Pays Lauragais,
a region to discover in Occitania
Explore the Pays Lauragais,
between nature and heritage
Just a few kilometers from Les Aillos campsite, the Pays Lauragais invites you to discover an area rich in rolling countryside, historical heritage and local produce. Situated between Toulouse, Castelnaudary and Revel, this gentle, rural region will appeal to lovers of walking, culture and gastronomy.
It’s an unspoilt corner of Occitanie, where you can take your time, stroll through the villages and enjoy the panoramic views that stretch as far as the eye can see, between fields of sunflowers, country roads and small woods.
Revel and the Saint-Ferréol lake
Located less than 30 minutes from our campsite in Occitanie, Revel is a charming bastide town known for its traditional Saturday morning market, ranked among the finest in France. In the heart of the town, the central market hall and its arcades plunge you into a typical south-western atmosphere.
Nearby, the Lac de Saint-Ferréol, a UNESCO World Heritage site along with the Canal du Midi, is a must for a nature outing: swimming, picnics, shady paths and a hydraulic heritage to discover.
Castelnaudary and cassoulet
It’s impossible to talk about the Lauragais region without mentioning Castelnaudary, the birthplace of the famous cassoulet, just 1 hr 10 from the campsite. Take a stroll around the great canal du Midi basin, visit the Cugarel mill, then treat yourself to a gourmet break over the region’s emblematic dish.
After your strolls, enjoy the gastronomic riches of our prolific region: Confits, roast duck breast, foie gras, dried duck breast, Toulouse sausage and, of course, Toulouse cassoulet. So many good things that, washed down with fine Languedoc wines, will delight your taste buds.
The Lauragais lakes
The Lauragais region is home to a large number of lakes and dams, which are used for a variety of purposes: from supplying drinking water, to irrigation for the Canal du Midi, to water-based leisure activities. Fishing is practised in all these reservoirs, as well as a wide range of land and water sports, and walks where you can discover the flora and fauna.
The lakes of the Lauragais are often overlooked, but perfect for a picnic or a siesta in the sun. They bring freshness and beauty to the landscape, while offering peaceful spots to observe wildlife or simply relax.
Domaine de Bonrepos-Riquet and surroundings
Just 15 km from Les Aillos campsite, don’t miss a visit to the Domaine de Bonrepos-Riquet, former home of Pierre-Paul Riquet, the brilliant inventor of the Canal du Midi. This 17th-century château, listed as a historic monument, is just over a hundred kilometers from the town of Carcassonne, and is open to visitors and offers regular exhibitions, guided tours and cultural events.
The estate also offers beautiful walks in the terraced gardens, with views over the Lauragais countryside. It’s an ideal place to combine culture, nature and discovery, in a peaceful atmosphere.
The estate’s surroundings also give you access to the Montagne Noire, gateway to the Parc Naturel Régional du Haut-Languedoc. This forested massif with its contrasting landscapes abounds in hiking trails, small hilltop villages and spectacular panoramas.
For lovers of cycling, walking or simply local history, this corner of the Lauragais is a little gem off the beaten track, perfect for enriching your naturist holiday with cultural and natural discoveries.
