Built between 1667 and 1694 in the province of Languedoc, this canal was the result of the vision of Pierre-Paul Riquet to connect the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.
The idea was to provide safe transport, avoid pirates of the Gibraltar straits, and shorten the distance to deliver goods throughout the region. The 328 structures of this engineering feat include locks, aqueducts, bridges, and tunnels.
In 1997 this site became a UNESCO protected site.
The Canal du Midi is 240 km long, about 150 miles. It rises 620 feet above sea level at its highest point and zero feet at its lowest. The maximum boat length is 98 feet.
Exploring France in the Languedoc region, we drove over, beside, and around countless parts of the Canal du Midi.
Vacationers in luxury hotel boats cruised peacefully, barges delivered groceries and necessities, and self-guided boats docked along the many bike paths. Restaurants and bars were plenty along the tree-lined canal.
We stopped on bridges to wave to those aboard a boat and toasted those passing by with a glass of wine. All of us were having a good day.
Definitely a place worth exploring…both on and off the canal.