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Canal du Midi
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn are the best times, as the weather is temperate and the trees are in full splendor. Early morning or before sunset are best to avoid the heat and enjoy the golden photography light.
Budget tips
Tourist boat rides cost about 15-20 euros per person for the short trip. You can also rent a bicycle to explore the towpath along the canal for as little as 10 euros for the full day.
Recommended for
Nature lovers, Travel photographers, Cyclists, Couples seeking tranquility
Plan your visit
2-4 hours
About
Quick facts: The canal stretches for 240 kilometers and connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. It features 63 locks, 126 bridges, and 7 aqueducts, and was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996.
Highlights: What truly distinguishes this canal is the plane trees shading its banks, planted by order of Colbert in the 17th century to protect passersby from the heat of the sun. There are more than 40,000 of these trees, forming a enchanting green tunnel that gives boat rides a feeling akin to traveling through a moving oil painting.
Insider tips
- Bring a hat and sunscreen even on cloudy days, as the path is mostly exposed.
- Take your photos at the Fonserannes Lock with its eight chambers; it is a rare engineering marvel.
- Avoid midday in July and August; the canal humidity makes it sweltering.
- Book the small boat trip at sunset to see golden rays sneak through the plane tree branches.
Where to Stay in Carcassonne
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