Canal du Midi
South France Accommodation
The distance between the Canal du Midi Carcassonne and our South France Accommodation- 60km - Villa
- 90km - Gites
- 65km - Apartments
Canal du Midi Carcassonne Languedoc Roussillon
Pierre Paul Riquet Baron of Bonrepos engineered the construction of the Canal Du Midi through Carcassonne in Languedoc Roussillon. Linking the Atlantic Ocean with the Mediterranean Sea in South France cutting through Carcassonne City. Work began in 1666 by 15,000 workers taking 15 years to complete. 240 km long comprising of 64 locks, 55 aqueducts, 7 bridges and 126 hump back bridges. Locks are still worked by hand as it was more than three centuries ago. The tow path is lined with oak trees 300 years old planted in Napoleonic times to shade troops. In December 1996 Canal du Midi was included in the UNESCO World Heritage list
Source of the Canal du Midi is Saint Ferreol lake 60 Km from Medieval Carcassonne. The first lake dam in Europe. Collecting water from Montagne Noir it channels through the Rigole Languedoc South France. From Port Lauragais it runs to the intersection with Canal de Robine at Narbonne. Pont Vieux a 17th century bridge near Castelnaudray is an amazing piece of architecture. Here Saint Roch lock carries boats through a drop of 9.5 metres.
In 1676 Riquet built the Repudre Aqueduct it was the first canal carrying bridge in France and second in the World. An obelisk in his honor was erected in 1825-27 and stands proud at the natural watershed Seuil De Naurouze. In 1689 the Pechlaurier Aqueduct was built by plans drafted by Vauban. Steps leading under the canal give visitors surprising views of the construction. An overflow outlet at the Argent Double is also the work of Vauban 50 metres long it regulates the excess water.
Boat and Cycle Hire
Numerous cycle hire stores along the towpath, fishing permits and supply shops are available. Plenty of restaurants, shops and Languedoc wine tasting cellars.
Boats called 'peniche' can be hired on the Canal du Midi Carcassonne between March and November. No licence is needed and top speed is limited to 6-8km per hour.
