Here is a selection of the canal du Midi's iconic sights from Toulouse to the Thau lagoon, via the Montagne Noire which supplies the canal with water.
Toulouse is the departure point of the Canal du Midi. The Canal de Brienne provides a connection from the centre of Toulouse, between the Canal du Midi and the Garonne river. It is a popular place with walkers.
Canal de Brienne, avec vue sur la Garonne - VNF
This is the highest point of the canal and where the waters arrive from the Montagne Noire to supply the Canal du Midi. This is also an iconic site with the Riquet Obelisk and ancient basin.
Obélisque de Riquet à Naurouze - Dominique Viet, CRT Occitanie
Saint-Ferréol lake is the oldest water reservoir for the Canal du Midi, and is worth the detour for a walk or even a swim, and of course to visit the Musée du Réservoir and find out everything you need to know about the canal.
Barrage de Saint-Ferreol - Dominique_VIET_CRTLOccitanie
This is the departure point of this one-of-a-kind network and the Alzeau water inlet and Montagne Noire channel supply water to the whole network. Walking along the channels is an important part of discovering the canal!
Rigole de la montagne - Damien Lachas
This basin was designed by Riquet when the canal was built, and today it is a popular place with walkers and for boat trips.
Bassin de Castelnaudary
The hamlet of Le Somail is one of the most iconic sites of the Canal du Midi. The bridge, auberge, chapel, shops and 300-year-old buildings all bear witness to the life and the booming maritime activity of the past.
Le Somail - ©Benjamin Deliere, Atouts France
Fonseranes lock with its 8 basins is a spectacular sight. It is proof of Pierre-Paul Riquet's sheer ingenuity and unique technical expertise.
Echelle d'écluses à Fonseranes © VNF, Victor Tonelli
This is the oldest navigation tunnel in Europe and it is thanks to this construction that the canal can pass under a hill. This contruction was led by Riquet, despite opposition from Colbert!
Tunnel de Malpas - © Vianney Goma
This is the most original of the canal's locks, dating from 1678. It has three entrances: one towards Thau lagoon, one towards Béziers and a third to link the canal to the town of Agde further south.
Ecluse ronde, Agde © VNF, Victor Tonelli
The Pointe des Onglous in Marseillan marks the end of the Canal du Midi. This is where the waters flow into Thau lagoon. On the other side of the lagoon is Sète and access to the Mediterranean.
Fin du canal du Midi aux Onglous à Marseillan © VNF, Victor Tonelli
A site managed by Voies navigables de France in collaboration with members of the “Entente du Canal du Midi” and their tourist operators.
