The Canal du Midi, a veritable jewel of French heritage, stretches majestically for over 240 kilometers, linking Toulouse to the Mediterranean Sea. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this 17th-century engineering masterpiece is much more than just a waterway. It is one of the oldest canals in Europe. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it's an invitation to stroll, discover and marvel. With its picturesque locks, shady towpaths and picturesque villages, it's full of treasures to explore on foot, by bike or on a cruise. In this article, we reveal our selection of the 15 must-visit places on the Canal du Midi: historic towns, architectural works or natural beauties... Get ready to embark on a timeless journey to the heart of the gentle way of life in the South of France.
1. Toulouse, along the water
Our journey along the Canal du Midi begins in Toulouse, the pink city, which owes its nickname to the warm color of its terracotta bricks. Here, the canal is discreet, winding its way between buildings and public gardens. Yet it has played a major role in the city's history. It was at the Port de la Daurade, on the banks of the Garonne, that goods transiting the canal were once unloaded. Today, this site steeped in history is a popular place for Toulousans to stroll or cycle along the river. One of the must-do activities in Toulouse is to dine on one of the canal barges for a timeless experience. Or stop off at Pont-Neuf, the city's oldest bridge. You'll be able to admire a magnificent panorama of the Garonne and the Canal du Midi.
See our article on Visiting Toulouse in 2 days: what can you do in a weekend?
2. What to do on the Canal du Midi Castelnaudary, a culinary stopover
Le moulin de Cugarel, Castelnaudary© milosk50 - Adobe Stock
Castelnaudary is one of the must-visit places in the Aude region: beneath its quiet, small-town exterior, the town is in fact world-famous for its star dish: cassoulet! This is where the best food is served, and for that reason alone, Castelnaudary is well worth a visit. This is your chance to sample one of the most typical dishes in French gastronomy : cassoulet. The town also has a lot to offer, not least thanks to its rich past marked by the epic of the Pays Cathare. Visit the Moulin de Cugarel, an old watermill on the banks of the canal, which still produces flour in the traditional way. The Grand Bassin, a mar ina in the heart of the town, is an ideal place for a stroll along the canal. Finally, for a breathtaking view of the town and canal, head for the Butte de Montmorency, a wooded park high above Castelnaudary.
3. The Malpas tunnel, under the mountain
The Malpas tunnel© Bernard 63 - Adobe stock.com
The Malpas tunnel is an impressive stage on the Canal du Midi. Located a few kilometers from the town of Béziers, this 165-meter-long tunnel was dug under a hill in the 17th century, during construction of the canal. It was the world's first canal tunnel, a feat of engineering for its time. Today, the Malpas tunnel is a fascinating place to visit. Here you can admire the stone vault, which has been restored several times over the centuries, and the traces left by the tools of the workers who dug the tunnel. For an even more memorable experience, why not hire a boat without a licence and sail through the tunnel? The sensation of passing under a hill, in darkness and silence, is truly unique.
4. Carcassonne, a unique city
La Bastide Saint-Louis, Carcassonne© Yann Even
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Carcassonne is a true journey through time. Its medieval city is a beautiful stopover on a cruise on the Canal du Midi. You can admire the ramparts, towers and fortified gates, as well as the château comtal and the basilica of Saint-Nazaire. In addition to the medieval city, Carcassonne has many other treasures to discover. Among the must-sees is the Pont-Vieux, a 14th-century stone bridge offering magnificent views over the town and the canal. The Musée des Beaux-Arts, located in a former episcopal palace, houses an impressive collection of paintings and sculptures from the Middle Ages to the present day. Several guided cruises on the Canal du Midi are offered from the port of Carcassonne on fine days, and the view of the medieval city is breathtaking during the ride.
If you're planning to visit in July, don't miss one of the best festivals in the south of France: the incredible Carcassonne Festival ! It brings together a rich variety of arts and music.
5. What to do on the Canal du Midi Visit the Cathar castles and the Montagne Noire
The Canal du Midi runs through a region rich in history and heritage: Occitanie. The Cathar castles, located in the mountains and hills around the canal, are impressive relics of the region's medieval history. They were built in the 13th century, during the crusade against the Albigensians, a Cathar heresy that had spread throughout southern France. Among the most famous Cathar castles to visit are Montségur, Peyrepertuse and Quéribus.
The Montagne Noire, to the east of the Canal du Midi, is a wooded mountain range offering numerous opportunities for hiking and nature discovery. The Haut-Languedoc regional nature park, which covers part of the Montagne Noire, is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, as well as remarkable geological sites such as the Héric gorges and the Salagou lake.
6. Colombiers and its semi-circular port
Colombiers is a charming village on the banks of the Canal du Midi, just a few kilometers from Béziers. This medieval village, which has retained its authentic character, is an ideal place for a peaceful, relaxing break. Its origins go back a very long way: protohistoric remains have been found here. You'll love the towpath, where you can stroll in the shade of the plane trees, and the château, now a restaurant. The special feature of Colombiers is its river port, built in a semicircle, which is the departure point for many canal cruises.
