Five locks on the Canal du Midi are located within the territory of Mas-Saintes-Puelles. This direct connection to the waterway complements the hiking trails in the hills, religious buildings and traditional pottery. For your stay, you can focus on the landscape, cultural history or traditional crafts.

Trails between the hills and canal

Several signposted hiking trails lead into the hills or start in the village. The Chemin des Collines du vent offers sweeping views across the Lauragais plain and towards the Pyrenees. If you are looking for wide-open views on your hike, this is a good choice. At the Canal du Midi, the towpath offers an easy walk. The difference can help you choose: the Chemin des Collines du vent is known for its sweeping landscape views, while the towpath offers an easy walk alongside the canal. Choose your walk according to the views or the character of the route. As trail conditions can change, check them before setting out.

Cycling and Étangs

Cyclists also use the towpath along the Canal du Midi. The cycling route “L'échappée des 23 écluses” includes a signposted extension towards Mas-Saintes-Puelles. This gives you two distinct points of reference for planning a ride: the canal path used by cyclists and a route with a signposted extension towards the village. Signposting and conditions can change; check the signs in advance if you plan to take the extension. The Étangs du Mas are used for fishing and walking. These activities add to the options alongside hiking and cycling.

Churches, chapels and historic buildings

The present-day Église Saintes-Puelles was rebuilt using parts of the former church. These reused elements connect the present building with its predecessor. Its south portal is protected as a historic monument; the church also preserves relics associated with the Saintes Puelles. The church brings together architectural history, the protection of a specific portal and religious tradition.

The Chapelle Saint Pierre Nolasque is housed in a former mill and is a place of pilgrimage. Of the six grain mills originally at the Moulins de Laffon, two remain; both have been restored. The carved pediment above the entrance to the Maison Nicol is listed as a historic monument. These examples highlight different aspects: pilgrimage traditions, the history of a group of mills and a protected architectural detail.

Pottery at Poterie Not

Poterie Not is a traditional pottery workshop on the Canal du Midi in Mas-Saintes-Puelles and holds the “Entreprise du patrimoine vivant” label. In workshops, you can learn to throw a Cassole on a potter’s wheel. During tours, you can see the outdoor clay-pit area, the room with the potter’s wheels, the kiln room and the drying room. The workshop and the tour offer different experiences: in the workshop, you learn one step of the process, while on the tour, you see different work areas. Booking conditions for workshops and tour packages can change; ask about the current options in advance.

Discover more destinations: Lavalette, Peyrefitte-Du-Razès, Salles-D'aude, Sainte-Colombe-Sur-L'hers, Fraissé-Des-Corbières, La Pomarède, Villegailhenc, Fournes-Cabardès.

For the main travel overview: Aude.