5.0
(2)
20
riders
3
rides
Gravel biking around Bassin du Lampy Neuf offers routes through the diverse terrain of the Montagne Noire in the Aude department. The region features a landscape of forests, valleys, and waterways, with the Bassin du Lampy Neuf reservoir as a central natural feature. Paths along the historical Rigole de la Montagne Noire provide accessible routes, while the surrounding area includes varied topography suitable for gravel bikes. This area is part of the Canal du Midi's water supply system, a UNESCO…
Last updated: October 29, 2026
3
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
5.0
(2)
10
riders
32.8km
02:03
360m
360m
Hard gravel ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.

2
riders
28.3km
01:56
430m
430m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
2
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
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Popular around Bassin du Lampy Neuf
The Trèbes locks are a flight of locks composed of three basins. Built around 1674, it is located downstream from the port of Trèbes at the exit of the town in the direction of the village of Marseillette. Taking advantage of the significant drop in the flight of locks, intense milling activity was established on the left bank of the lock. A first upper mill was built at the end of the 17th century. It is crossed by a diversion of the Canal du Midi which ensures its operation; it is described as having four millstones with a stable and a shed. A transformation of this first mill was carried out in 1867 to make it a mill with 6 millstones. This new building, later enlarged in the 1930s, consists of a basement and 4 floors at its highest point. It has today been converted into a restaurant.
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The Canal du Midi, formerly Canal Royal, is a 17th-century technical feat designed by Pierre-Paul Riquet to connect the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. Today, it is above all a place for relaxation and discovery, where heritage, nature, and conviviality blend together.
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The Canal du Midi, formerly Canal Royal, is a 17th-century technical feat designed by Pierre-Paul Riquet to connect the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. Today, it is above all a place for relaxation and discovery, where heritage, nature, and conviviality blend together.
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The ramparts of Carcassonne were built in several stages over more than a millennium by the Romans (3rd-4th centuries), the Trencavel viscounts (12th century), and then the kings of France (13th century). The complex was then largely restored in the 19th century by the architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc.
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Hello Cormé, If you look to the left on the way there and to the right on the way back, you will see the same thing 😂 I'm joking of course and you are right, loop tracks are nicer.
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The Alzeau dam (or d'Alzau[1]), located in the commune of Arfons, in the Tarn[2], is the starting point of the rigole de la Montagne, which then feeds the Canal du Midi. It is located on the border with the Aude department, and is accessible via the commune of Lacombe. (Wikipedia)
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During the canal's construction, Pierre-Paul Riquet allowed streams to flow into the canal. Excess water was discharged through weirs. This system generated alluvial deposits that silted up the canal and disrupted navigation. By 1685, boats were having difficulty navigating in many places. In 1686, King Louis XIV entrusted Vauban with an inspection of the Canal du Midi (then called the Royal Canal of Languedoc). This aqueduct has three arches. At low water levels, the Orbiel River flows only under the western arch. During floods, it overflows its banks, and sometimes the three arches are no longer sufficient to maintain the flow. In the most severe floods, the structure can be completely submerged, as was the case in 2018.
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The Cammazes Dam is located in the Montagne Noire massif in the Tarn department. It provides a drinking water reserve for the municipalities around Revel. Built between 1954 and 1957 and commissioned in 1958, the Cammazes Dam is located on the Sor River, between the municipalities of Cammazes and Sorèze in the Tarn department, and the municipality of Saissac in the Aude department. It forms Lake Cammazes, which also receives excess water from the mountain channel via the Conquet spillway. The structure is intended for drinking water supply and irrigation. It supplies 200 municipalities, representing over 170,000 inhabitants. The surface area of the body of water is approximately 90 hectares. Its reservoir volume is 18.8 million cubic meters; the watershed area is 30 km². The operator is the Montagne Noire Water Institution. The water is piped to the Picotalen treatment plant. It also serves as a reserve for the Canal du Midi via a water intake feeding the mountain channel (water rights of 4 million cubic meters) (Wikipedia)
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There are several dedicated no-traffic gravel bike trails around Bassin du Lampy Neuf. Our guide features four distinct routes, ranging from moderate to difficult, ensuring a varied experience for gravel cyclists looking for quiet paths.
The terrain around Bassin du Lampy Neuf is diverse, offering a mix of forest paths, dedicated cycling trails, and historical routes. You'll find sections along the Rigole de la Montagne Noire, which provides relatively flat and scenic gravel paths, alongside more challenging ascents and descents characteristic of the Montagne Noire region. Expect varied surfaces suitable for gravel bikes.
While many routes in the area offer a peaceful, car-free experience, the trails featured in this guide are generally rated as moderate to difficult due to their length and elevation changes. For families or beginners, we recommend focusing on the flatter sections along the Rigole de la Montagne Noire, which are more accessible, though specific easy routes are not highlighted in this selection.
The routes offer stunning views of the Bassin du Lampy Neuf itself, surrounded by lush forests of beech, oak, and conifers. You'll also encounter the historical Rigole de la Montagne Noire, an 18th-century water channel, and potentially serene streams and small waterfalls, adding to the natural beauty of the Montagne Noire landscape.
Absolutely! The entire area is rich in history. You'll ride past the impressive Lampy Dam, built between 1777 and 1782, and the Rigole de la Montagne Noire, both integral parts of the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Canal du Midi's water supply system. The Bassin du Lampy itself is a significant historical and natural landmark.
The region is beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn offer the most pleasant conditions for gravel biking, with mild temperatures and vibrant foliage. Summer can be warm, but the forested sections provide welcome shade. Winter riding is possible, though some paths might be muddy or require more robust tires.
Yes, all the routes highlighted in this guide are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point without needing to arrange transport back. For example, the Lampy – Lampy Basin loop from En Dardé offers a great circular experience around the basin.
The Bassin du Lampy Neuf area offers several parking options, particularly near the main recreational areas and the dam. You'll find designated parking spots that provide convenient access to the trailheads, allowing you to easily unload your bike and start your adventure.
Many of the natural paths and forest trails around Bassin du Lampy Neuf are dog-friendly, provided your dog is well-behaved and kept under control, especially around wildlife or other trail users. Always check local signage for any specific restrictions, particularly in protected areas or near swimming zones.
Yes, you'll find amenities around Bassin du Lampy Neuf. There is a bar-restaurant directly at Lampy Neuf, perfect for a post-ride meal or refreshment. Additionally, picnic areas are available in the undergrowth between the Leignes dike and the dam, offering scenic spots for a packed lunch.
The routes in this guide vary in length. For instance, the Alzeau Water Intake – Lampy loop from Lacombe is approximately 24 km, while the Saint-Martin Church of Sorèze – Sorèze loop from Les Escudiès extends to about 40 km, offering options for different endurance levels.
The routes featured in this guide are predominantly rated as 'difficult', with one 'moderate' option. This is due to factors like distance, elevation gain, and varied terrain. For example, the Lampy – Alzeau Water Intake loop from Lacombe is considered difficult, offering a challenging yet rewarding experience.


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