Visit the church of Saint-Sylvestre , founded on the Heraclean road and visited by Hannibal and his elephants. It contains a sarcophagus probably dating from the5th century.
7. What to do on the Canal du Midi See the Grand Bief, a feat of engineering
Capestang© Adobestock.com
The Grand Bief is a section of the Canal du Midi stretching over 50 kilometers between the Naurouze and Fonserannes locks. This section, which has no locks at all, is a true feat of engineering and a testament to the ingenuity of canal designer Pierre-Paul Riquet. The canal zigzags through vineyards and châteaux, testifying to its importance in the wine industry. This section is overhanging and accessible in all seasons, so we recommend renting a barge or an electric boat to navigate the canal while trying your hand at piloting. You can also stop off at the villages and ports along the canal, such as Castelnaudary, Le Somail, Poilhes and Capestang.
8. Béziers, a heritage to discover
Béziers, Saint-Nazaire cathedral© Karl Thomas
One of the most beautiful places to visit in the Hérault: Béziers is the ideal place for a cultural and gastronomic stopover. After crossing the Plateau des poètes and the allées Paul-Riquet , which pay tribute to the man who created the Canal du Midi, you arrive in a beautiful historic center. From Romanesque churches to 17th-century mansions, it offers a real immersion in the history of the city, where the Canal du Midi runs like a master, marked by its nine Fonserannes locks, a set of cascading locks that are impressive to behold. Béziers is also renowned for its gastronomy and wines. The town lies at the heart of the Languedoc vineyards, which produce top-quality red, white and rosé wines.
9. Visit the Fonseranes locks
Fonseranes locks© Eberhard - Adobestock.com
The pearl of the Canal du Midi at Béziers. The nine locks at Fonseranes are a marvel of civil engineering, listed as a World Heritage site and a Monument Historique. A major structure on the Canal du Midi created by Pierre-Paul Riquet, they comprise eight round basins and nine gates, spanning a height difference of 21.6 meters over a length of more than 300 meters. Restored in 2017, the locks now house an interesting immersive cinema in the former inn, or you can take a stroll alongside the boats passing through the locks. A must-see in Béziers!
10. What to do on the Canal du Midi Visit Agde, a round lock
Agde is a town located at the mouth of the Canal du Midi, on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. With its long history and rich heritage, it's an ideal place for a cultural and seaside stopover. You enter the town through its round lock, which, with the simple twist of a three-gate device, allows you to choose between the Hérault, the maritime canal or the Canal du Midi. As its lock suggests, Agde has many faces: a historic town founded by the Phocaeans 26 centuries ago, it is also a charming seaside resort that comes alive every summer to the rhythm of its festivals and traditional celebrations. Enjoy the fine sandy beaches and water sports.
Discover the 13 must-sees in Cap d'Agde.
11. Cross the Orb bridge-canal
Measuring 240 m long, 28 m wide and 12 m high, this is one of the largest canal bridges in France. The Orb canal bridge is an impressive stopover on the Canal du Midi. Located just a few kilometers from the town of Béziers, this bridge-canal enables the canal to cross the Orb river. Thisremarkable structure, 240 meters long and 12 meters wide, was built in the 19th century and has been listed as a Monument Historique since 1996. Crossing the Orb bridge-canal is a unique and memorable experience. You'll be able to admire the stone arch, which has been restored several times over the centuries, as well as the region's magnificent scenery of vineyards, hills and forests.
12. Cycling around Narbonne
Located just a few kilometers from the Canal du Midi, on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, Narbonne boasts a long history and a rich heritage. It's a very pleasant city to cycle around, with its many cycle paths and signposted itineraries. Among the must-sees in Narbonne, don't miss the city center. Here you can admire the Saint-Just-et-Saint-Pasteur cathedral, an unfinished 13th-century Gothic edifice, as well as the Palais des Archevêques, which today houses Narbonne's Museum of Art and History. For an even more immersive experience, why not rent an electric bike and explore the city in complete freedom?
13. What to do on the Canal du Midi Discover the Naurouze threshold
History tells us that one day, Paul Riquet, observing the waters of the Grave fountain, noticed that they divided into two streams, one flowing towards the Garonne and the other towards the Aude. This gave him the idea of building the highest point of his Canal du Midi at this divide. The water stored at Saint-Ferréol could then be transported to supply both sides of the canal. The difficulty, however, lay in tracing this water line back to its original source to find the best catchment site.
The basin was abandoned, as it was no longer necessary to supply water from Saint-Ferréol. Today, with its centuries-old trees and plane-tree lanes, the site is home to an obelisk erected in honor of Paul Riquet by his heirs in the 19th century. A superb romantic stroll for aValentine's weekend, for example.
