• Producer(s):

    SYSTEM TV, ARTE FRANCE

  • Territories:

    Worldwide.

  • Production year:

    2014

  • Language(s):

    German, French

  • Rights:

    TV, DVD, NON-THEATRICAL, INTERNET, VOD

The Canal du Midi was built under the reign of Louis 14th, with the aim of linking the Mediterranean to the Atlantic, via the Garonne in Toulouse. 

Colbert launched the vast project in 1651. For the next 14 years, over 12,000 men and women worked on it. The canal, a 240-kilometre long technical feat, adapts to the landscapes it crosses. As soon as it was opened, it was used to transport people and mail. Superseded by the railway, the Canal du Midi was left dormant for a whole century, until its current revival, brought about by pleasure boating.