The Canal du Midi

A corner of greenery in Carcassonne

Work of Pierre-Paul Riquet carried out in the XVIIth century to connect the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, it crosses the heart of the city and offers a real tourist route to discover on foot, by bike or by boat.

Bateau de croisière naviguant sur le canal du Midi, passant sous un pont en pierre, entouré de verdure et de berges aménagées
Ecluse de Carcassonne

Several hours or several days on the Canal allow you to discover the richness of this place.

District

The Canal du Midi

The Canal du Midi was built by Pierre-Paul Riquet in the 17th century to link the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. It was once used to transport goods and people, but is now used by many boaters and tourists and runs through the heart of the city of Carcassonne. Since 1996, the Canal du Midi has been listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The locks, bridges, aqueducts and canal bridges that run along the 240 km of waterway are a testament to both a technical feat and a work of art.

Écluse sur le Canal du Midi à Carcassonne, bordée de verdure avec des promeneurs et cyclistes profitant d’une belle journée ensoleillée.

The locks of the Canal du Midi

The Canal du Midi has 63 locks along its 240km length.

But what are the locks for?

Locks are used to level the water level of the Canal to allow boats to navigate easily. The locks work like dams, holding back the water and releasing it little by little, allowing all boats to pass through the different water levels.

A work of art in the Port of Carcassonne

Discover in the Port of the Canal du Midi in Carcassonne, this magnificent Barge painted by the internationally recognized artist: Speedy Graphito. This true work of art is exhibited all year round to take your most beautiful photos.

The Exhibition: The Canal Odyssey

Welcome aboard the street art barge: Europ’Odyssée. Open your eyes and ears wide, it could be that the geniuses who gave life to the Canal du Midi will return and tell you about its incredible Odyssey throughout the centuries. Ideas flow, the walls tell stories, the elements are unleashed…A unique, fun and historical experience that will transport you back in time, for a moment.

  • Recommended for children aged 14 and over
  • Price: €2, free for under-18s.
© OMT Carcassonne
Les écluses du Canal du Midi sont de véritables chef-d'oeuvre de ce patrimoine classé à l'UNESCO

The History of the Canal in Carcassonne

1666
Louis XIV validates the project of the Canal des deux mers by the edict of Saint-Germain-En-Laye. Pierre-paul Riquet was able to start work on the project, which would last 14 years. Nearly 12,000 people will work on this unique project.
1681
Official inauguration of the Royal Canal and start of navigation
1810
Creation of the new route of the Canal du Midi passing through the town of Carcassonne.
1980
End of merchant traffic. The Canal is now dedicated to leisure and tourism.
1996
The Canal du Midi is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Immediate boarding

Your boat trips

Opt for a guided cruise or hire a boat with friends for several days on the Canal du Midi.

THE COCAGNE CRUISES
CARCASSONNE

THE COCAGNE CRUISES

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CARCASSONNE

CRIS'BOAT

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CARCASSONNE

LES CANALOUS

 

Rent your bike to cycle along the Canal

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CARCASSONNE

EVADEO CYCLES

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CARCASSONNE

LOCATION CYCLOLIB

Itineraries for your walks

Discover the Canal du Midi by foot and by bike. Go from lock to lock and discover the natural heritage of this UNESCO listed site at your own pace.

The Free Mobile App “Carcassonne Interactive” will be your essential guide for a successful walk.

Cyclotouristes sur le chemin de halage du Canal du Midi, longeant des maisons fleuries et des lauriers roses en été.
©Vincent Photographies
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