The Canal du Midi is an unmissable tourist attraction thanks to its ingenuity, fascinating history and the fact that it is dotted with impressive engineering structures. Here is some key information about this one-of-a-kind canal, including dates, key figures, map, iconic people and impressive engineering structures!
Where does the Canal du Midi start and finish?
The Canal du Midi crosses the Occitanie region of France. It originates in Toulouse and then runs all the way to the Thau lagoon in Marseillan, and then on to the Mediterranean Sea via Sète. The Canal du Midi is 240 km long and winds through 4 French departements: Haute-Garonne, Aude and Hérault, and the Tarn for the water supply system.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of the canal du Midi is made up of the canal itself as well as the water supply system from the Montagne Noire, and the 18th century extensions (the Brienne, Jonction and La Robine canals).
The Canal de Garonne, connected to the Canal du Midi and built between 1839 and 1856, provided a connection from Toulouse to Castets-En-Castillon, around fifty kilometres from Bordeaux, without having to go along the unpredictable Garonne, which was the case up until then. The Canal du Midi together with the Canal de Garonne form the Canal des Deux Mers.
How long is the Canal du Midi?
The official length of the Canal du Midi UNESCO World Heritage Site is 360 km, including:
• 240 kilometres from Toulouse to Marseillan
• 81 kilometres of water supply system in the Montagne Noire (channels)
• 37 kilometres for the Jonction and La Robine canals
• 1.5 kilometre for the Canal de Brienne in Toulouse
• 0.5 kilometre additional section between Hérault and the Agde round lock
How wide is the Canal du Midi?
The surface width of the Canal du Midi is 18 m and the bed width is 10 m, with a depth of 1.90 m.
How long did it take to build the Canal du Midi?
Construction work for the Canal du Midi lasted 14 years, from 1667, when work began, up until the very first boat sailed there in 1681.
And up to 12,000 workers were involved!
Vauban contributed some improvements to Riquet's design
In the months following the inauguration, some flaws started to appear. Vauban was called upon by the King to roll out some significant construction work from 1687 to 1694 to consolidate Riquet's masterpiece.
The Canal du Midi, a landmark with UNESCO World Heritage status
An ingenious water supply system, never-before-seen dimensions and a great number of engineering works... The Canal du Midi is one of the greatest achievements in European construction works of the 17th century!
This exceptional example of scientific, architectural and landscape heritage was granted World Heritage status in 1996 by UNESCO. The Canal du Midi, its water supply system and extension canals - Brienne, Jonction and La Robine - have all been added to the list of World Heritage sites.
This status means that it is essential to safeguard, raise awareness and pass this landmark on to future generations!
