The 300 year old Canal du Midi (241KM long) is a UNESCO World Heritage site and connects the Garonne River to the Thau Lagoon on the Mediterranean. Together with the 193 km long Canal de Garonne, the Canal du Midi forms the Canal des Deux Mers – joining the Atlantic Sea to the Mediterranean Sea.
Hugging the edges of the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean the Canal makes its way inland, through vineyards, picturesque villages and famous towns. It is the perfect place for cycling or walking along scenic tow paths, relaxing on deck watching the scenery go slowly by…
The canal runs from the city of Toulouse and passes through some of the Languedoc Roussillon’s most beautiful towns, villages and countryside. It takes in arched bridges, aqueducts and locks as it wends its way cross country shaded by plane trees, the water glimmering gently in the sun.
The Canal was designed by Pierre-Paul Riquet who died just one week before its completion. Riquet’s legacy is stunning including the Repudre Aqueduct, the first canal bridge to be built in France and the second in the world.
Follow the river towards Beziers and the Canal du Midi crosses two ingenious engineering solutions; ‘Les neuf ecluses’ – a staircase lock of 8 chambers and nine gates, allowing boats to be raised to a height of 21.5m over a distance of 300m.
A cruise on this beautiful river is a marvelous way to while away the hours. With a glass of locally produced wine, a fabulous lunch, and those wonderful views – it doesn’t get much better.
We moored up at a village called Mirepesset – and what makes this place particularly special is the fact that the Canal goes over the River.
River cruising, gorgeous villages, fabulous gastronomy and wines, walks or cycling on the tow parth – a day on the Canal du Midi is full of fun and action, as much, or as little as you like!
