Canal du Midi

Built during the 17th century on the eastern side of the Canal des Deux Mers, the Canal du Midi is one of the oldest artificial waterways in Europe. At 360km long, it was built to link the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. The waters of Black Mountain feed it. This UNESCO World Heritage Site in Southern France runs from Toulouse in the west to the Mediterranean port of Sète in the east.

Shaded by imposing plane trees lining its banks, the Canal du Midi's green waters wind through the beautiful countryside, past fields of sunflowers and the vineyards of Languedoc-Roussillon.

Explore the busy port town of Béziers and enjoy the stunning views from the former cathedral of Saint-Nazaire, perched on a hilltop. To the west, at Fonseranes, you will find the impressive flight of seven locks. See the world's oldest canal tunnel at Malpas and discover the exciting village of Capestang with its lovely, floodlit St. Etienne Cathedral. Detour to Narbonne to see the impressive cathedral and Archbishop's Palace. Famous for its medieval fortress set high on a hill with drawbridges, towers and cobbled streets, Carcassonne is unmissable. The medieval town of Castelnaudary is also worth exploring. It was built around a castle in the 12th century and was the birthplace of cassoulet, a meat and beans dish named after the earthenware pot in which it is cooked.

Browse the traditional markets for local cheeses and enjoy tasting the region's wines. The Canal du Midi passes through the wine-growing areas of the Languedoc, the Herault, the Aude, Minervois, and Corbières.

Basking in warm sunshine almost all year round, a cruise along the Canal du Midi is an ideal holiday for sun-seekers! Air-conditioned boats are advisable in July or August as temperatures can be high.

A perfect boating holiday for experienced and first-time cruisers alike, this beautiful and tranquil waterway offers relaxed cruising through unique oval locks, a testament to the technical mastery of its architects.

More information on the UNESCO site

Waterways in this region

The Canal du Midi, the Canal de la Robine, the canal latéral à la Garonne, the Canal de Jonction, Etang de Thau.