The Canal du Midi begins in Toulouse and runs some 240 kilometres to the Étang de Thau on the Mediterranean. It was built in the 17th century under the direction of Pierre-Paul Riquet, a salt-tax collector turned engineer, and it was one of the greatest feats of its age, linking the Atlantic and the Mediterranean by water. In 1996 it was listed by UNESCO, and the plane trees that line its banks, along with the stone locks, bridges and lock-keepers' houses, form a landscape of great charm. In Toulouse, the canal is easy to reach on foot from the centre. The Port Saint-Sauveur and the Canal de Brienne, near the Jardin des Plantes, provide short walks and a quiet place to sit, and the towpath leads out of town in either direction for walkers and cyclists. Boat trips depart from city quays for a leisurely cruise, with commentary on the canal's history and the locks. It is a good counterpoint to the busy old town and a way to see another side of Toulouse.
How to visit
Walking and cycling on the towpath are free, and the Matabiau railway station is a short walk from the canal, so it is easy to fit in on arrival or departure. Boat trips operate in the warmer months and run on a seasonal timetable, so check the schedule with the operator or the tourist office. A short cruise takes about an hour, and longer options exist. A bike ride along the canal in either direction takes you out into quiet countryside.
What to expect
The towpath is flat and shaded, a welcome relief on a hot day. Barges and pleasure boats pass slowly, and you may see the operation of a lock if you walk beyond the city. Cafes and benches along the banks make good rest stops. The Port Saint-Sauveur area has a lively atmosphere in the evenings.
Making the most of it
The canal pairs well with a morning at the Jardin des Plantes and a bike tour of the city, since cycling is the easiest way to cover the distances. Evening strolls are pleasant, and cyclists will find the canal one of the best traffic-free routes in the area. If you are planning a day trip to Carcassonne, note that the canal also passes through the foot of that city, so you can compare the two ends of the route.
Practical notes
The towpath surface can be uneven in places, and surfaces may be muddy after rain. Bring water and sun protection in summer. Mosquitoes can appear near the water at dusk. Bicycles can be hired in town, and Toulouse's bike-share scheme has stations near the canal. Boat operators may not run in winter or in poor weather, so call ahead if a cruise is part of your plan.
Who it suits
The canal is for everyone, from runners and cyclists to slow walkers and photographers. Couples will enjoy the evening light on the water, families can take bikes along the flat towpath, and anyone interested in engineering can read about the work of Riquet and the thousands of workers who dug the channel by hand.
It is also a free activity, which makes it a useful balance in a trip with paid tickets for museums and day tours. A short walk is enough to catch the character of the canal, but the longer you go, the quieter it becomes.
What to expect
The experience
A free walk or bike ride along the towpath, with optional boat cruises in season.
Best time
Mornings and early evenings, when the light is soft and the towpath is cool.
How long
1 to 3 hours depending on how far you walk or cycle.
Tips
Boat trips run seasonally and may not operate in winter or bad weather.
Quick picks
- Best for
- A calm, green escape and a look at one of Europe's great canal engineering works.
- Families
- The flat, shaded towpath suits children on bikes and pushchairs.
- Couples
- A sunset stroll along the water followed by dinner at Port Saint-Sauveur.
- Pair with
- The Jardin des Plantes and a city bike tour.
- Time needed
- One to three hours.
Good questions
How long is the Canal du Midi?+
It runs about 240 kilometres from Toulouse to the Étang de Thau on the Mediterranean coast.
When was the canal built?+
It was built in the 17th century under the direction of Pierre-Paul Riquet and listed by UNESCO in 1996.
Can I cycle along the canal in Toulouse?+
Yes, the towpath is a popular cycling and walking route, and bikes can be hired in the city.
Are there boat trips on the canal?+
Seasonal boat trips are available in Toulouse, so check the timetable and weather before you go.
Is the Canal du Midi near the city centre?+
Yes, the canal and the Port Saint-Sauveur are a short walk or bike ride from the centre and the Matabiau station.