14. Lake Saint-Ferréol
Nestled in a valley on the Laudot river, Lac de Saint-Ferréol is surrounded by the wooded peaks of the Montagne Noire. Built in 1667, this artificial basin is the main water reservoir for the Canal du Midi. Its 800-meter-long dike is listed by the French Monuments Historiques. The banks are planted with pine trees, making it a lovely place to stroll, while since the 1930s, the resort has been a leisure center in fine weather. Down below, you'll find a museum retracing the lake's history, and you can admire the waterfalls and spray. The lake, set in magnificent surroundings, is a popular destination for a relaxing day at the water's edge.
15. Cross the Répudre canal-bridge
Located in the Aude department, near the town of Carcassonne, this canal-bridge was built in the 17th century to enable the Canal du Midi to cross the Répudre river. It is believed to be the first such structure built by Pierre-Paul Riquet, the master builder of the Canal du Midi. 135 meters long and 11 meters wide, the Répudre canal bridge is a true masterpiece of engineering. It is supported by 11 stone arches and covered with earth and vegetation to ensure its watertight integrity.
Today, the Répudre canal bridge is still in service, enabling boats to navigate the Canal du Midi. It 's also possible to cross it on foot or by bike to enjoy a breathtaking view of the Répudre river and the surrounding countryside.
What's the best part of the Canal du Midi to cycle?
Slow travel praises slowness, preferring a zen-like lifestyle with a reduced carbon footprint. The Canal du Midi offersnumerous opportunities for cycling along its shady banks. In fact, it'sone of the most beautiful places to visit in France in autumn. However, the best part of the Canal du Midi to cycle depends on individual preferences.
Some will prefer the stretch between Toulouse and Castelnaudary, which offers a variety of landscapes between the Lauragais countryside and the Lauragais hills. This stretch is also renowned for its many engineering structures, such as locks and canal bridges.
Others will prefer the stretch between Carcassonne and Béziers, which takes in the Languedoc vineyards and picturesque villages. This section is also marked by the crossing of the Malpas tunnel, a unique experience not to be missed.
Finally, the section between Béziers and Agde is also very popular with cyclists for its Mediterranean landscapes and sandy beaches. This stretch also offers the chance to discover the Thau and Montady lakes, as well as the historic towns of Béziers and Agde.
What's the best part of the Canal du Midi to do by boat?
What's the best part of the Canal du Midi to do by boat depends on individual preferences, as the canal offers a wealth of scenery and attractions along its 240 km length.
However, many visitors particularly enjoy the section of the canal between Carcassonne and Béziers, which offers a combination of natural scenery and historic sites. This section includes the famous Malpas tunnel, the Orb bridge-canal, the Fonserannes locks and the medieval town of Carcassonne.
Other visitors prefer the part of the canal between Toulouse and Castelnaudary, which is more rural and peaceful. This section includes the Castelnaudary marina, the Saint-Ferréol lake and the Naurouze threshold, the highest point on the canal.
Ultimately, the best way to decide which part of the Canal du Midi to do by boat is to determine what you want to see and do on your trip, and plan your itinerary accordingly.
What are the most beautiful villages to see along the Canal du Midi?
The Canal du Midi is lined with many picturesque villages that are well worth a visit. Here is a selection of the most beautiful villages to see along the Canal du Midi:
- Castelnaudary: famous for its cassoulet, this village also boasts a magnificent port on the Canal du Midi.
- Carcassonne : famous for its fortified medieval city, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Bram: a circular village with houses arranged in concentric circles around the church.
- Le Somail: a small village with a lively port on the Canal du Midi, second-hand bookshops and craft stores.
- Minerve: a village perched on a rock above the River Cesse, with medieval ruins and spectacular views.
- Homps: a wine-growing village with a port on the Canal du Midi and wine tastings in local cellars.
- Béziers : a lively town with a Gothic cathedral, Roman arenas and a museum dedicated to the Canal du Midi.
How to drive along the Canal du Midi?
The Canal du Midi is an ideal destination for an inexpensive weekend getaway in France. There are several possible itineraries for driving along the Canal du Midi. Here are a few key steps to help you plan your trip:
- Departing from Toulouse: start your journey in Toulouse, where you can visit the Port de la Daurade and the Canal du Midi Museum.
- Castelnaudary: head southeast to Castelnaudary, the cassoulet capital of the world. You can also visit the Grand Bassin, a marina in the heart of the town.
- Carcassonne: continue your journey towards Carcassonne, a medieval fortified town and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Trèbes: after Carcassonne, head for Trèbes, where you can visit the lock museum and the Aude canal bridge.
- Béziers: continue your journey to Béziers, a lively city with a Gothic cathedral, Roman arenas and a museum dedicated to the Canal du Midi.
- Arriving in Sète: end your journey in Sète, a port city on the Mediterranean Sea. Highlights include the Sète lighthouse, the Paul Valéry museum and the Musée International des Arts Modestes, one of France's most unusual museums.
It's important to note that some sections of the Canal du Midi are not accessible by car. However, there are many roads running parallel to the canal, offering magnificent views of the surrounding countryside. Don't hesitate to stop off at the villages and historic sites you come across along the way to make the most of your trip.
Book in advance below for the hottest things to do on the Canal du Midi:
Tempted by our selection? Take a look at our train fares and book now!
