The idea of building this canal was toyed with by various powers for more than a thousand years before it was actually built. Its logistical importance was obviously great: a short cut between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic that cut out the long passage around Spain. The problem had always been a marked lack of water that could sustain navigation. It was only in 1838 that the project properly took off and some crazy feats of engineering made the canal possible. In 1856, the canal became properly functional. Today, the combined length of Canal de Garrone and Canal du Midi makes for a popular cycling tour that takes anywhere between 7–10 days to complete. You can rent bikes in Toulouse for the specific purpose of cycling the track.

• Wear comfortable shoes for long walks along the canal.

• Free visit

• By Train station: Toulouse

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