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  • Heritage
    • History of the Canal du Midi
    • The remarkable sites
      • Fonserannes Locks
      • Orb Aqueduct
      • Saint Nazaire Cathedral
      • Colombiers River Port and the Château wine cellar
      • Colombiers Church
      • Oppidum d'Ensérune
      • Malpas Tunnel
      • Dry swamp of Montady
      • Capestang and Poilhes Harbours
      • Castle of the Archbishops
      • Collegiate Church of Saint-Etienne de Capestang
      • Capestang Lake
      • Via Domitia
    • Towns and villages
      • Béziers
      • Capestang
      • Dovecotes
      • Montady
      • Nissan-lez-Enserune
      • Hairy
    • The wine heritage
      • The wine estates
      • Cooperative cellars
    • A rich natural environment to observe…
      • In Spring
      • In Summer
      • In Autumn
      • In Winter
    • Authentic landscapes
  • Protect
    • A Grand Site de France in the pipeline
      • The Project
      • Management
      • Monitor the progress of the project
    • The Grands Sites de France network
    • The UNESCO Classification for the Canal
  • discover
    • A Grand Site Occitanie
    • Visit the Grand Site
      • Activities and leisure
      • wine tasting
      • Where to eat
      • Where to sleep
    • Tourist information offices
    • Explore the surrounding area
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Towns

Home • The heritage of the Canal • Towns

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Béziers

Dovecotes

Montady

Nissan-lez-Enserune

Hairy

Capestang

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Heritage

  • The wine heritage
  • The history of the Canal du Midi
  • The remarkable sites
  • Towns and villages
  • A rich natural environment to observe…
  • Authentic landscapes

Protect

  • A Grand Site de France in the pipeline
  • The Grands Sites de France network
  • The UNESCO Classification for the Canal

discover

  • A Grand Site Occitanie
  • Visit the Grand Site
  • Tourist information offices
  • Explore the surrounding area

Calendar

Gallery

Interactive map

Legal notices

Cookie Policy

Contact the association

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Port of Poilhes

In the small tourist town of Capestang or in the nearby charming village of Poilhes, the Canal du Midi leaves its mark on landscapes, villages and people. By bike, on foot or by boat, you can browse the quays of these two small ports as well as the towpath that will lead you to discover numerous works of art. By boat, you can of course dock to discover them!

https://www.grandsitecanaldumidi.fr/cartographie/port-de-poilhes/ https://www.grandsitecanaldumidi.fr/storage/2019/12/poilhes-port-1.svg
The wine estates

Variety of architecture, witnesses of the rich wine history, but also of the beautiful days that the Languedoc vineyard has before it! The wineries here have evolved, modernized, diversified, sometimes reconverted ... Most will gladly open their doors to you!

https://www.grandsitecanaldumidi.fr/cartographie/les-domaines-viticoles/ https://www.grandsitecanaldumidi.fr/storage/2019/12/chateau-viticole.svg
Cooperative cellars

They are an integral part of the landscape and the local terroir! Easily recognizable thanks to their large pediments with their characteristic architecture, you will easily see the cooperative cellars during your walks ... Places of history but above all of tasting, the cellars will be a must during your visit here!

https://www.grandsitecanaldumidi.fr/cartographie/les-caves-cooperatives/ https://www.grandsitecanaldumidi.fr/storage/2019/12/cave-coopérative.svg
Capestang Lake

Long ago, the sea came to the foot of the village of Capestang, whose name means "Cape of the pond". Thanks to its salt flats, the Capestang pond was, from the early Middle Ages, an important source of income… It is today a place of extraordinary biodiversity! Warning: The site is private and includes areas reserved for hunting, access to it very regulated.

https://www.grandsitecanaldumidi.fr/cartographie/etang-de-capestang/ https://www.grandsitecanaldumidi.fr/storage/2019/12/flamant-rose.svg
Tourist Information Office: Béziers Center

Contact details:

Address: Place du Forum 34500 BEZIERS Tel: 04 99 41 36 36 Contact by email: https://www.beziers-mediterranee.com/contact Website : www.beziers-mediterranee.com    

Opening hours:

