Visiting the Midi? Discover the 12 things you can’t miss when visiting the Canal du Midi.
The Canal du Midi is a river unlike any other. This human feat revolutionized river transport in the Languedoc region. Now a Unesco World Heritage site, the Canal du Midi is a major tourist attraction.
Generation Voyage invites you to discover the 12 things you must do to visit the Canal du Midi. Come aboard and let us guide you!
1. Crossing the Canal by barge
Photo credit: Shutterstock – TravelKiwis
How could we begin our list of must-do Canal du Midi activities without a trip on a barge? It’s not only the most beautiful, but also the most interesting way to discover the mythical canal.
When you rent your barge, you’ll discover the sumptuous landscapes of Occitanie, which you won’t find anywhere else. Your journey, punctuated by the many locks on the canal, will take you past imposing castles, the flourishing vegetation typical of Occitanie and authentic Occitan towns. It’s time to marvel!
2. Sailing on the Port de l’Embouchure in Toulouse
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Colibri Vision
As one of the extremities of the Canal du Midi, the Port de l’Embouchure is a must-see when visiting the Canal du Midi. Intersecting with the Canal Latéral à la Garonne and the Canal de Brienne, this is where the Canal du Midi ends. Thanks to this mouth, it is finally possible to link the Mediterranean and the Atlantic.
The arrival in the port is marked by the passage under the mythical Ponts-Jumeaux, offering an exceptional setting. We strongly advise you to embark on a barge or hire a boat to enjoy the pink city.
3. Visit the Fonseranes locks
Photo credit: Shutterstock – acongar
As we mentioned earlier, navigation on the canal and its supply was made possible by the locks. But what are locks? A lock is a structure comprising two gates and a basin. Locks make it possible to control the water level and flow. But it also enables boats to navigate and pass over the various gradients. Without these locks, the Canal du Midi would never have seen the light of day.
It’s no surprise that the 9 Fonseranes locks in Béziers are one of the must-see sights on the Canal du Midi. You can visit them on foot, or rent a boat.
4. Crossing the Orb canal bridge
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Tupungato
If you’re visiting the Canal du Midi, you’re bound to come across a canal bridge. Like the locks, this type of construction also plays a key role in the project. What’s a canal bridge? A canal bridge allows you to cross an obstacle.
Among the Canal du Midi bridges, the Orb Canal Bridge is a marvel. Located in Béziers, it enables the Canal du Midi to cross the Orb river. But the canal bridge also attracts attention for its architectural beauty.
5. Cassoulet in Castelnaudary
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Martin Silva Cosentino
Along the Canal du Midi, you’ll find the Lauragais region, and Castelnaudary in particular. The name may sound familiar, as the town is renowned for its famous cassoulet.
Visiting the Canal du Midi is also an opportunity to take a gourmet break. There’s even an exhibition devoted to the dish at the Musée du Lauragais. The site is steeped in history, being a former prison-tribunal designed by Catherine de Médicis.
6. Discover the Naurouze threshold
Photo credit: Flickr – jacques bourdette
This is one of the must-sees on the Canal du Midi. It is here, at the Naurouze threshold, that the highest point of the canal is located. Right from the start of the project, Pierre-Paul Riquet, the Toulouse entrepreneur who designed and built the Canal du Midi, made the threshold a strategic location. Indeed, this emblematic site already existed in ancient times.
But why is it so important? Quite simply because the weir will partially feed the canal with water from the magnificent Montagne Noire.
7. Passing through the Malpas tunnel
Photo credit: Flickr – Ruud Onos
The Malpas tunnel is another structure that avoided a natural obstacle. Located in Nissan-lez-Ensérune, it allowed the canal to pass under theEnsérune oppidum.
It’s an impressive sight, especially when you consider that it’s man-made… and 173m long! You can cross the tunnel on foot, by bike or by boat.
8. Explore the round lock at Agde
Photo credit: Flickr – Corrie Steller
Here’s another lock to visit on the Canal du Midi. The lock at the ancient Greek city of Agde is a little unusual. Rather than having two gates, the round lock has three. What’s more, the round shape of the basin meant that boats could be maneuvered inside. This allowed them to move in the desired direction.
9. Crossing the Répudre canal-bridge
Photo credit: Flickr – Bruno Vanbesien
In the Aude part of the Canal du Midi, you’ll find the world’s oldest canal bridge. The Répudre canal bridge was the only one originally planned by Riquet. Riquet was therefore particularly proud of this structure, which made it possible to span the Répudre.
Its history makes it an essential stop-off point on the Canal du Midi. Don’t miss it!
