Toulouse

Canal du Midi at Dieupentale, France

The Canal du Midi is a 240-km-long canal that connects Toulouse to the Mediterranean Sea via the Étang de Thau. It is one of the oldest European canals still in operation.

Construction lasted from 1666 to 1681, under the supervision of Pierre-Paul Riquet whose goal was to provide an inland water route. "The key challenge was to convey water from the Montagne Noire (Black Mountains) to the Seuil de Naurouze, the highest point of the canal." (Source: Wikipedia)

The Canal du Midi has 91 working locks that are still operated by keepers. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996.

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