A major work of the XNUMXth century, the Canal du Midi in Castelnaudary can be explored by barge, on foot or by bike. Relive a story several hundred years old along the water, in an exceptional setting listed in the Unesco World Heritage.
If you travel this 240 km long blue ribbon, stop off in Lauragais Audois and moor in Castelnaudary to discover a new art of living and one of the most emblematic sites in Occitanie, a famous work of Pierre Paul Riquet.
The Canal du Midi in Castelnaudary: an experience and an art of living
Anyone who travels the Canal du Midi can only appreciate the beauty of the scenery and the technological prowess of its masterpieces.
Whatever the means of transport, there is a whole environment available to travelers. Between picturesque villages, unusual accommodations and exception in lock houses, and good friendly restaurants, come and experience an art of living made in Canal and Lauragais-Audois.
Where can I park to walk along the
Canal du Midi?
The Canal du Midi is the promise of a beautiful escape to the rhythm of its works, its landscapes and nature, a fabulous encounter with a work rich in 350 years of history to explore along the water the riches of Occitania.
To discover…
The Canal du Midi by boat or bike
On the canal du midi, everyone has their own pace! Along the water or along the towpath, under the century-old plane trees, choose a gentle way to approach the Canal du Midi.
An original way to discover this exceptional work is to embark on a contemplative journey, on the water.
Climb aboard the a boat St. Roch for a 1- or 2-hour guided walk and discover all the secrets of the Canal du Midi, from its creation to its operation.
For those who would like to be the only captains on board, rent your boat with the Saint-Roch gabarots. These are small boats with electric motors to sail for a few hours or half a day from the port of Castelnaudary and on the 5 km reach extending from Saint-Roch locks at the Planque lock.
Freshwater sailors will also be able to choose the boat rental with the company The Boat and spend, after a few hours of training, an unforgettable vacation, with family or friends, aboard these license-free boats.
For those who prefer to stay on dry land, go Moutain Biking ou VTC on the towpath for a sporting route along the Canal du Midi. The charm of the environment, the fauna and flora will undoubtedly seduce you.
Note for athletes
For those who prefer to stay on dry land, go Moutain Biking ou VTC on the towpath for a sporting route along the Canal du Midi. The charm of the environment, the fauna and flora will undoubtedly seduce you.
I want to rent a bike or a boat
Discover our partners for traveling along the Canal du Midi.
The emblematic sites of the Canal du Midi in Lauragais Audois
Here the builders and boatmen of the XNUMXth century have left their traces. The Canal du Midi is exceptional for its landscape as well as for its masterpieces, key parts of the former Royal Languedoc Canal. For heritage lovers, you can stroll along an exceptional ensemble in Castelnaudary composed of port (or small pelvis), from Grand Bassin and four Saint-Roch locks. It was once a major shipping center where boats were repaired and goods stored.
In the surrounding area, don’t miss the birth of the canal at Naurouze threshold. Arrival point of the Rigole de la Plaine, this large park opens onto an old octagonal basin which carries water to the sharing point. Highest point between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, it is here that the water chooses its slope. As you walk you will see the obelisk placed there by the descendants of Pierre-Paul Riquet.
A few kilometers from the threshold of Naurouze, you will arrive at Port Segala, a small hamlet built by boatmen who settled there.
Works of art, small heritage or picturesque villages, don't hesitate to get off the beaten track to explore Lauragais Audois.