Hours during the 18:00 p.m. curfew period: Monday to Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 13:00 p.m. and 14:00 p.m. to 17:00 p.m.
  • From November to March: Monday to Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 13:00 p.m. and from 14:00 p.m. to 18:00 p.m. Open Sundays in December.
  • From April to June and from September to October: every day from 9:00 to 18:00
  • July and August : every day from 9:00 a.m. to 19:00 p.m.
 
https://www.grandsitecanaldumidi.fr/cartographie/bureau-dinformation-touristique-beziers-centre/ https://www.grandsitecanaldumidi.fr/storage/2020/02/logo-ot.svg
Tourist Information Office: the Cave of the Château de Colombiers

Contact 

Address: Cave du Château Port de Colombiers Place of the third millennium 34440 COLOMBIERS Tel: 04 67 32 88 77 Mail: tourism@ladomitienne.com Website : www.tourismeendomitienne.com    

Opening hours :

Open from April 1 to October 31 April and October: Every day from 9 a.m. to 30 p.m. and from 12 p.m. to 30 p.m. May, June and September: Daily, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 15 p.m. to 18:30 p.m. July and August : Every day, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 15 p.m. to 19 p.m.
https://www.grandsitecanaldumidi.fr/cartographie/bureau-dinformation-touristique-la-cave-du-chateau-de-colombiers/ https://www.grandsitecanaldumidi.fr/storage/2020/02/logo-ot.svg
Tourist Information Office: Maison du Malpas

Contact

Address: Maison du Malpas Route de l'Oppidum 34440 Colombiers Tel: 04 67 32 88 77 Mail: tourism@ladomitienne.com Website : www.tourismeendomitienne.com/la-maison-du-malpas    

Opening hours:

Open from March 1 to October 31 March and October: Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 13:30 p.m. to 17:30 p.m. April and September: From Monday to Friday, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 13:30 p.m. to 17:30 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays from 13 p.m. to 17:30 p.m. From May 1 to August 31: Every day from 10 a.m. to 18 p.m.
https://www.grandsitecanaldumidi.fr/cartographie/bureau-dinformation-touristique-de-la-maison-du-malpas/ https://www.grandsitecanaldumidi.fr/storage/2020/02/logo-ot.svg
Tourist Information Office: the Nine Locks of Fonseranes

Contact details:

Address: The 9 locks of Fonseranes 34500 BEZIERS Tel: 04 99 41 36 36 Contact by email: https://www.beziers-mediterranee.com/contact Website : www.9ecluses.com    

Opening hours:

From November to March: Saturdays, Sundays from 10:00 to 12:30 and from 13:30 to 17:00 Open every day during school holidays from 10:00 to 12:30 and from 13:30 to 17:00 From April to June and from September to October: every day from 10:00 to 18:00 July and August : every day from 10:00 to 19:00  
https://www.grandsitecanaldumidi.fr/cartographie/bureau-dinformation-touristique-des-neuf-ecluses-de-fonseranes/ https://www.grandsitecanaldumidi.fr/storage/2020/02/logo-ot.svg
Tourist Information Office: Capestang's valance house

Contact

Address: Maison Cantonnière Quai Elie Amouroux 34310 CAPESTANG Tel: 04.67.37.85.29 Mail: accueil@tourismecanaldumidi.fr Website : www.tourismecanaldumidi.fr

Opening hours

April - May - June - September - October Monday to Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 14 p.m. to 18 p.m. July and August Daily: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 14:30 p.m. to 18:30 p.m. Off season Monday to Friday: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 14 p.m. to 17 p.m.
https://www.grandsitecanaldumidi.fr/cartographie/office-de-tourisme-du-canal-du-midi-au-saint-chinian/ https://www.grandsitecanaldumidi.fr/storage/2020/02/logo-ot.svg
Via Domitia

An emblematic landmark, the Domitian Way, established after the conquest of southern Gaul by the Roman authority, has established itself as the strategic, political and commercial axis of the province. It runs for almost 250 kilometers from the Rhône to the Pyrenees. Can you find its imprint in our current landscape?

