History of the Canal du Midi
The Romans are said to have previously planned the construction of a waterway that linked the Atlantic with the Mediterranean . However , the project did not start until the 17th century under King Louis XIV , the legendary Sun King . Pierre-Paul Riquet ( 1604 – 1680 ), a wealthy tax collector , presented his plans to the King in 1662 and was able to persuade him about the merits of the project . In the canal , Louis saw another opportunity to make himself immortal . In October 1666 , he gave the royal seal of approval to the project . 40 per cent of the costs were borne by the Crown , 40 per cent by the State and 20 per cent by the Riquet family , with the latter becoming the owner after the death of the King .
Around 12,000 people worked on the canal . They built 328 structures such as locks , tunnels , bridges , dams , harbours and aqueducts . The canal is filled with water from the Montagnes Noires , the black mountains . In addition , various small rivers are fed in , and reservoirs and ditches provide the right water level .
In addition to the tremendous technical feat , the canal also impressed through its excellent integration into the landscape of southern France .
Around 42,000 trees lined the banks . Their roots still serve to fortify the banks today and their foliage provides shelter for both people and animals .
Before engine-driven vessels , barges were pulled by horses that walked along the towpaths that line the canal .