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From the Canal du Midi to Montsegur

The green lane

From the Canal du Midi to the foothills of the Pyrenees, the voie verte between Bram and Lavelanet is the perfect way to cross the Cathar Pyrenees to the fortress of Montségur, by bike, on horseback, rollerblades or on foot. Using towpaths along the Canal du Midi, old disused railroads and forest roads, it offers wonderful opportunities for safe family outings. From Toulouse, for the more courageous, or close to home, take the voie verte to discover the beautiful Cathar countryside.

Let yourself roll

The former railroad line between Brams and Lavelanet is now a “voie verte” (greenway) open to traffic for soft mobility: by bike, rollerblade, horseback, for people with reduced mobility or simply on foot, everyone can move at their own pace.

From the Canal du Midi (near Bram) to the Ariège (Mirepoix and Montségur castle), it joins the Cathar Pyrenees greenway or the Chemin des Filatiers at Moulin Neuf. Borrowing from the Cathar routes, near the water, or those of the industrial revolution, with the railway, it links the Toulouse metropolis to the Cathar stronghold for nature lovers. Easy, fun and well-equipped, it’s the perfect way to enjoy a Sunday outing or an original weekend!

Along the way, you’ll discover the richness of the Aude and Ariège landscapes, as well as their built and natural heritage.

Immersion

Interpretation panels and numerous exhibitions, notably on the region’s fruit-growing heritage and railway past, provide much-appreciated cultural breaks for young and old alike, sharing the knowledge of a time that those under 20 couldn’t possibly know!

As you pass through our villages, you’ll find it easy to stock up on water and good local produce. If you’re planning a multi-day trip between Toulouse and Montségur, there are plenty of gites and chambres d’hôtes along the way.

Venture into the bat tunnels, visit the exhibitions in the villages and along the route, celebrate the village festivals, take a break in the wine-tasting cellars – the route is a unique and immersive way to discover the Cathar Pyrenees.

Key figures
  • 80 km between Brams and Montségur
    • Bram to Belvèze: 20 km
    • Belvèze to Chalabre: 30 km
    • Chalabre to Lavelanet: 17 km
    • Lavelanet to Montségur: 13 km, but with a steep gradient
  • 70 bridges, aqueducts and tunnels to discover.
  • 25 villages crossed.
Technical data
  • Level of difficulty: Easy
  • Surface: Compacted sand
  • Track width: 3 meters
  • Road crossings: safe
  • Recommended bike : Mountain bike / VTC / VAE / Gravel
  • Handbike: passable
  • Children’s trailer: practicable

The route is open to all non-motorized mobility.

Equipment
  • Equipped rest areas:
    • bicycle racks,
    • inflation stations,
    • electric bike recharging stations.
  • Interpretation panels and exhibitions to help you understand the environment.
  • Accommodation and refreshments in villages.
  • Water points.

A nature and pleasure getaway

From Toulouse to Montsegur

Want to plan an original weekend or vacation? Nothing could be simpler: Saddle up your spirited two-wheeled steed (or any other non-motorized means of locomotion), and take to the banks of the Canal du Midi, and let yourself roll through the countryside towards the Cathar fortress… Along the way, take time out to explore our villages, enjoy a good meal with our local version of cassoulet (mountejado) or taste the azinat, regain your strength with a hazelnut tart, tougnol or apple crumble. And in the evening, enjoy the warm, friendly welcome of a gîte or guest house… We’ve told you: everything here is perfect!

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