The extraordinary and epic history of the Canal du Midi began in 1663 when Pierre Paul Riquet persuaded the King that a canal to join the Atlantic to the Mediterranean was technically feasible and furthermore, that the water needed to feed such a canal could be collected in the nearby hill country of the Montagne Noire. 

The labour of some 15,000 workers over 14 years and Riquet's personal fortune went into the building of the Canal.

The Canal du Midi is first and foremost an outstanding architectural achievement, but it also provides an ideal route to the discovery of the region's gastronomic delights.

The waterway runs for 240 km and is filled by a complicated system of feeder canals and reservoirs. It includes surviving examples of the earliest inventions related to hydraulic engineering and associated construction works. The Canal du Midi was included by Unesco in December 1996 on its World Heritage List.

Navigation

Cruising the canals is surprisingly easy; the top speed is limited to 6-8 kms/hour to prevent damage to the canal banks. No licence is needed. The Canal du Midi and the Robine are open to navigation from March to November. The only restrictions are the lock operating hours; 8 am - 12:30 pm and 13:30 pm - 19:30 pm.

Fishing

The catch from the calm waters of the Canal du Midi can include exceptional fish: carp, perch, pike, roach and sometimes even crayfish. The boat hire companies can tell you where to get the necessary fishing licence as well as the location of the nearest fishing supply shops.

Houseboats

These really are houses afloat. Well designed, they ally comfort and user-friendly domestic facilities.