Discover the Canal du Midi
at the Vias campsite
During your stay at the 4-star Finca l’Air Marin campsite in Vias, discover the Canal du Midi, the jewel in the crown of tourism in Languedoc-Roussillon. The canal runs for hundreds of kilometers through the departments of Aude, Hérault, Tarn and Haute-Garonne. From our campsite along the Canal du Midi, discover the charms of its bucolic banks.
The construction and history of the Canal du Midi
The birth of the project
In 1539, the idea of digging a canal to link the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean was born. The motivation behind this idea was to prevent trading ships from bypassing the Iberian Peninsula, which was too dangerous at the time. Privateers, pirates and brigands were particularly numerous on the seas.
This project, along with a number of other less-than-convincing initiatives, was eventually abandoned until the fateful year of 1660, when Pierre-Paul Riquet, a gabelle collector in Languedoc, came up with an ingenious proposal.
His idea solved the main construction problem, namely the arrival of water at the division point to feed the canal’s slopes. Thus was born the Canal du Midi.
nature discovery
Pierre-Paul Riquet’s concept
Riquet’s general concept was based on an irrigation system using water from the Black Mountain. The collector planned to cross the Graissens threshold to channel the mountain’s waters to the Nauroze threshold.
In addition, the latter conceptualizes reclamation and crossing respectively with reservoir dams and gullies.
In 1664, Riquet received the backing and funding of the States of Languedoc to implement the idea on an experimental basis. This he did with great pragmatism, dazzling even King Louis XIV.
For several months, a commission of experts appointed by the king studied the canal route. This study culminated in the agreement to officially launch the canal works on January 1ᵉʳ, 1667. The agreement in question was signed by Jean-Baptiste Colbert, then Secretary of State for the Marine and Minister to Louis XIV.
Construction of the Canal du Midi was completed in 1681, and the building was officially opened to navigation on May 15, 1681.
Visit the Canal du Midi at the Vias campsite
For your next stay in the Languedoc-Roussillon region, choose our Vias campsite on the Canal du Midi.
This exceptional natural setting offers superb opportunities for outdoor excursions. Whether on foot, by boat or by bike, you’re sure to enjoy an unforgettable experience.
the canal of midi
Explore the canal from the water in a canoe, rowboat or boat
Renting a barge on the Canal du Midi, or taking a boat cruise, are just some of the options available for exploring the waters and landscapes.
Our campsite on the Canal du Midi offers free rowing boats and canoes for self-guided cruising. You can also rent a boat without a license and take a cruise on the Canal du Midi, just 500 m from the campsite.
Along the way, you’ll admire a number of exceptional sites, including Béziers and its nine locks, or Carcassonne and its famous medieval city. These stages of the Canal du Midi in the Aude will also take you through Narbonne, where the canal joins the Mediterranean and continues into the Hérault.
The Minervois vineyards and the many Occitan villages along the canal will join the experience to fascinate you even further. From our campsite at Vias Plage, cruise along the Canal du Midi and let yourself be gently lulled by the songs of the cicadas.
The shadows of cypress trees, vineyards to port and umbrella pines complete an inspiring green landscape. With or without a license, rent a boat in Vias and discover the natural treasures of the Canal du Midi.
Bike along the Canal du Midi
from your campsite in Vias
Cycling along the banks of the Canal du Midi is a very pleasant way to discover the area. The signposted routes are made up of numerous cycle paths and criss-cross the bucolic countryside that surrounds the Canal du Midi. Although a little stony, it’s well worth exploring these paths on a mountain bike or VTC. You’ll be amazed by the jovial atmosphere and gentle way of life that reign on the Canal du Midi. The boats slowly passing through the locks and the fishermen picnicking under the trees are a real source of calm for holidaymakers. If you’d like to book a bike rental to discover the Canal du Midi, our Vias campsite team will be happy to provide you with all the information you need.
Walking along the Canal du Midi in Vias
Walk along the towpaths of the Canal du Midi and enjoy a relaxing stroll in the shade of the plane trees.
This type of walk is a great way to discover the flora, landscapes, atmosphere, fauna and structures. The pace and mode of travel allow you to branch off and encounter amusing sculptures created by lock-keepers.
During your visit to the Canal du Midi, opt for unusual accommodation solutions such as camping or boats.
Take a horseback ride
along the Canal du Midi
Ranch Fumat welcomes you to explore the Canal du Midi on horseback. Ride with qualified instructors for one or two hours and enjoy the romantic atmosphere!
nature activities
Monuments and historic sitesalong the Canal du Midi
The historic center of Agde
The historic center of Agde is a place where many centuries-old houses stand proudly.
You’ll also find old mansions and basements listed as historic monuments. In short, Agde’s historic center plunges you right back into the 17th century, tracing the local history on the horizon.
Other activities in Cap d’Agde are sure to satisfy holidaymakers looking for idleness and bathing on the Mediterranean coast .
The city of Béziers
Malpas tunnel
The 9 locks at Fonséranes
Béziers bullring
Béziers is a French commune crossed by the Orb river in the Hérault department. It is one of the many crossing points of the Canal du Midi. The basin is surrounded downstream by the Béziers lock and upstream by the Orb lock. In addition to its rich historical and architectural heritage, Béziers offers a wide range of tourist activities on the Canal du Midi, as the city boasts a rich cultural life. The emblematic site of the 9 Fonséranes locks and the Malpas tunnel (the first tunnel in the world to be crossed by a navigable canal) clearly expresses this.
Leisure activities near the Canal du Midi
Our campsite at the Canal du Midi is an interesting starting point for your family vacation in the south of France.
Fabrikus World just a few steps from our campsite in Vias
Discover the fairground paradise just 700m from our campsite in Vias. Fabrikus World is the biggest stationary funfair in France. The site offers over 80 attractions in a seven-hectare park. Whether you’re a couple or a group of friends, climb aboard the towers, trunks or mine trains, and enjoy the dizzying entertainment.
Europark indoor
Let your children enjoy this leisure area reserved for toddlers aged 1 to 13. There’s a whole range of fun games on offer, including a slide, giant maze, trampolines, climbing volcano and Tyrolean traverse. There’s plenty to keep young and old alike happy, with free wi-fi and relaxation areas, and plenty of leisure activities to make your visit to the Canal du Midi a memorable one. Take advantage of the Château Laurens playground. This public park is open to all for outdoor activities on the banks of the Hérault.
family holidays
Cheap camping holidays in Vias on the Canal du Midi
Mobile home rental in Vias
During your stay at Finca L’Air Marin 4*, camping on the Canal du Midi, opt for a mobile home rental in Vias.
Our family-run establishment with its wide choice of comfortable accommodation and quality services is sure to win over young and old alike.
Campsite with water park in Vias
In addition to its wide choice of comfortable accommodation: camping pitches, unusual accommodation and quality mobile homes, this campsite also boasts a complete water park in Vias. You’ll find an outdoor pool and a heated indoor pool, waterslides and an outdoor Jacuzzi, as well as a wide range of activities and entertainment for all our residents.
A campsite with exceptional services
In the heart of our campsite on the Canal du Midi, enjoy indoor and outdoor fitness areas. Our campsite is also “Dog Friendly” and will be delighted to welcome your four-legged companions (supp. €6/day). Treat yourself to our bar-restaurant “El Pueblo” or snack bar “La Cantina” during your stay. We look forward to welcoming you to our 4-star campsite on the Canal du Midi.
Discover
the surroundings
