About the Canal du Midi
It was the vision of Pierre-Paul Riquet to connect the Atlantic to the Mediterranean by a canal. It would allow the safe passage of goods and services avoiding the long and dangerous route via the Straits of Gibraltar. This vision was presented to Colbert, Minister of the King of France in 1660.
It took Riquet 6 years of arguing with skeptics and adversaries to finally convince Colbert, the most powerful man in the country. On the advice of his Minister, Louis XIV ordered the construction of the Royal Canal of Languedoc, which, subsequently, under the French Revolution, became the "Canal du Midi".
At 60 and extremely wealthy, Pierre-Paul Riquet embarked on the greatest adventure of his life. Concurrent to the digging of the canal, Riquet designed a water collection system in the Black Mountains. He built the reserve of Saint-Ferréol to store the water.
Lateral canals brought the water to the summit of Naurouze thereby feeding the canal in two directions; to the Mediterranean in the East, and to the Atlantic in the West.
Tragically, Riquet died in 1680, a ruined man, unable to see the fulfillment of his dream; a few months later, the canal opened.
With the completion of the "Canal du Rhône à Sète" in 1829, and the "Canal Latéral à la Garonne" in 1856, the waterway at last connected the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean.
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The Canal du Midi represents a huge undertaking for the 17th century: 15 years of work, 12 000 workmen including 600 women, 328 structures (bridges, quays, locks, aqueducts, tunnels...), 45 000 plane trees and cypresses planted along the banks.
On the whole, 240 km were dug by shovel and pickaxe between the cities of Toulouse and Sète.
There are two principal uses of the Canal today: irrigation and tourism. The canal irrigates 300 million square meters per year. River tourism sees on average 400 boats hired which translates into approx 8200 passages listed at the locks of Fonseranes. Boat traffic on the Canal continues to grow, and offers a perfect alternative way for visitors to see the countryside.
Some significant Dates:
• 1667: first stone laid
• October 1, 1680: death of Pierre-Paul Riquet in Toulouse
• May 24, 1681: official inauguration of the Royal Canal of Languedoc
• October 1996: designation of the locks of Fonseranes as a Heritage site
• December 1996 : The Canal du Midi is classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO
• April 1997: The Government of France classifies the Canal du Midi as a protected Site.
• May 2008: the Exclusive Hotel Barge Alegria is launched!!
Guest Comments
“…The Alegria is truly a 5 star hotel afloat, from its glamorous & intimate salon, decks & boudoir…” Barry C, Wine Estate Owner in California
“There is no way we can really thank you for such a wonderful voyage and for making us feel so much at home in your beautiful barge. This was absolutely one of the most memorable trips we have ever taken. …” Lucy and Henry W, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA
“… Merci; thank-you again, we love all of you!” Dave and Cookie M, Ohio, USA
“Too many highspots, too many unforgettable experiences and too few words to describe our feelings after such a fabulous week aboard the beautiful Alegria…” Richard & Angela A, Salisbury, England
"Doug and I had the most wonderful time aboard your beautiful Alegria. We both agree it was the best holiday we have had and we have had many" Doug and Bev, Australia
"...I cannot begin to tell you how much my husband and I relaxed and enjoyed ourselves. He was ill recently, and you were the best thing that happened to him. Thank you" Susan and John, UK
"We have traveled by barge before and our expectations were surpassed. Algeria gave us 5 star service the entire trip.
The service was fabulous. Every day arrived with something which blew me away.
I said it all except you have Alegria listed as deluxe and I think it was definitely ultra deluxe" Janet and David, USA"