Hike on the GR®861 following Via Garona - Santiago de Compostela through Haute-Garonne department from Toulouse to Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges along Garonne river. Guest House, Bed and Breakfast, Hotel, Camping, Shelter, Inn, Shops.

GR®861

Via Garona

From Toulouse to St-Bertrand-de-Comminges (Haute-Garonne)

Santiago de Compostela

162Km

The Via Garona is a hiking trail that stretches over 160 km, connecting Toulouse to Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges. It offers breathtaking views of the Pyrenees and follows the Garonne River from its source to its mouth in the Bay of Somme. Along this path, you will discover medieval cities such as Saint-Gaudens, which houses a beautiful Romanesque collegiate church. The architecture is often made of bricks, but the church of Valcabrere, made of stone, is an amazing example of the reuse of sculptures from the ancient Gallo-Roman city of Lugdunum Convenarum. The village of Saint-Bertrand, dominated by its perched cathedral, resembles a terrestrial Mont-Saint-Michel - a peaceful and timeless place. You will also encounter traces of a cult dedicated to Saint Jacques, particularly established in Muret and Cazeres. Other saints such as Saint Cizy, Saint Germier, Saint Gaudens and Saint Just were also venerated here. Rieux Volvestre is another gem along this path where you can admire its powerful Gothic cathedral and witness the medieval tradition of shooting at the papogay - an archery competition. In Martres-Tolosane, there is a historical and religious tradition that honors Saint Vidian, who fought against the Saracens and was contemporary with the invention of the tomb of Saint Jacques in 813.