The town of Béziers is not only an historical landmark on the Canal’s course, it is close to some of the most attractive and impressive features along its length. Spending a week or weekend barging, Canal du Midi-style, along cool waters shaded with an avenue of trees, is one of the most pleasant ways to discover the Béziers region. Your Canal du Midi holiday could also include walking or cycling along the banks of the canal and discovering its incredible feats of engineering, such as canal bridges and locks.
From the end of the 17th century, many years before the Canal du Midi was listed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1996, it was already known as the “Wonder of Europe”. Many construction works are dotted along its length, including one, lying just a few kilometres upstream from Béziers, which, along with Fonseranes Locks, was an outstanding technical achievement for the period: the Tunnel of Malpas, measuring 173m long, was dug below the Colline de Montady in six days by several hundred workers. It is the first tunnel ever to have been dug for use as a canal for sailing.
The 9 Locks of Fonseranes
This is the most important construction on the Canal du Midi, lying at the foot of Béziers. It comprises eight ovoid water basins (specific to the Canal du Midi) and nine locks, which make it possible to obtain a slope of 21.50m, for a total length of more than 300m. The splendour of the site and the technical prowess which it represents in terms of civil engineering, continue to attract visitors from far and wide and make this a highlight on any Canal du Midi holiday. Traditional buildings and attractions, such as the horse-drawn barge, the stables and the lockkeeper’s house are still visible… The Fonseranes Locks are the 3rd most visited tourist site in Languedoc-Roussillon, after the Pont du Gard and the City of Carcassonne.
From the end of the 17th century, many years before the Canal du Midi was listed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1996, it was already known as the “Wonder of Europe”. Many construction works are dotted along its length, including one, lying just a few kilometres upstream from Béziers, which, along with Fonseranes Locks, was an outstanding technical achievement for the period: the Tunnel of Malpas, measuring 173m long, was dug below the Colline de Montady in six days by several hundred workers. It is the first tunnel ever to have been dug for use as a canal for sailing.
The 9 Locks of Fonseranes
This is the most important construction on the Canal du Midi, lying at the foot of Béziers. It comprises eight ovoid water basins (specific to the Canal du Midi) and nine locks, which make it possible to obtain a slope of 21.50m, for a total length of more than 300m. The splendour of the site and the technical prowess which it represents in terms of civil engineering, continue to attract visitors from far and wide and make this a highlight on any Canal du Midi holiday. Traditional buildings and attractions, such as the horse-drawn barge, the stables and the lockkeeper’s house are still visible… The Fonseranes Locks are the 3rd most visited tourist site in Languedoc-Roussillon, after the Pont du Gard and the City of Carcassonne.The Canal bridge
Built immediately downstream from Fonseranes, it entered into service in 1858. Lined with an alley of majestic cypress trees – different from the canal which is lined with plane trees along almost its entire length – the bridge crosses the Orb; boats pass over the river. This “boat bridge” facilitates sailing for barges and reduces difficulties arising from the Orb’s irregular supply of water.
Measuring 12m high, 28m wide and 240m long, since its inception, the Canal bridge is also equipped with a gallery which runs below it in order to facilitate inspections of the stonework.
Built immediately downstream from Fonseranes, it entered into service in 1858. Lined with an alley of majestic cypress trees – different from the canal which is lined with plane trees along almost its entire length – the bridge crosses the Orb; boats pass over the river. This “boat bridge” facilitates sailing for barges and reduces difficulties arising from the Orb’s irregular supply of water.
Measuring 12m high, 28m wide and 240m long, since its inception, the Canal bridge is also equipped with a gallery which runs below it in order to facilitate inspections of the stonework.
