The canal du Midi

The canal du Midi

Undertaken in the 17th century by Pierre-Paul Riquet to link the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, the Canal du Midi, a fabulous life line between men, and trade line between regions, is today enjoyed by boaters and tourists!

A listed UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, with its 240 km of navigable waterways linking Toulouse to the Mediterranean sea, and more than 300 structures – locks, aqueducts, bridges and tunnels, the canal is one of the most extraordinary civil engineering achievements of the modern era, paving the way for the industrial revolution. On the Côte du Midi, it crosses through the delightful villages of Ventenac-en-Minervois, Somail and Argeliers, and features magnificent works of engineering such as the canal bridge of La Cesse towards Mirepeisset, or that of Le Répudre between Paraza and Ventenac.

History of the Royal Canal

Before taking the name of "Canal du Midi", it was initially referred to as the "Canal Royal" then the "Canal du Languedoc". Devised by Pierre-Paul Riquet, this waterway was dug between 1666 and 1681. It is the second canal in French history after the Canal de Briare!

Le Somail

Before it became a marina, from the 17th to the 19th century Le Somail was an important trade and passenger port, with no less than 28,000 passengers in 1831! A unique atmosphere reigns in the port of Somail, where everything has remained the same since the 17th century.

Take some time to visit the icehouse, the bridge, admire the boats that come and go along the canal, or the geese and ducks that paddle in front of the outdoor terraces... A delight not be missed!

Visit Le Somail

The canal de la Robine

In times gone by, the river Aude flowed through Narbonne... but this capricious little waterway decided to change its bed in the Middle Ages, and so it was almost natural that the canal de la Robine was built. Inspired by the ancient Roman port, the canal passes through Narbonne, then on to the lagoons the Mediterranean. La Robine is also nicknamed the "Canal des étangs", or the Canal of lagoons, since it passes through the magnificent Bages-Sigean lagoon before reaching its terminus at Port-La Nouvelle.

The 32-kilometre canal passes through settings that are by turns urban in Narbonne, and by turns rural in the heart of the lagoons. You can enjoy its quiet waters by renting an electric or pleasure boat, or by taking a guided tour aboard a gabarre boat or barge. Some will prefer to walk or ride along the landscaped banks in the shade of the century-old plane trees.

Narbonne

Passing right through historic centre of Narbonne, the canal de la Robine is the city's pulse! Discover the historic centre by walking along the surrounding promenade des Barques or the Cours Mirabeau. Take a few moments on the footbridge to contemplate the Pont des Marchands. Whether on the left or right banks, oft-times transformed, this promenade is perfect for a pleasant stroll.

A few minutes' walk away, on one side, you will reach the Narbo Via museum where you can discover the secrets of "Narbo Martius" – the city's name in Roman times. The other side takes you to the medieval garden and its plantations dating back from the Middle Ages: "fleurs de marie", vegetables, medicinal plants, magic plants.

Some very nice walks in prospect!

Visit Narbonne

From Narbonne to Port La Nouvelle

Once out of Narbonne, nature works its magic: the canal passes through the lagoons, with views of the massifs of la Clape, les Corbières and the islands.

Don't miss the island and the salt flats of Sainte-Lucie, a recognised regional nature reserve. You can visit Sainte Lucie by bike, by boat, or on foot... you will be amazed by the diversity of landscapes in this stunning regional natural park!

The canal de Jonction

The canal de Jonction connects the canal du Midi to the canal de la Robine. In fact, it is the "youngest" of the three! Not only is this canal a technical feat, it is also superbly laid out: rectilinear, lined with parasol pines and punctuated by 7 locks. It was more than a century in waiting before being commissioned in 1787, almost a century after the Canal du Midi!

Sallèles d'Aude

The canal de Jonction is very much a part of village life in Sallèles d'Aude. To be sure, it extends over the entire town!

This canal's construction was the last step to finally connect Narbonne and the Canal du Midi, more than a century after the latter's construction. Don't miss the Gailhousty spillway at the extreme south of Sallèles d'Aude.

With its straight route bordered by parasol pines, the canal is both original and highly aesthetic!