Attractions and Places To See around Saint-Léon - Top 20
Attractions and places to see around Saint-Léon are primarily found along the historic Canal du Midi and its surrounding landscapes. This region offers a blend of historical engineering marvels and natural pathways. The area is characterized by its waterways, including the Canal du Midi and the Hers river, providing opportunities for exploration. Visitors can discover a variety of historical sites and scenic trails.
Best attractions and places to see around Saint-Léon
- The most popular attractions is Brick Bridge on the Canal du Midi at Pompertuzat, a bridge that offers a nice bike path along the Canal du Midi. It is well-suited for cyclists and provides a scenic route.
- Another must-see spot is Hers Crossing, where the Hers river crosses the Canal du Midi. This location highlights the engineering of the Canal du Midi, a 240.129 km long waterway with 328 structures.
- Visitors also love Trail of the Notre-Dame des Bois Chapel, a trail that passes by the Notre-Dame des Bois Chapel. This pleasant, shaded trail offers a rolling terrain.
- Saint-Léon is known for its historical bridges, canal features, and scenic trails. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from man-made structures to natural pathways.
- The attractions around Saint-Léon are appreciated by the komoot community, with 3 highlights, 22 photos, and more than 580 upvotes.
Last updated: July 6, 2026
Brick Bridge on the Canal du Midi at Pompertuzat
Highlight • Bridge
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Hers Crossing
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Trail of the Notre-Dame des Bois Chapel
Highlight • Trail
La petite statue en bois polychrome a été datée du début du XIIIe siècle d'après son style qui est celui des vierges romanes mais avec un certain nombre de détails indiquant déjà le gothique commençant.
Les troubles de l'époque, les chevauchées du prince Noir, du comte de Foix ou du comte d'Armagnac, semblent avoir détruit le premier sanctuaire élevé au milieu des bois sur un chemin descendant vers l'Ariège. La statue aurait alors été cachée sous terre. C'est là que s'introduit la légende conservée par la tradition locale.
À cet endroit, un jeune taureau quittait souvent le reste du troupeau pour venir gratter de ses sabots, la terre près d'une touffe de genévriers.
Le bouvier le suivit un jour et vit l'animal contempler à ses pieds une petite statue de bois de la Sainte Vierge avec l'enfant Jésus. Cette découverte provoqua l'enthousiasme général mais quand on voulut porter la statue en procession dans les paroisses voisines, l'attelage s'arrêta à la limite de Clermont et revint à toute vitesse vers le lieu de la découverte où fut construite une nouvelle église champêtre.
Ce monument subit de nombreuses vicissitudes au cours des siècles. Il eut une vie propre avant d'être rattaché au clergé de Clermont.
Ce qui restait de l'ensemble conventuel fut vendu, sous le Directoire, à un particulier qui le démolit et fit disparaître jusqu'aux fondations.
La statue fut une nouvelle fois cachée par une femme qui la restitua au curé de Clermont.
Le pèlerinage ne fut autorisé qu'à partir de 1 810 et rassembla les fidèles d'Aureville, Goyrans, Venerque, Issus, le Vernet, Corronsac, Rebigue et Auragne dont on retrouve les images sur le grand arc de l'église de Clermont.
Après la seconde guerre mondiale, il ne restait pas grand-chose du sanctuaire ; la commune acheta le terrain où se rassemblaient les fidèles et le curé Labit fit construire le petit oratoire que l'on voit aujourd'hui, inauguré en 1951.
La vieille statue reste cachée chez une habitante du village. Elle n'est sortie qu'une fois par an, autour du 30 avril, pour le pèlerinage.
Tiré de l'opuscule « Notre-Dame des Bois de Clermont » de Geneviève Durand-Sendrail, publié par les Amis de Clermont le Fort (2004) – La Dépêche du Midi
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Moulin de Montbrun-Lauragais
Highlight • Monument
The equipment services or I don't know which service provider had the great idea of digging a mini trench for the optical fiber or something of that kind on the right lane, therefore in the direction of descent.
It's very poorly sealed, there are lots of hills or potholes. It's extremely dangerous for cyclists given the speed reached on this steep descent. I would even say more, it's criminal to do such a disgusting job. I don't know if there are plans to fix this road, but it would be really urgent. And this type of trench is found on several roads in this sector. On the D35 in particular, be careful!
