Canal du Midi

A guided cruise on the historic canal which, extended by the Garonne lateral canal, links the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. Designed by Pierre-Paul Riquet and regarded by his contemporaries as the greatest construction project of the 17th century, the Canal du Midi starts in Toulouse, at the Port de l’Embouchure, and reaches the Étang de Thau after 241 kilometres.

Long used to carry goods, it is now devoted to river tourism. It is one of the oldest canals in Europe still in operation and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. Its ingenuity lies in its water supply: Riquet had the idea of collecting water from the Montagne Noire and channelling it to the Seuil de Naurouze.

For groups : In Toulouse, the commented cruises sail on the Canal du Midi from March to June. Les Bateaux Toulousains offer the « 3 Écluses » cruise (1 hour 15 minutes), between Port Saint-Sauveur and Port de l'Embouchure, and the « Riquet » cruise (1 hour 30 minutes) towards Ramonville; the commentary is in French, with a QR code to follow it in English or Spanish, and groups can charter the boat privately. The Toulouse tourist office also offers groups of up to 25 people a day combining a guided tour of the historic centre, lunch and a commented cruise, from Monday to Friday.

Canal du Midi – Boulevard de l'Embouchure, 31200 Toulouse

On request – preferential group rate (please contact us)