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Castelnaudary (Midi Canal)

By Melinda Lusmore

Castelnaudary, Midi Canal, France

(Published September 2013, last updated April 2024).

The third day of walking along the Midi Canal from Toulouse to Carcassonne finishes in the port town of Castelnaudary.

Founded in the early twelfth century, Castelnaudary grew around a château which was built here in 1118. Over the centuries, the town’s fortunes rose and fell—it was decimated in 1355 during the Hundred Years War but was later made the capital of the Lauragais area under the rule of Catherine de Medici. At this time, civil and criminal court buildings were erected here next to the château.

Approaching Castelnaudary, Midi Canal, France

Approaching Castelnaudary along the Midi Canal

In 1623, the château was dismantled under the orders of Louis XIII and later that century, a prison was built here which remained in use until 1926. Today, the court buildings are a school and the jail houses a museum featuring the Canal du Midi.

The hardships of the Hundred Years War gave birth to cassoulet—a rich bean stew made from a variety of meats and white haricot beans, slow cooked until tender. Castelnaudary has become famous for this dish and, each year plays host to the Fête du Cassoulet during the last weekend of August. Most restaurants have their own version on the menu, so be sure to try it no matter when you visit.

As the canal winds through the town, it widens to form the Grand Bassin, a large reservoir used to regulate the water level of the canal. It is here that many people travelling the canal by boat start or finish their journey, as the port is home to several boat rental companies.

Castelnaudary, Midi Canal, France

Castelnaudary, Midi Canal, France

Castelnaudary, Midi Canal, France

As you leave Castelnaudary and continue walking towards Carcassonne, the canal drops several metres in altitude, passing through the quadruple locks of Saint-Roch. Spare a though for those beginning their boating holiday here and who may now be wondering how much hard work awaits!

Écluses de Saint-Roch, Castelnaudary, Midi Canal, France

Detour to Abbaye de Villelongue

If you decide to spend a rest day in Castelnaudary and have the afternoon free, a thirty-minute taxi ride will take you to Abbaye de Villelongue.

Founded in the twelfth century by a small group of Cistercian monks, the monastery flourished for several hundred years. By the time of the French Revolution in 1789, only two monks remained and the abbey had fallen into disrepair. The complex was broken up—some buildings were sold and others were used for agricultural purposes.

Abbaye de Villelongue, France

Abbaye de Villelongue, France

Abbaye de Villelongue, France

In 1916, the site was classified as a Historic Monument and in the 1950s, extensive work was carried out to save the cloister and the walls of the abbey church. In the years since, the buildings have been beautifully restored, but remain in a state of ruin, evoking a sense of timelessness and grandeur.

Abbaye de Villelongue, France

Abbaye de Villelongue, France

Abbaye de Villelongue, France

If you prefer to incorporate a visit to the abbey into your walk along the Midi Canal without taking a rest day, ask the taxi driver to take you on to the canal at Bram after your visit instead of returning you to Castelnaudary.

FAST FACTS

Which long-distance walk in France visits Castelnaudary? The Midi Canal

Where is Castelnaudary, France?  Find it on Google maps

Castelnaudary is located 63.5 kilometres (39.7 miles) along the Midi Canal—a three day walk from the starting point of Toulouse.   

Click through to find my suggested itinerary for the five-day walk from Toulouse to Carcassonne.

If you prefer to set your own agenda, I share the steps I take to plan my itinerary on any long-distance walk (using the Chemin de Stevenson as a case study).

Daily train services on the Narbonne—Carcassonne—Toulouse line connect Castelnaudary to major towns along or close to the Midi Canal including Toulouse, Baziège, Villenouvelle, Villefranche-du-Lauragais, Avignonet-Lauragais, Bram and Carcassonne. 

Daily Haute-Garonne bus service (ligne 350) connects Castelanudary with Toulouse, Ramonville-Saint-Agne, Auzeville-Tolosane, Castanet, Donneville, Montgiscard, Ayguesvives, Baziège, Villenouvelle, Villefranche-de-Lauragais, Avignonet-Lauragais and Labastide-d’Anjou.

Tourist Office in Castelnaudary 

You’ll find the Tourist Office at Halle de Verdun on Cours de la République. Opening hours are listed on the Tourist Office website.

Accommodation in Castelnaudary  

Hotels
Hôtel du Canal  

Le Clos Fleuri  
Hôtel le Centre  
Hôtel de France   
La Maison du Cassoulet  

Chambre d’Hôtes
Le Grand Bassin (5 rooms, 16 people)
Le Clos d’André (5 rooms, 10 people)   

La Coulée Douce 

Campground
Municipal Camping   

Personally recommended:  Hôtel du Canal

How to book accommodation in French

Where to eat in Castelnaudary 

There are many cafés, restaurants, bakeries (boulangeries) and supermarkets in Castelnaudary—you’ll find something to suit all budgets and tastes. No matter where you choose, be sure to try a hearty bowl of cassoulet!

On Monday morning, fresh food markets are held in Place de Verdun. Fill your picnic basket with local fruits, cheeses, nuts or yoghurt before continuing on your walk.

Practical tips for long-distance walking—preparation, packing and avoiding blisters    

Purchase the 2024 edition of the Midi Canal (PDF) guidebook

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About The Author – Melinda Lusmore

Hi! I’m Melinda, the walker behind I Love Walking in France. Nothing makes me happier than wandering through the picturesque villages and glorious countryside in rural France, and helping others to do the same. Whether you’re looking for practical tips or a little inspiration for your own long-distance walk, you’ll find everything you need right here. This website contains no sponsored posts or affiliate links. If I recommend a product, service or somewhere to stay, it’s because I’ve used it, loved it—and I think you will too!

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Are you dreaming of a walk through the picturesque villages and glorious countryside of rural France and don’t know where to start?

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3 Steps to the Perfect Long-distance Walk

Your details stay here - no walking EVER! It's a promise!

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