Le Canal du Midi...
Whether walking or riding a bike alongside it,
gazing up to the clouds while lazing on the deck of a canal boat while it winds its way along its tranquil path,
picnicking on its banks, or enjoying the pleasure of a Minervois wine in one of its many restaurants,
the Canal du Midi offers an escape into tranquillity and aesthetic beauty.
In the 17th century, with only shovels, over 12 000 men made possible the seemingly impossible dream of Pierre-Paul Riquet,
to create a waterway that would link the Mediterranean and Atlantic seas. The 360km stretch of water,
which is the Canal du Midi encompasses over 300 structures. It is a navigable route incorporating aqueducts,
bridges (two of which are canal bridges which cross the rivers of the Cesse and Répundre),
tunnels, paths for horses to pull boats, resting areas for travellers and animals and most importantly 156 locks,
many of which have become tourist stops and promenades today.
The canal, a sacred path, marvellous under its foliage of high plane trees, has allowed generations of locals
to export more easily their products, most importantly their wine! Nowadays, the Canal du Midi stands as not only an
engineering masterpiece but a beautiful work of art, appreciated by locals and tourists alike.
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