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Midi Canal potted History |
The Midi Canal, in existence for more than three centuries, (331 years), was constructed by Pierre Paul Riquet between 1667 and 1681, with the help of
about twelve thousand workers, who dug out 7,000,000m³ of earth to connect Toulouse and Sète.
This represents 240km(150miles) of canal, built using only manpower, during the reign of
Louis ⅩⅣ, the Sun King, “ Le Roi Soleil ”.
Conceived to enable the transport of goods and the French Navy 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 period.
You will come to appreciate the calm of the picturesque little villages, which have preserved their
charm and gastronomy, practically intact since the canal's construction.
The Canal du Midi was recognised by UNESCO as a world heritage site in 1996.
It was the genius of Pierre Paul
Riquet that provided the sourcing of the water that made this project viable.