Toulouse by motorcycle: routes to Lauragais and the hills of the Southwest

Driving around Toulouse between plains and hills

Toulouse is located at the crossroads of several regions. To the east, the Lauragais region stretches its grain-growing plains as far as Naurouze. To the south, the hills herald the start of the Pyrenees. To the west, the rolling hills of Gascony slope down towards the Atlantic. These landscapes offer a variety of motorcycle routes less than an hour from the city center.

The setting: between the Garonne River and the Pyrenean foothills

The Toulouse region occupies the Garonne valley and its surroundings. The river crosses the city from east to west. To the north, the plains of the Tarn and Tarn-et-Garonne stretch as far as the eye can see. To the south, the terrain gradually rises towards the Pyrenees mountain range, which is visible on clear days.

The Lauragais refers to the area between Toulouse and Carcassonne. This historic crossroads between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean has seen merchants, armies, and pilgrims pass through for centuries. The Canal du Midi crosses it from west to east. The hills of the southwest include the Comminges, Volvestre, and Gascon hillsides.

Route 1: The Lauragais via the D2

The D2 leaves Toulouse heading east towards Villefranche-de-Lauragais. The road crosses the suburbs and then enters the fields. The landscape quickly opens up. Farmland dominates. Wheat, sunflowers, and rapeseed depending on the season. The undulations are gentle.

Villefranche-de-Lauragais is located thirty kilometers from Toulouse. This fortified town was founded in 1280 by Philip the Bold. The covered central square still has its medieval arcades. The streets are lined with red brick houses typical of the Lauragais region. This brick is made from local clay fired in the tile factories that dotted the region until the 20th century.

Continue towards Nailloux on the D622. The terrain remains flat. Isolated farms dot the fields. The village served as a stopover on the road between Toulouse and Carcassonne.

From Nailloux, take the D25 south to Calmont. The road climbs slightly. The first hills appear. Calmont overlooks a small valley. The 12th-century Romanesque church stands in the center of the village. Its limestone walls contrast with the brick of the surrounding houses.

Return to Toulouse via Aureville and Ayguesvives. The D16 runs alongside the Canal du Midi for several kilometers. The canal was dug between 1667 and 1681 under the direction of Pierre-Paul Riquet. It connected Toulouse to the Mediterranean Sea. The plane trees that line it were planted in the 19th century to stabilize the banks and provide shade. This circuit covers approximately ninety kilometers.

Route 2: The hillsides of Volvestre

Leave Toulouse heading south on the D117. The road leads to Muret and then Carbonne. The landscape changes after Carbonne. The first hills come into view. Fields give way to meadows and woods.

Carbonne is located forty kilometers from Toulouse. The village has a 19th-century wooden market hall. Markets have been held there since that time. Cross the Garonne River and take the D635 towards Martres-Tolosane.

Martres-Tolosane has been known for its earthenware since the 18th century. The workshops produced decorated tableware that was exported throughout Europe. A few manufacturers are still in operation. The village still has half-timbered houses dating back to the 16th century.

Continue along the D10 towards Saint-Martory. The road winds through the hills. The slopes are covered with oak and chestnut trees. Saint-Martory nestles in a narrow valley. The medieval four-arch bridge spans the Garonne River. It was built in the 14th century to facilitate the passage of pilgrims to Compostela.

Head north to Salies-du-Salat. This small spa town has been exploiting its springs since ancient times. The Romans built baths here. The current thermal baths date back to the 19th century.

Return to Toulouse via Boussens and the N117. This route covers a total of around 130 kilometers. The hills reach a height of 300 meters. On a clear day, there are numerous panoramic views of the Pyrenees.

Route 3: The hillsides of Gascony

Take the D632 west from Toulouse. The road passes through Léguevin and then Daux. The terrain is slightly undulating. Crops alternate with vineyards. The Saint-Mont vineyards extend across this area.

Gimont is located fifty-five kilometers from Toulouse. This Gascon bastide was founded in 1266. The central wooden-framed market hall covers more than a thousand square meters. It has been hosting the market since the 13th century. The streets are lined with half-timbered houses built of red brick and round pebbles. These pebbles come from the Pyrenean rivers and are carried by the waterways.

Continue towards Mauvezin on the D654. The hills roll by one after another. Gascon farms are recognizable by their massive architecture. Thick stone and brick walls protected them from the winter cold and summer heat. Hipped roofs covered both the dwellings and the barns. Mauvezin also has an 11th-century castle.

Head back down towards Cologne via the D654 and then the D654. Cologne is located on the banks of the Save River. The village has a 12th-century Romanesque church with a bell tower typical of the Gascony region.

Return to Toulouse via L'Isle-Jourdain. This route covers approximately 140 kilometers. The hills do not exceed 250 meters, but the valleys between them are deep.

Weather and seasons in the Toulouse region

The climate in Toulouse combines oceanic and Mediterranean influences. Summers are hot and dry. Temperatures regularly reach thirty to thirty-five degrees between June and August. Thunderstorms frequently break out in the late afternoon.

Spring and fall offer the best conditions. Temperatures range between fifteen and twenty-five degrees.

Winters remain mild in the plains. Temperatures rarely drop below freezing.

Check the weather forecast before setting off. Bring water with you in summer. Water sources are scarce in areas of extensive farming. Bring a light jacket in spring and fall. Temperatures drop quickly in the evening.

Practical advice

The circuits around Toulouse can be covered in a day. Set off in the morning. The bastides of Lauragais have restaurants in their central squares. The Gascon villages offer dining in former coaching inns.

Motorcycle parking is not a problem in towns. Parking spaces are free outside major cities. Tourist offices provide detailed maps of secondary routes.

Good Motors offers self-service motorcycle rentals 24 hours a day with pick-up in town or at the train station depending on your destination.

Driving around Toulouse

The motorcycle routes around Toulouse pass through varied landscapes. The Lauragais region unfurls its cultivated plains. The hills of the southwest offer beautiful reliefs. The Gascon hills undulate towards the west.

The local architecture tells the story of the region. Medieval fortified towns structure the territory. Brick farms bear witness to the agricultural past. Villages preserve their Romanesque and Gothic heritage. These elements line the roads and enrich your breaks.
‍

Rent a motorcycle on Good Motors: https://goodmotors.agency

‍