The Rigole de la Plaine
REVEL , Haute-Garonne – Itinéraire
The origins of the Rigole de la Plaine
The Rigole de la Pleine was dug in the 17th century and channels the water from Lac de St Ferréol into the Canal du Midi. It takes over from the Rigole de la Montagne which brings the water down from the Black Mountains into the Lac de St Ferréol. Without this hydraulic supply system designed by Pierre-Paul Riquet under Louis XIV, the Canal du Midi would never have been able to connect Toulouse to the Mediterranean.
Description of the green route
The green route runs alongside the Rigole de la Plaine, and consists of two 20km sections. The first section is in the Aude and runs from Seuil de Naurouze to Lac de Lenclas. This dirt track is suitable for cycling in dry weather conditions or by mountain bike. The second section runs from Lac de Lenclas to Lac de St Ferréol. This development was orchestrated by the Haute-Garonne département and is ideal for cyclists.
The green route snakes its way through the Lauragais countryside, surrounded by fields of rapeseed, windmills and sunflowers… a beautifully relaxing setting! You can admire this scenery from the shade of the great plane trees and umbrella pines which border the bike path. The route will also take you to one of the Great Sites of Midi-Pyrénées: the Revel-St Ferréol-Sorèze triangle.