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Montesquieu-Lauragais Village
Highlight • Settlement
The village was born from a feudal castle dating back probably to the beginning of the 10th century. A very old document reveals that in 1162, the town bore the name of “Monteschivum”, made up of “mont” and a qualifier from the German word “esquiu”, which in Old French gave “eschiu”, c ' that is to say: wild, hostile, fierce.
The village was called "Montesquieu" until 1797, then "Montesquieu-sur-le-Canal" and finally Montesquieu-Lauragais since 1889.
At the top of the hill ...
Montesquieu was installed on a height, to be easy to defend and favorable to the surveillance of the surroundings. Until the 13th-14th century, the region was covered by a thick forest (from Montaudran to Naurouze), a landmark for many brigands. The systematic clearing of this forest began with the installation of bastides in the 13th century, such as those of Villenouvelle, Saint-Rome and Villefranche. In the 18th century, the Hers pipeline accelerated its disappearance.
A turbulent history
In the 12th-13th century, Montesquieu was a hotbed of Catharism, with a dozen Cathar “houses” and even a Cathar cemetery, perhaps located in Le Rouquet. During the religious wars of the 16th century, the village was Protestant like many others in the region. After a siege of ten days, the Duke of Joyeuse and his Catholic troops reconquer it and completely destroy it in 1586. The inscription preserved next to the entrance to the sacristy proves that the work of reconstruction of the church , and undoubtedly from the village, began as early as 1600.
Pastel blue
In the 15th and 16th centuries, the pastel grew in a land of Laurentians certainly better than today, impoverished by the wheat-corn rotation which made the glory of the Toulouse region from 1820 to 1880. Written sources mention Montesquieu as a place of purchase of pastel between 1450 and 1540. They indicate the existence of “botigas del pastel” and pastelier mills. They numbered 16 at the beginning of the 15th century and another 9 in the 17th century.
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Tips from the Community
Pleasant and easy route following the Canal du Midi. Avoid in strong E/SE wind. Recommended for hybrid / mountain bikes.
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This bridge is representative of the structures created by Pierre-Paul Riquet during the construction of the Canal du Midi at the end of the 17th century. Its semicircular arch forms a perfect half-circle. It is typical of the structures found along the entire length of the canal. Its construction method, dimensions, and the use of local materials represent a standardization that contributes to the canal's unique character. Red brick is the emblematic material of the Toulouse plain. This bridge, located in the municipalities of Deyme and Pompertuzat, has been listed as a historical monument since 1998.
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It is absolutely essential to notify the Toulouse town hall, highway department.
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"A 240.129 km long, 2.25 to 2.50 m deep waterway was declared a cultural monument as a "bridge" between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic with 328 structures such as bridges - such as the canal bridge over the Orb -, locks - such as the 7 lock cascades of Fonserrannes -, tunnels, aqueducts and 49 canals over streams and rivers." says the documentary from "Treasures of the World - Heritage of Humanity", a television series that brings world heritage sites closer to the culture-loving viewer (in German). The episode about the CANAL DU MIDI is available in the ARD media library under this link: => https://www.ardmediathek.de/video/schaetze-der-welt/gcanal-du-midi-frankreich-aufnahme-224/swr/Y3JpZDovL3N3ci5kZS82OTg2NDg2
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Nice bike path on the Canal du Midi, nice bridge.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of attractions can I expect to find around Saint-Léon?
The attractions around Saint-Léon are primarily centered along the historic Canal du Midi and its surrounding landscapes. You'll discover a blend of historical engineering marvels, such as the Brick Bridge on the Canal du Midi at Pompertuzat and the unique Hers Crossing, where the Hers river intersects the canal. The area also offers scenic trails like the Trail of the Notre-Dame des Bois Chapel, and charming historical villages.
Are there any historical sites or villages to explore near Saint-Léon?
Yes, the region is rich in history. You can visit Montesquieu-Lauragais Village, a historic settlement that grew from a feudal castle and has a turbulent past, including its role in Catharism and the Wars of Religion. Another notable historical monument is the Moulin de Montbrun-Lauragais, a man-made monument offering historical insights and a viewpoint. The Canal du Midi itself is a UNESCO World Heritage site, an engineering marvel from the 17th century.
