The Canal du Midi was built around 1666, the route is quite unique requiring crossing rivers, and tunnelling through hills. It runs 235 kilometers and required over 100 locks. From the handsome city of Toulouse to the port of Sete, the canal cuts masterfully with grace and physical agility through the Southern France. Villages and towns reaped profit from its golden days, in grand homes, houses, chateaux that brace the waters edge. Now canal boats cruise where king fishers and bright birds sing. Some of the Lock keeper houses are still used as homes while others have been opened up as restaurants, art galleries, and holiday homes.

The Canal du Midi was built in the 17th century, is also a UNESCO World Heritage site and flows through a region steeped in history.
You’ll travel at the leisurely pace of about 5 miles an hour, with frequent stops to pass through the locks or explore the surrounding area, visit the local sights, or take a walk or cycle ride along the towpaths. At the end of the Canal du Midi is the Canal du Rhône à Sète and the Canal de la Robine, which links Narbonne to the sea.

Start the Canal du Midi guide at Sete where the canal opens onto the Mediterranean. Then to Agde, with its fortress church, small village streets, past the thriving town of Beziers famous for bullfights in the Summer and its Flower Market, on past to the incredible 13th century Etang de Montady, with nearby Roman oppidum. Squeeze under canal bridges such as at Capestang with its muscular village church, and Sunday market, and stop the night under trees. Then take a side trip, through the 1780's Ecluse de Gailhousty with dry dock, on the Canal de la Robine, to Narbonne with Cathedral, shops, and a huge outdoor Market. Yearning for bathing and beaches? go on to where the canal skirts the Mediterranean.

Back on the Canal du Midi, stop in and taste the wine, as at Ventenac, glide past bluff top villages like Paraza, through graceful locks near Homps and be enchanted by master surrealist wood sculptures near Puicheric.

There are still more wonders and magic at every turn -Carcassonne - the Medieval castle and city featured in many a movie, Castelnaudary where the valley widens, and finally to Toulouse, full of wild exuberance, and colorful nightlife.

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