Canal du Midi
About
The Canal du Midi is a celebrated 240‑kilometre (150‑mile) waterway in southern France that famously links the Garonne River to the Étang de Thau, completing a historic route from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, the canal is a living testament to 17th‑century engineering and ingenuity, featuring an impressive array of 65 locks, 126 bridges, 55 aqueducts and a 173‑metre tunnel. It has evolved from a commercial artery to a flourishing tourist attraction, offering boating, cycling, and scenic walks along its 360‑kilometre network. Visitors can ride charters, explore historic lock chambers, cycle the dedicated paths, or simply admire the canals' sweeping vistas that highlight the region’s rich cultural tapestry and natural beauty.
Highlights
- Historic Locks Network
- Malpas Tunnel
- Aqueducts and Bridges
- Summit Level and Reservoirs
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
Must-See Areas
Good to Know
Good for
Best time to visit
Late spring through early autumn (May to September) delivers mild weather, fewer crowds, and spectacular scenery, while winter offers quiet preservation of the canal’s historic structures.