https://www.grandsitecanaldumidi.fr/cartographie/la-voie-domitienne/ https://www.grandsitecanaldumidi.fr/storage/2019/12/via-domitia-borne-milliaire.svg
wine tasting

It is here at the heart of everything: our landscapes, our history, our gastronomy… the vine is our land. And it is with great pleasure that the men and women who work there will make you discover their profession, their passion, their life ... Discover the professionals who welcome you

https://www.grandsitecanaldumidi.fr/cartographie/vide-element-sans-gps/ https://www.grandsitecanaldumidi.fr/storage/2020/01/mapoeno.svg
Activities and leisure

Discovery by electric boat or aboard a barge, Sunday stroll on the towpath or more sporty hike ... the activities offered by the Canal du Midi are numerous!

Discover all the activities and leisures

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Fauna and flora of the Canal du Midi

Slip, for a moment, into the skin of the naturalist! Depending on the season, here are some anecdotes and tips for observing the most emblematic species of the Canal du Midi and its surroundings. It's up to you to play !

In Spring // In Summer //In Autumn // In Winter

https://www.grandsitecanaldumidi.fr/cartographie/faune-element-sans-gps/ https://www.grandsitecanaldumidi.fr/storage/2020/01/mapfaune.svg
Dry swamp of Montady

It was the middle of the thirteenth century, on the shores of a lake filled with stagnant water which " carries disease and death ". Ua basin without natural flow, which receives water from a watershed. The four owners of the time then decided to dry it out ...

https://www.grandsitecanaldumidi.fr/cartographie/etang-asseche-de-montady/ https://www.grandsitecanaldumidi.fr/storage/2019/12/montady-étang.svg
Capestang and Poilhes Harbours

In the small tourist town of Capestang or in the nearby charming village of Poilhes, the Canal du Midi leaves its mark on landscapes, villages and people. By bike, on foot or by boat, you can browse the quays of these two small ports as well as the towpath that will lead you to discover numerous works of art. By boat, you can of course dock to discover them!

https://www.grandsitecanaldumidi.fr/cartographie/port-de-capestang/ https://www.grandsitecanaldumidi.fr/storage/2019/12/capestang-port.svg
Orb Canal Bridge

In Béziers, immediately after passing through the Fonseranes locks, the Canal du Midi crosses the Orb to reach Béziers. It was between 1854 and 1857, under the direction of Urbino Magues, that the Orb canal bridge was built. A real feat!

https://www.grandsitecanaldumidi.fr/cartographie/le-pont-canal/ https://www.grandsitecanaldumidi.fr/storage/2019/12/Béziers-Pont-Canal.svg
Béziers Old Bridge https://www.grandsitecanaldumidi.fr/cartographie/le-pont-vieux/ https://www.grandsitecanaldumidi.fr/storage/2019/12/Béziers-Pont-vieux.svg
Saint Nazaire Cathedral

The Saint-Nazaire and Saint-Celse cathedral was built in the western part of the old medieval town in 1598 and erected on the promontory of an ancient oppidum. “The biterroise acropolis” we say here. It majestically dominates the plain of the Orb and has witnessed a tumultuous history...

https://www.grandsitecanaldumidi.fr/cartographie/cathedrale-saint-nazaire/ https://www.grandsitecanaldumidi.fr/storage/2019/12/Bziers-Cathédrale.svg
Fonserannes Locks

Arrived on his native land, Pierre-Paul Riquet decides to run his Canal on the embankment north of Capestang, a route that avoids the Lower Plain of the Aude floodable to the South and occupied by the pond. But this last section with significant elevations creates several difficulties. They will be bypassed by dint of technical prowess!

https://www.grandsitecanaldumidi.fr/cartographie/ecluses-de-fonseranes/ https://www.grandsitecanaldumidi.fr/storage/2019/12/Béziers-écluses.svg
Colombiers Church

A stone's throw from the Canal du Midi, Saint-Sylvestre and Sainte-Colombe church is classified in Romanesque style. The first trace of a place of worship dates from the early Christian era, the most beautiful vestige of which is the Visigothic altar, classified as a historical monument ...

