The Canal du Midi is a navigable canal that connects the city of Toulouse to the city of Sète, on the Mediterranean. It was built between 1666 and 1681 by the engineer Pierre-Paul Riquet to facilitate the transport of goods between the two cities.
The canal passes through many beautiful landscapes including vineyards, sunflower fields and forests. It is lined with plane trees and towpaths that offer visitors the opportunity to walk, cycle or sail on the water.
The Canal du Midi is also known for its locks, bridges and tunnels. It has about 60 locks, each allowing to cross a level difference between two sections of the canal. Bridges are also a notable feature of the canal, with the famous Pont-Canal de Cesse, which crosses the River Cesse, and the Pont-Canal d'Orb, which crosses the River Orb.
The canal has become a popular tourist destination, with many cruise ships offering trips along its banks. The towns and villages along the canal also offer many tourist attractions, including museums, churches and local markets.
The Canal du Midi has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996 and is a must-see destination for anyone visiting the Toulouse region and the south of France.