© Cadaques31
Castelnaudary, a getaway along the Canal du Midi
Just 20 km from Revel, Castelnaudary is an ideal destination for a day trip from the Hôtel Restaurant du Midi. The town is crossed by the Canal du Midi, whose Grand Bassin is one of its finest sights.
Between heritage, waterside walks and the discovery of the Lauragais, Castelnaudary offers another side of the region, easily reached from Revel.
Just 20 minutes from Revel, it's an especially easy outing to plan during a stay at the Hôtel Restaurant du Midi.
The Grand Bassin and the Canal du Midi
The Grand Bassin of Castelnaudary is certainly the must-see spot of any visit. This vast body of water, covering nearly 7 hectares, lies at the heart of town, between the port and the four Saint-Roch locks.
Created during the construction of the Canal du Midi, it played a major role in Castelnaudary's development as an important port of the Lauragais. Today, its banks make for a particularly pleasant stroll, with views of boats and the town's old façades.
© profpurb
The historic centre and the Collegiate Church of Saint-Michel
After a walk around the basin, take time to explore Castelnaudary's old town. Its streets reveal a heritage shaped by the history of the Lauragais.
Among the monuments to see is the Collegiate Church of Saint-Michel, a southern Gothic building begun in the 13th century. The town also boasts several grand townhouses and the Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Pitié, both testaments to its history.
© Tylwyth Eldar
The Cugarel windmill
Perched on the hills above Castelnaudary, the Cugarel windmill is another highlight. It is the last surviving example of the 32 windmills the town once had.
Restored in 1962, it retains its inner mechanism and offers a fine view over the Lauragais plain and the Montagne Noire. It's also an interesting place to learn about the importance of grain farming in the history of the Lauragais.
© Mcewan
The four Saint-Roch locks
Near the Grand Bassin, the four Saint-Roch locks are a fine example of the Canal du Midi's engineering heritage. This staircase of locks overcomes a significant change in elevation and is one of the canal's most notable structures in Castelnaudary.
For visitors who love heritage, boats and the engineering works of the Canal du Midi, it's a fascinating addition to the walk.
Castelnaudary from Revel
Castelnaudary is just 20 km from Revel, about a 20-minute drive. Staying at the Hôtel Restaurant du Midi in Revel gives you a convenient base for discovering Castelnaudary, as well as the other must-see sites of the Lauragais and the Montagne Noire. After Revel, Lake Saint-Ferréol, the Canal du Midi, Sorèze or Carcassonne, Castelnaudary is an easy addition to your trip.
Discover the Grand Bassin and the Canal du Midi
Cross the four Saint-Roch locks
Visit the historic centre and the Collegiate Church of Saint-Michel
Enjoy the view from the Cugarel windmill
Also discover our pages dedicated to Revel, Lake Saint-Ferréol and the Canal du Midi.
A day trip from the Hôtel Restaurant du Midi
To discover Castelnaudary while staying in Revel, the Hôtel Restaurant du Midi makes a convenient base.
After your day of sightseeing, you'll return to the calm of Revel and can enjoy the hotel's services and restaurant.
The hotel is also well suited to travellers wishing to discover several of the region's attractions during the same trip.
