Canal du Midi, Waterway network in Toulouse, France
The Canal du Midi is a waterway in southern France linking Toulouse with the Mediterranean coast. The route passes through rolling hills and flat countryside, lined with trees and crossed by stone bridges that span the water.
A royal decree in the second half of the 17th century authorized construction under the direction of a tax collector from Béziers. Completion took about 15 years of work and created a continuous link between two seas.
The name refers to the southern French region known for its mild climate and vineyards. Cyclists and boaters share the towpath beneath plane trees while anglers cast their lines along the banks.
Locks open at regular intervals during the season and it helps to start early in the day for longer trips by boat. The paved towpath works well for cycling and walking, with shade along most sections.
A tunnel passes beneath a hill and allows boats to cross this section without locks. In some places locals use the embankments for sunbathing and picnics, especially on summer weekends.
Location: Toulouse
Location: Ramonville-Saint-Agne
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Location: Castanet-Tolosan
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Location: Marseillan
Official opening: May 15, 1681
Elevation above the sea: 0 m
Part of: Canal des Deux-Mers
Address: Canal du Midi, France
GPS coordinates: 43.61111,1.41833
Latest update: December 4, 2025 19:01
Toulouse holds a network of historical buildings, museums, and squares that form the cultural backbone of the city. The Capitole serves as the administrative center and dominates the main square, while the Romanesque Basilica Saint-Sernin displays massive stone walls that span centuries of history....
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Cité de Carcassonne
88.7 km
Basilica of St. Sernin
1.9 km
Capitole de Toulouse
2.2 km
Place du Capitole
2.2 km
Bassin de Saint-Ferréol
52.7 km
City of Space
6.6 km
Gare de Toulouse-Matabiau
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Toulouse Cathedral
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Téléo
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Muséum de Toulouse
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Fonseranes Lock
147.2 km
Monastery of the Jacobins
1.9 km
Oppidum d'Ensérune
140.8 km
Musée des Augustins
2.5 km
Seuil de Naurouze
43.4 km
Château comtal de Carcassonne
88.7 km
Haut-Languedoc Regional Natural Park
109.1 km
Le Bikini
8.8 km
Halle de la machine
6.4 km
Pic de Nore
86.8 km
Canal des Deux-Mers
59.7 km
Fort de Brescou
172.8 km
Hôtel d'Assézat
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Gorges d'Héric
124.6 km
Béziers Cathedral
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Canal de la Robine
131.2 km
Châteaux de Lastours
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Basilica of St. Nazaire and St. Celse
88.7 kmVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
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