Canals: Garonne Valley, history and cycling circuit

Canals lies on a terrace above the Garonne Valley. The RD820 and RD813 roads pass through the town and make it easy to get there. This gives you both a specific geographical reference and two named roads to help you plan your journey.

Church and history of Canals

The church of Canals belonged to the Abbey of Saint-Sernin in Toulouse; in 1318, it was incorporated into the new Diocese of Montauban. This highlights two ecclesiastical connections: the abbey in Toulouse and the Diocese of Montauban, into which the church was incorporated in 1318. The specific date refers to its incorporation into the new diocese.

The Lavoir Napoléon III stands at the foot of the church and dates from the 17th century. The Canal des Deux Mers was also dug in Canals in the 17th century. Both details connect water and local history to the same period, but relate to different subjects: the washhouse was used for laundry, while the canal was a water-engineering project. Laundry was usually rinsed, rather than washed, at the washhouse. “Usually” is important here: rinsing was the customary use, but not the only possible one. This helps clarify the function of the washhouse.

A technical landmark in aviation

The aeronautical beacon in Canals adds a technical dimension to the town’s history. From the 1920s onwards, it served as a visual marker for air navigation at night or in fog. Its flashes of light could be seen from 80 km away. For those interested in the history of technology, the beacon illustrates the connection between visibility and navigation in the air.

Cycling circuit between the canal and the Garonne

The Circuit de canal à Garonne starts at the park at the entrance to Canals, on the D820. As a circular route, it takes you through waterside landscapes from the Canal des Deux Mers to the Garonne. This route description offers a different perspective on water from the Canal latéral, which divides Canals into Canals haut and Villelongue: one refers to the landscape along the circuit, the other to the layout of the town.

There are two easy options for the route, covering 11 km and 19 km. The longer option is eight kilometres longer; both are rated easy. This lets you compare the distances without any difference in difficulty rating. Before setting out, check the latest information on the starting point and route options, as the tourist office may update departure details. The topoguide for the Circuit de canal à Garonne is available at town halls and the tourist office; check which edition is available before collecting it.

When looking for a hotel in Canals, it helps to consider whether local history or the designated cycling route will be the focus of your stay.

Discover more destinations: Moissac, Valeilles, Laguépie, Castelsagrat, Lacapelle-Ségalar, Labarthe, Golfech, Escazeaux

For the wider travel overview: Tarn-Et-Garonne.