What natural features can I see around Saint-Léon?
The primary natural features are the Canal du Midi and the Hers river. The canal offers shaded passages with tree-lined avenues, ideal for walks and cycling. The Hers Crossing is a unique spot where the river and canal meet. Additionally, trails like the Trail of the Notre-Dame des Bois Chapel lead through forests and offer viewpoints, providing a glimpse into the local flora and peaceful landscapes.
Are there family-friendly activities or attractions in the Saint-Léon area?
Many attractions along the Canal du Midi are suitable for families. The Brick Bridge on the Canal du Midi at Pompertuzat is part of a nice bike path along the canal, which is great for family cycling. The general pathways along the canal are flat and shaded, perfect for leisurely walks or bike rides with children. Exploring the historical villages like Montesquieu-Lauragais Village can also be an engaging activity for older children interested in history.
What outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
The area around Saint-Léon is excellent for various outdoor activities, especially along the Canal du Midi. Cycling is very popular, with routes like the easy "Canal du Midi near Donneville loop from Ayguesvives" available. You can also find mountain biking trails, such as the "Faurchaut downhill bobsleigh – Enduro Descent of Espanès loop from Noueilles," and running trails like the "Ayguesvives – Roman Bridge 🧱 loop from Ayguesvives." For more options, explore the dedicated guides for Cycling around Saint-Léon, MTB Trails around Saint-Léon, and Running Trails around Saint-Léon.
Are there hiking trails near the attractions around Saint-Léon?
Yes, there are several hiking opportunities. The Trail of the Notre-Dame des Bois Chapel is a pleasant, shaded path with rolling terrain, suitable for a walk. The banks of the Canal du Midi also offer extensive walking paths. For more structured routes, you can find running trails that are also suitable for hiking, such as the "Ayguesvives – Roman Bridge 🧱 loop from Ayguesvives" or the more challenging "Beautiful church – Moulin de Montbrun-Lauragais loop from Noueilles." Consult the Running Trails around Saint-Léon guide for detailed options.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Saint-Léon?
Visitors particularly appreciate the peaceful and scenic environment, especially the bike paths along the Canal du Midi, which are described as being in good condition and great for cyclists. The engineering marvel of the Canal du Midi, particularly at spots like the Hers Crossing, also fascinates many. The shaded trails and historical elements, such as the Trail of the Notre-Dame des Bois Chapel, are also highly valued for their natural beauty and cultural significance.
Is the Canal du Midi accessible for cycling and walking?
Yes, the Canal du Midi is very accessible for both cycling and walking. Many sections feature well-maintained paths, often shaded by trees, making them ideal for leisurely rides or strolls. The Brick Bridge on the Canal du Midi at Pompertuzat, for instance, is part of a popular bike path. While generally flat, some sections near locks may have small ascents and descents. The Canal Latéral à la Garonne, which the Canal du Midi is part of, is known for its greenway, perfect for these activities.
Are there any viewpoints to enjoy panoramic scenery?
Yes, you can find viewpoints that offer scenic vistas of the surrounding landscapes. The Trail of the Notre-Dame des Bois Chapel includes a viewpoint. Additionally, the Moulin de Montbrun-Lauragais is also noted as a viewpoint, likely offering elevated perspectives of the area.
What is the best time of year to visit Saint-Léon and its attractions?
The spring and autumn months are generally ideal for visiting Saint-Léon and its attractions. During these seasons, the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities like cycling and walking along the Canal du Midi, and the landscapes are particularly beautiful. Summer can be warm, but the shaded paths along the canal provide some relief. Winter offers a quieter experience, though some services might have reduced hours.
Are there any hidden gems or lesser-known spots worth discovering?
While the Canal du Midi itself is well-known, exploring the smaller, less-trafficked sections of its banks or the trails leading away from the main waterway can reveal hidden charms. The historical details of villages like Montesquieu-Lauragais Village, with its rich past, might be considered a hidden gem for those who delve deeper than just the main canal path. The local tips often highlight specific peaceful sections or unique views that might not be immediately obvious.
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