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Le Canal du Midi, France

From series “Greatest Man-Made Waterways and Channels”
Year: 1681.

The history of the du Midi French Canal takes its origin in 1666. Many travellers know it as Languedoc or the South Canal. The canal was constructed in 15 years and has a length of about 240000 metres. It is the oldest functioning canal in Europe. The first vessels passed on the canal in 1681 and the canal’s traffic never stopped since. Even during the war the Canal du Midi has actively been used by trading and cargo ships.

Le Canal du Midi, France Eventually, they were succeeded by tourist boats. Romantic natures and excursion amateurs will definitely appreciate walking along the Canal du Midi. The canal is a connecting link between two major French cities, Toulouse and Seth. The latter was founded in the second half of the 17th century as the eastern canal terminal.

Baron Paul Rica was a contributor to the ambitious project. He was the one who had helped finance the third part of construction work. Since 1996 the Canal du Midi has been a historical structure of world importance. It can surely apply for being the most beautiful canal of the planet. The surrounding scenery is simply breathtaking. These places get a lot of photographers’, painters’ and other artists’ attention. Next - Erie Canal


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Le Canal du Midi - interactive map


Nearest airports:
 »  Castres-Mazamet Airport DCM - in 17 km
 »  Salvaza Airport CCF - in 39 km
 »  Le Sequestre Airport LBI - in 51 km
 »  Beziers Cap d'Agde Airport BZR - in 72 km
 »  Montaudran Airport XYT - in 82 km
 Cities nearby

Best hotels near Le Canal du Midi

Chalet - Baudelys

Located in 7 km from Le Canal du Midi
Route on the map:
Rooms: 1
This 2-bedroom cottage has a terrace overlooking the garden and mountains, and the lounge offers a TV and radio. Free Wi-Fi is provided and the … More: photo, rates and booking
ESTIVEL - Royal Green

Located in 9 km from Le Canal du Midi
Route on the map:
Rooms: 18
Demeure de Flore

Located in 10 km from Le Canal du Midi
Route on the map:
Rooms: 11
Some of De Flore's rooms feature a balcony with a view of the garden and hills. The restaurant's Mediterranean dishes made from local produce can be … More: photo, rates and booking
La Villa de Mazamet

Located in 11 km from Le Canal du Midi
Route on the map:
Rooms: 5
An iPod docking station and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels are provided in the elegantly decorated guest rooms. Free Wi-Fi is provided and … More: photo, rates and booking

Nearest unique sightseeing spots to visit

Carcassonne
38 km - Carcassonne
The old French town Carcassonne was surrounded by two forts at ones. The first was built as early as in the 5th century, another after 8 centuries. Île de la Cité is the main historic district because the Medieval fortress was placed there. The first fort was built …
Fortified city of Carcassonne
39 km - Fortified city of Carcassonne
The medieval city of Carcassonne is also sure to impress those who like to walk through interesting historical places. The city is located on the banks of the River Aude. The very first fortification was built in this place in the Gallo-Roman period. The territory of …
Episcopal city of Albi
55 km - Episcopal city of Albi
The charming city of Albi is located in the southern part of France. It is a real storehouse of historical attractions. The entire historical part of the city is a World Heritage Site. The beautiful Cathédrale Sainte-Cécile is located in the heart of the Old Town. It …
Viaduc de Millau
73 km - Viaduc de Millau
Viaduc de Millau, located in the surroundings of the homonymous city of France, is one of the highest bridges on earth. The height of one of their supports has the record value of 341 meters. The bridge is over the valley of the Tarn river. The design of the unique …
Bruniquel Cave
87 km - Bruniquel Cave
French Bruniquel Cave also attracts a lot of researchers. There were found two stone circles which were built more than 170 000 years ago. The researchers have no doubts that these mysterious circles were made by people. The main material was the parts of stalactites …
Aven Armand Cave
101 km - Aven Armand Cave
In France there are also caves, which are worth seeing. Aven Armand Cave should definitely be mentioned among them. The cave is located at the depth of about 100 meters and is known for its numerous stalagmites. In the cave there are over 400 types of these amazing …

Top destination around Le Canal du Midi - Carcassonne

Do you like thrilling activities? In this case, you need to visit the Museum of Inquisition in Carcassonne. You will learn more about the painful tortures that people accused of heresy had to endure. Why is there a museum dedicated to the inquisition in Carcassonne? In 1233, Pope Gregorius IX created the inquisition by giving the Dominicans the right to judge potential heretics. These new inquisitors settled down in Carcassonne in a building that they called the Tower of Justice. Nowadays, this is a popular attraction famous as the Tower of Inquisition. It has survived until our days in great condition. In the basement of the tower, inquisitors tortured their poor victims until they admitted their sins.

During a visit to the museum, you can see an ancient electric chair, guillotine, chastity belt, garrotte (a device used to strangle a victim), and a gantry. The exhibition of this museum usually impresses visitors because it is hard to imagine that these devices were used to torture people continuously. Some installations like a press machine crushing a human skull and scold's bridles look simply scary. It is better not to bring children to this museum. They are better to explore the Haunted House while their parents are visiting the Inquisition Museum. The two venues are located close to each other.
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