The canal du Midi
175 kms, 48 locks (from Sète to Castelnaudary)
The Canal du Midi or Canal des Deux-Mers connects the Garonne to the Mediterranean Sea. Together with the Canal Latéral à la Garonne, it provides a waterway from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean Sea. It has been extended by the Canal du Rhône à Sète.
Built from 1666 to 1681, under the reign of King Louis XIV and under the supervision of Pierre-Paul Riquet, The Canal du Midi is one of the oldest canals in Europe still in operation.
Since 1996, it has been listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
More information on the Canal du Midi...
The canal du Rhône à Sète
80 kms, 1 lock (from Sète to Beaucaire)
The Rhône à Sète canal links Beaucaire on the Rhône to the Thau Lagoon at Sète. Beyond the Etang de Thau, it is extended by the Canal du Midi.
For all useful information: Waterways of France.
It is used for pleasure boating with tourist barges, and allows certain associations to practise rowing.
River tourism in Languedoc-Roussillon
Download the complete guide to river tourism in Languedoc-Roussillon...
The opening hours of the bridges :
In the morning
The Victory and Tivoli bridges open at 9:30, 10:30 and 14:30. (For professionals at 3.30 pm).
The Sadi-Carnot and Maréchal-Foch bridges open at 10.15 and 19.10. (For professionals at 15h15.)
In the evening
The Victory and Tivoli bridges open at 6.40 pm and 7.30 pm.