https://www.grandsitecanaldumidi.fr/cartographie/eglise-de-colombiers/ https://www.grandsitecanaldumidi.fr/storage/2019/12/Colombiers-église.svg
Oppidum d'Ensérune

The archaeological site of the Oppidum of Ensérune presents to visitors the remains of the ancient village located at the top of this hill. The site was occupied between the XNUMXth century. BC and the XNUMXst c. A.D. Its location offers a unique panorama and its museum is a must-see!

https://www.grandsitecanaldumidi.fr/cartographie/loppidum-denserune/ https://www.grandsitecanaldumidi.fr/storage/2019/12/Nissan-Oppidum.svg
Montady Tower

This east tower is the last vestige of an ancient castle. From the top of its 20 meters it overlooks the perfect geometry of the dry pond of Montady as well as the old Languedoc village. Its thick walls rise over three floors.

https://www.grandsitecanaldumidi.fr/cartographie/tour-de-montady/ https://www.grandsitecanaldumidi.fr/storage/2019/12/montady-tour.svg
Stone bridge in Capestang

Located at Port de Capestang, the Pont de Saïsse, otherwise known as a "stone bridge" by the locals, is the work of architects Claude Colin and Pierre Launay. It dates from 1688-1689. 

 

With the development of the canal goes that of bridges to cross it, their construction was supported by the States of Languedoc. The canal bridges have evolved in their form and method of construction, Capestang offers several examples of these constructions. 

In the XVIIth century one finds the bridges of stone or brick in semicircular arch, the bridge of Saïsses constitutes an example. It has the particularity of having one of the lowest arches of the Canal bridges. In 1754, it threatened to collapse, it was then repaired at the expense of the municipality. In 1789, it was completely rebuilt with a new abutment built in rubble and an interior facing in cut stone from Nissan, some old elements were preserved and repaired. 

https://www.grandsitecanaldumidi.fr/cartographie/pont-de-pierre-de-capestang/ https://www.grandsitecanaldumidi.fr/storage/2019/12/capestang-pont-de-pierre.svg
Castle of the Archbishops

Come and discover the summer residence of the archbishops of Narbonne in Capestang. This castle houses a painted ceiling dating from the XVe century, you can see many scenes from the period on the bugets (animals, gallant and religious scenes). At the end of the Middle Ages, the castle of the Archbishops of Narbonne in Capestang was a splendid residence that certain documents do not hesitate to qualify as a palace.

https://www.grandsitecanaldumidi.fr/cartographie/chateau-des-archeveques/ https://www.grandsitecanaldumidi.fr/storage/2019/12/capestang-chateau-archeveques.svg
Collegiate Church of Saint-Etienne de Capestang

In a perfect Gothic style, the Saint-Etienne collegiate church in Capestang was built in the XNUMXth century on an old Romanesque church, probably by the same team that built the Saint-Just-et-Saint-Pasteur cathedral in Narbonne. An architectural jewel that history has left unfinished, its visit will leave you with vivid memories!

https://www.grandsitecanaldumidi.fr/cartographie/la-collegiale-de-capestang/ https://www.grandsitecanaldumidi.fr/storage/2019/12/capestang-collégiale.svg
Colombiers River Port and the Château wine cellar

The port of Colombiers gives this village a very special holiday accent. A stone's throw from the Canal du Midi stands the most characteristic monument of the village: the Château de Colombiers and its cellar now open to visitors, a real gem of the XNUMXth century!

https://www.grandsitecanaldumidi.fr/cartographie/le-port-de-colombiers-et-la-cave-du-chateau/ https://www.grandsitecanaldumidi.fr/storage/2019/12/colombiers-cave-et-port.svg
Malpas Tunnel

The Malpas Tunnel is the story of a world premiere… Riquet, a native of Béziers, could not imagine his Canal going anywhere other than his native town. To do this, he had to overcome an obstacle: the hill of Ensérune. For the first time in history, we are making a navigable canal pass under a “mountain”!

https://www.grandsitecanaldumidi.fr/cartographie/le-tunnel-du-malpas/ https://www.grandsitecanaldumidi.fr/storage/2019/12/Nissan-Malpas.svg