10. Visit the magnificent city of Carcassonne
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Rolf E. Staerk
Originally, visiting the Canal du Midi didn’t include a passage through Carcassonne. It wasn’t until well after its commissioning in 1810 that the Canal du Midi added a new section.
This time, the river actually flows through the medieval city. Today, if you’re visiting the Aude region, it would be a shame not to stop off at Carcassonne. It’s an opportunity to discover France’s most famous fortifications.
11. Visit the Cathar castles and the Montagne Noire
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Veronika Kovalenko
A large section of the Canal du Midi runs through the Cathar country. This region is steeped in history, as it was here that dissent from Catholicism was strongest. A movement that led the Kingdom of France to go to war against the so-called « heretics ».
Discover the Cathar castles and villages of the Montagne Noire. Among the many places to visit, don’t miss the castles of Lastours and their belvedere. The panoramic view is breathtaking.
12. Cycling around Narbonne
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Riderfoot
Visiting the Canal du Midi inevitably means discovering the splendid towns it runs alongside. Narbonne is one of them. For even more fun, we suggest you cycle around the town and along the canal.
Thanks to the many cycle paths, you’ll discover the city’s phenomenal architecture, as well as a whole new facet of the Canal du Midi. If you’re taking a break, we recommend a visit to the Halles, where you’ll find typical local products such as fougasse aux fritons.
How to visit the Canal du Midi
By boat
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Jerome PARIS
Boarding a barge is obviously the best way to visit the Canal du Midi. Many tourist operators offer cruises lasting from a few hours to several weeks on part of the route. Alternatively, you can rent a boat and cruise at your own pace. Either way, you’re sure to be amazed.
By bike
Photo credit: Shutterstock – JaySi
For the more athletically inclined, numerous paths have been laid out along the water’s edge. So you can visit the Canal du Midi while pedaling under the Languedoc sun. You’ll find it easy to rent a mountain bike on any stretch. What’s more, barges are often rented with bikes, so you can kill two birds with one stone!
On foot
Photo credit: Shutterstock – thieury
If you’re a keen walker, the Canal du Midi is the perfect backdrop for a hike. One of the best spots is La Caunette, in the heart of the Montagne Noire. You’ll be able to discover the Naurouze threshold on the way.
Quad biking
Photo credit: Facebook – Rando Quad Castor
Looking for speed? Opt for a balaed
with one of Occitanie’s most beautiful backdrops in the background. But be careful: look ahead to avoid hitting a plane tree!
Departing from Toulouse, quad tours last between half an hour and two hours. You can expect to pay €25 for half an hour, €40 for an hour and €70 for two hours.
Canal du Midi: How to get there
By plane
Flying is a fast and safe way to get to the Languedoc region and discover the Canal du Midi. If you decide to discover the Canal from Toulouse, you’ll land at Toulouse-Blagnac airport. If you’re flying from Paris, the journey will take 1h15. If you want to discover the Canal from Béziers or Agde, then you’ll need to land at Montpellier airport (allow 1h25 from Paris), then take the train, bus or car.
To get your tickets, visit Skyscanner, the online tool for optimized flights at the best price.
By train
Depending on where you want to start your Canal du Midi visit, you can reach Toulouse Matabiau station in just under 5 hours, and Montpellier’s Saint Roch and Sud de France stations in 3 hours 30 minutes. If you’re heading for Montpellier, you’ll then need to take a TER train to Béziers.
By car
A more fun and rewarding way to discover the Canal de Midi is to take a roadtrip by car from Toulouse. You’ll discover all the facets of the Canal and the region, even the most hidden ones, while moving at your own pace. You’ll have the freedom to go from place to place, stopping along the way to take photos of the magnificent Occitan landscapes.
You can either take your own vehicle or rent a car from Toulouse.
Where to stay near the Canal du Midi?
To know where to sleep, you need to base your choices on the places you’ve decided to visit along the Canal du Midi route. Depending on your choices, everything will become clearer. For our part, here are the towns we recommend. These towns are used to receiving an influx of tourists and are close to many places of interest.
- Béziers
- Castelnaudary
- Villefranche de Lauragais
- Toulouse
Whatever your destination, you’ll find all types of accommodation. If you’re looking for relaxation and comfort, you’ll opt for a hotel. To find the one that’s right for you, you can use a hotel comparator.
If you prefer a more intimate stay, then an apartment rental on Airbnb sounds perfect for you!
Are you a fan of unusual holidays and want to experience the Canal du Midi to the full? You can stay on a barge for less, and make the most of the Canal du Midi’s exceptional setting. For example, you can rent for one night (or more) on this magnificent barge just outside Toulouse. Beware of seasickness!
You now have all the information you need to visit the Canal du Midi. What are you waiting for?
Map of hotels and accommodation – Occitanie