Sarah De Winne Have you ever imagined walking the Canal du Midi? These are the fascinating canals that stretch 240 kilometres through southern France’s picturesque landscapes.
Walking the Canal du Midi is the perfect way to discover the ingenuity of these man-made waterways and their beautiful surroundings. The entire route of the Canal du Midi offers charming canal walks that invite you to immerse yourself in nature while tracing the footsteps of history.
As locals living in the Minervois region close to the Canal du Midi, one of our favourite things to do is to walk alongside the canals. In this article, let us be your guides as we share 5 reasons why we love exploring this historic waterway on foot.
5 Reasons Why Walking the Canal du Midi is a Must
1. Charming Scenery
Without doubt, walking along the Canal du Midi offers you the chance to lose yourself in the stunning natural landscapes of southern France. We love the way that the scenery changes as the canal winds its way from Toulouse to Sète.
Wherever you choose to walk, the Canal du Midi is flanked by picturesque vineyards, charming villages, and magnificent countryside. This offers endless opportunities for breath-taking views and tranquil moments of serenity.
2. Rich Historical and Technological Importance
Another special thing about walking along the Canal du Midi is that you seem to step back in time. It’s incredible to think that today’s canal walks still follow the same path of centuries-old trade routes along the Canal du Midi. In peaceful spots along the canal, you can easily imagine horses pulling barges behind them in days gone by.
Built in the 17th century by Pierre-Paul Riquet, this remarkable waterway is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition to being a man-made canal, the Canal du Midi boasts other impressive engineering feats such as locks, bridges, tunnels, and aqueducts. Walking along the banks of the Canal du Midi allows you to appreciate first-hand the ingenuity and legacy of this historic marvel.
One the best places to experience this is at Les 9 Écluses de Fonseranes near Béziers. Here, you can watch pleasure boats navigate an impressive staircase of nine locks. Nearer the city centre is Le Pont-Canal, an extraordinary bridge that carries boats over the River Orb.
Not far from Béziers, in the village of Montady, you can also walk through the Malpas Tunnel. Incredibly, this was Europe’s first navigable tunnel. It carries the Canal du Midi under the d’Ensérune hill.
3. Cultural Gems Along the Canals
Experiencing the Canal du Midi on foot also enables you to discover the rich cultural heritage of the region. Its scenic route meanders through vibrant cities, bustling market towns and quaint villages and hamlets. Walkers have the perfect opportunity to explore new places and discover hidden gems.
Starting amongst the pink brick city of Toulouse, the Canal du Midi winds its way past the historic city of Carcassonne. It then continues its journey against the stunning backdrop of the Montagne Noire (Black Mountains).
From here, the Canal du Midi travels through the beautiful Languedoc vineyards. It weaves its way through the picturesque villages of the Minervois including Le Somail and Capestang. After the city of Béziers, the Canal du Midi then sweeps across to the Mediterranean Sea at Sète.
All along the Canal du Midi, you’ll encounter charming cafés, local artisans, and historic landmarks. These provide authentic insights into the traditions and lifestyles of southern France.
4. Relaxation and Wellness
Walking along the Canal du Midi is also a great place to relax. Along the peaceful paths of the Canal du Midi, you can experience the benefits of walking in nature as you unwind and recharge.
We think the peaceful ambiance and gentle rhythm of the water create the perfect setting for relaxation, mindfulness, and rejuvenation. Whether you’re seeking solitude or shared moments with loved ones, walking along the Canal du Midi offers a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
5. Vibrant Waterway Life
Finally, walking the Canal du Midi is never boring! There is always something interesting happening on the water!
From tourist boats and barges navigating through historic locks to kayaks gliding peacefully along the tranquil surface, there’s always a flurry of activity to behold. As you stroll along the towpaths, you’ll also encounter a bustling ecosystem teeming with wildlife. The Canal du Midi is home to 280 species of animals including 20 species of fish.
The constant motion and excitement of the canal create a dynamic backdrop for your canal walk and offer a fascinating glimpse into the interconnected rhythms of nature and human activity along the Canal du Midi.
