Canal du Midi

Toulouse marks the starting point of the Canal du Midi, whose 241km route ends at Sète, on the Mediterranean coast. Completed in 1681 after 15 years of work, it was the engineering marvel of that era. Created to facilitate trade in Languedoc, this canal played a vital role in the history of southern France by allowing the region to develop economically. In addition to this primary function that it fulfils even today, the UNESCO World Heritage Site – with its calm waters, ports and banks lined with plane trees – is a delight for Toulousains and visitors alike.