CANAL
DU MIDI |
The Canal du Midi, in existence for more than 300 years, was
constructed by Pierre Paul Riquet between 1667 and 1680, with the help of about 12,000 workers,
who dug out 7,000,000m3 of earth to connect Toulouse and Sète.
This represents 250km of Canal, built only by manpower during the reign of Louis XIV. Conceived
to enable the transport of goods between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, it is
now almost exclusively used by pleasure boats. During your trip you will discover a canal lined
by trees, which meanders through the land of the Cathars, passing on the way locks, bridges and
aqueducts of the time. You will come to appreciate the calm of the picturesque little villages,
which have preserved their charm and gastronomy. Practically intact since it’s construction,
the Canal du Midi was recognised by UNESCO as a world heritage site in 1996. |
