The Canal du Midi

The Canal du Midi

From Toulouse to Agde

Plans for a Royal Two Seas Canal connecting the Atlantic to the Mediterranean via the Canal de Garonne from Bordeaux to Agen, and the Canal du Midi from Toulouse to Sète had been under discussion for several centuries, but it was Pierre-Paul Riquet who finally found the solution to make these plans a reality. Massive engineering works began on 1 January 1667, employing up to 12,000 workers.

328 structures punctuate the 150 miles of the Canal du Midi, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. These structures include the only round lock in the world in Agde and the spectacular Fonseranes locks in Béziers..

The course of the canal passes by some extraordinary sights, from the Pink City of Toulouse, home of the Cité de l'Espace space adventure park andBasilica of Saint-Sernin, to the mediaeval fortress of Carcassonne via the Oppidum d'Ensérune.

Along the route

  • Attractions
  • Restaurants
  • Bars and clubs
  • Shops
  • Exhibitions
  • Festivals and carnivals
  • Discover
  • Concerts
  • Shows
  • Sport events
  • Fairs and markets

Must see and do in France


Attractions in France

more Attractions in France

Top things to do : France


Eurostar Destinations guide

Eurostar Direct Services

These are our core destinations – we can take you to the heart of every single one.

Core Services


Connecting trains to the continent (UK)

Europe, from your doorstep. Book your entire journey from the UK to the Continent. Read more about reaching European destinations, or view a complete listing of participating stations. A selection of stations are shown below.


Connecting trains to Belgium

Visit stations in Belgium via Eurostar.


Connecting trains to The Netherlands

Visit stations in The Netherlands via Eurostar.


Connecting trains to Switzerland

Visit stations in Switzerland via Eurostar.


© viaEuropa.com