Mas-Saintes-Puelles: Culture, Trails and the Canal du Midi

Mas-Saintes-Puelles offers several different themes for a stay: signposted walking trails, architectural and cultural heritage, and pottery along the Canal du Midi. When planning your trip, you can first consider whether you would mainly like to spend time outdoors, see historic buildings or learn more about local craftsmanship.

Walking trails, views and the Étangs du Mas

There are several signposted walking trails in the hills and starting from the village. The Chemin des Collines du vent offers sweeping views over the Lauragais plain and the Pyrenees. This gives it a different landscape from the towpath along the Canal du Midi, which is described as an easy walk.

The towpath is used by both walkers and cyclists. The trail information therefore gives you different points of reference for planning your day: views over the plain and the Pyrenees on the Chemin des Collines du vent, an easy walk described as such along the canal, or a bike ride on the towpath. As with walking and cycling routes, it may be helpful to check current conditions before setting out.

The Étangs du Mas offer another way to spend time outdoors and are used for fishing and walking. These are two specific activities you can take into account when planning if you would like to spend time by the water as well as go for a walk.

Canal du Midi: locks and cycling route

Five locks on the Canal du Midi are located within the territory of Mas-Saintes-Puelles. The canal is therefore not only a landmark for the towpath, but its locks also form part of the local infrastructure and cultural landscape. The cycling route “L'échappée des 23 écluses” includes a signposted extension towards Mas-Saintes-Puelles. If you plan to take this extension, check the current signposting before setting out.

The differences noted for each option can help you choose between a stroll, a hike and cycling: the Chemin des Collines du vent with its sweeping views, the easy towpath and the marked cycling extension towards Mas-Saintes-Puelles.

Churches, chapels and the history of the mills

The present-day Église Saintes-Puelles was rebuilt using architectural elements from the former church. Several aspects of its religious and architectural heritage are preserved at the church: it safeguards relics associated with the Saintes Puelles, and its south portal is protected as a historic monument. This brings together building history, religious tradition and heritage protection in one specific building.

The Chapelle Saint Pierre Nolasque also combines architectural history and religious significance: it is located in a former mill and is a pilgrimage site. The Moulins de Laffon are also associated with Mas-Saintes-Puelles. Of the six grain mills originally built, two remain; both have been restored. The carved gable panel above the entrance to the Maison Nicol is also listed as a historic monument.

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, visitors learn to throw a cassole on the potter’s wheel. This gives the workshop its own focus on craftsmanship alongside the village’s walking and heritage themes.

Visits to Poterie Not can include the outdoor clay pit area, the room with the potter’s wheels, the kiln room and the drying room. If you plan to visit or take part in a workshop, check the current visiting and booking conditions in advance.

Discover more destinations: Embres-et-Castelmaure, Sigean, Alaigne, Aigues-Vives, Tourreilles, Montclar, Saint-Laurent-De-La-Cabrerisse, Rieux-En-Val.

For the broader travel overview: Aude.