LE CANAL DU MIDI À VÉLO

The Canal du Midi is a magnificent engineering project dating from the late 17th century. It is also a feat that brought great prestige to King Louis XIV of France. The canal has been the subject of much discussion and its history has been recounted time and again: from its conception to its inauguration between 1666 and 1681, the 20,000 workers who toiled tirelessly to dig it, and its 240-kilometre length linking the Mediterranean to Toulouse. But this walk takes you much further still…

Whilst the guide first recounts the stages of its construction and opens your eyes to its idyllic setting, with its plane-tree-lined banks and barges, they also explain the genius of its creator, Pierre Paul Riquet. Indeed, the canal is at once a scientific, hydraulic, naturalist and social laboratory. The guide highlights how commercial navigation along the canal shaped the historical development of the ‘Pink City’.

What’s more, with a few turns of the pedals – or rather, killing two birds with one stone – you’ll also admire the city’s architectural heritage as you cycle through the neighbourhoods the canal passes through. We start with Marengo and Matabiau station: the rivalry between the canal and the railway is sure to make an impression. Next, the Port St Sauveur neighbourhood and its proximity to the 18th arrondissement’s public gardens make you realise that prestigious urban planning is nothing new. Finally, Rangueil, as the ‘science district’, will make you want to be a student again so you can enjoy this natural setting on the city’s doorstep. The Canal du Midi, as you’ll realise, is a guiding thread around which the city has been built and adapted over the centuries.

In short, we’ll refresh your knowledge of the Canal du Midi, link it to the city’s historical development and, as a bonus, get some fresh air and a bit of exercise!

Good to know:
- Bikes not included.
- Bikes can be hired from La Petite Maison du Vélo: lapetitemaisonduvelo.lokki.rent (Make sure to check availability by booking online in advance).
- Booking recommended; places are limited
- Between 15 June and 15 September, during orange and red weather alerts and when the temperature is 35 or above, adjustments will be made to the route and the tour will be shortened to 1h30. In the event of a red heat alert, tours are cancelled and refunded.

In partnership with the Maison du Vélo.