and then rue de l'Aéropostale, to come across the Aéropostale lighthouse. Built around 1925 and listed as a historic monument, it was used for night flights to carry mail from Toulouse to South Africa, via Gibraltar.
2 - Montgiscard-Montbrun-Lauragais
Arriving on the heights of Montbrun, you'll be amazed by the beautiful panorama over the fields of the Lauragais. You can make a detour towards the village (recommended - 1.8 km round trip), to discover and even visit the windmill. Built in 1680, the mill operated for almost 300 years. Listed as a historic monument in 1965, it was restored over a period of 10 years and brought back into service in 2002.
3 - Corronsac
On reaching Corronsac, discover the church of the Nativity of the Virgin. Dating from the 13th century, it is said to have been the chapel of a Templar commandery. Legend has it that a kilometre-long underground gallery links it to the Château d'Urtaut. The church's bell tower, in the style of Toulouse, is reminiscent of that of the Basilique Saint-Sernin in Toulouse.
4 - Rebigue
When you arrive in Rebigue, take a look at the church of Saint-Lizier. This building, whose date of construction is uncertain, has three chapels, including that of Saint-Lizier. A relic of the holy bishop was transferred from the cathedral of St-Lizier d'Ariège to the church of Rebigue in 1746, attracting pilgrims. A popular devotion quickly developed that continues to this day.
After the church, an orientation table provides a panoramic view of the Pyrenees.
5 - Mervilla
As you drive through Mervilla, you'll come across the church of Saint-Jean Baptiste, which is typical of the regional style, with its walled bell tower. It is adjoined by the village hall. As you drive through the village, nestling on the hillsides, you'll enjoy some fine views.
6 - Pechbusque
This section takes you through the Bois-du-Merle, a shady wooded area with the Bécane stream running through it. You will reach Pechbusque via the church.
The church of Saint-Jacques, probably built in the 14th century, houses a Pietà and a gilded wooden statue of Saint-Jacques dating from the 17th century.
7 - Ramonville
Once you've left Pechbusque, you'll come to the Garden of Scents and Colours, lined with explanatory panels to help you discover the diversity of plants and botanicals. At the end of the garden, at the top of the Chemin de Peyre d'Escale, you'll be greeted by beautiful panoramic views: the villages of Pechbusque (which you passed through earlier) and Vieille-Toulouse, the Pyrenees on a clear day and the Toulouse conurbation.
You've arrived at the gates of Toulouse, and your discove...
Services at the starting point
Bus stop nearby
Nearby train station
Car parking
End town
RAMONVILLE-SAINT-AGNE
Contact
Email : tourisme@sicoval.fr
Start town
BAZIEGE
Data producer
Contact : HAUTE-GARONNE TOURISME / OFFICE DE TOURISME PYRENEES 31
This information comes from the Haute-Garonne Departmental Tourism Network and is synchronized as part of the partnership between Cirkwi and Haute-Garonne Tourisme.
Data author
