Canal du Midi in France

Facts and Data

Webpages:
Official Unesco Page
Voies navigables en France (in French)
Canal du Midi
Direction territorial Sud-Ouest (in French)

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 1996
Size of heritage: 1,172 ha
- Buffer zone: 2,014 ha

Coordinates:
Longitude: 1,416°
Latitude: 43,611°

Summary

This 360-km network of navigable waterways linking the Mediterranean and the Atlantic through 328 structures (locks, aqueducts, bridges, tunnels, etc.) is one of the most remarkable feats of civil engineering in modern times. Built between 1667 and 1694, it paved the way for the Industrial Revolution. The care that its creator, Pierre-Paul Riquet, took in the design and the way it blends with its surroundings turned a technical achievement into a work of art.

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Canal du Midi: A Historic Waterway Connecting France

The Canal du Midi, located in the regions of Midi-Pyrénées and Languedoc-Roussillon in France, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that holds immense historical and cultural significance. This remarkable waterway, stretching over 240 kilometers, connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea, serving as a vital link for trade and transportation since its completion in 1681.

A Brief History

The construction of the Canal du Midi was a visionary project led by Pierre-Paul Riquet, a talented engineer. Inspired by the idea of connecting the two seas, Riquet spent years studying the region's geography and hydrology to design a canal that would overcome the natural obstacles of the landscape.

Work on the canal began in 1666 and involved the labor of thousands of workers, including soldiers, peasants, and skilled craftsmen. The construction process was a remarkable feat of engineering, involving the creation of numerous locks, aqueducts, and tunnels. The canal was finally completed in 1681, fulfilling Riquet's dream and revolutionizing transportation in the region.

A Marvel of Engineering

The Canal du Midi is renowned for its innovative engineering techniques, which were ahead of their time. The canal's ingenious system of locks allows boats to navigate the varying water levels along its route. These locks, along with the impressive aqueducts that carry the canal over rivers and valleys, are a testament to the skill and ingenuity of the engineers who designed them.

Today, the Canal du Midi remains fully operational and continues to be used for both commercial and recreational purposes. It is a popular destination for boating enthusiasts, who can navigate its tranquil waters and admire the picturesque landscapes that surround it.

A Cultural Landscape

The Canal du Midi is not only a remarkable engineering achievement but also a cultural landscape of great beauty. The canal is lined with majestic plane trees, which were planted in the 19th century to provide shade and stabilize the canal's banks. These trees, along with the charming villages, vineyards, and historic structures that dot the canal's route, create a unique and enchanting atmosphere.

Visitors to the Canal du Midi can explore its rich heritage by visiting the numerous historic sites along its banks. The city of Carcassonne, with its magnificent medieval fortress, is a highlight of the canal's route. Other notable attractions include the Malpas Tunnel, the Fonserannes Locks, and the charming village of Béziers.

Garden Hotel

Address
Distance: 1,0 mi
Boulevard Gabriel Koenigs 81
31300 Toulouse
France

Time Information

Checkout: 11:30 - Checkin: 13:30
Reception
Weekday: 0:00 - 24:00
Weekend: 0:00 - 24:00

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Near airports

Toulouse-Blagnac Airport
Large airport - 3 mi (5 km)

Montauban Airport
Medium airport - 29 mi (47 km)

Albi-Le Séquestre Airport
Medium airport - 41 mi (66 km)

Castres-Mazamet Airport
Medium airport - 44 mi (71 km)

Cahors-Lalbenque Airport
Medium airport - 51 mi (83 km)

Carcassonne Airport
Medium airport - 52 mi (85 km)

Agen-La Garenne Airport
Medium airport - 57 mi (92 km)

Sarlat Domme Airport
Small airport - 82 mi (133 km)

Brive-La Roche Airport
Large airport - 106 mi (172 km)

Bordeaux-Mérignac (BA 106) Airport
Large airport - 135 mi (218 km)