Villa Karli

Villa Karli is less than a 10 minute drive away from the Canal du Midi; a 240km waterway which has been in existence for more than 300 years. The Canal du Midi was constructed by Pierre Paul Riquet between 1667 and 1681, with the help of about 12,000 workers, who dug out 7,000,000m3 of earth to connect the Atlantic and the Mediterranean.

10 years ago, to celebrate this fantastic engineering masterpiece, the Canal du Midi was placed on UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites. The towpaths offer fantastic cycling and walking opportunites and you can hire a boat or take a cruise between various centres from Sete to Carcassonne.

The Canal du Midi consists of 328 structures (locks, aqueducts, bridges, tunnels, etc.) and is one of the most remarkable feats of civil engineering in modern times.

There are over 100 locks along the length of the canal, though the most famous of these locks are situated a few kilometres from Villa Karli. In Béziers, there is an astounding engineering achievement: les Neuf Écluses de Fonseranes (the nine locks of Fonseranes). It is, in essence, a boat staircase, one lock following on the heels of the next, allowing boats to move up and down a hill.

Over a distance of just 312 metres, the series of 9 locks allow a change in level of some 25 metres. Each year, Les Neuf Écluses de Fonseranes transports over 8000 boats through the intricate lock system.

The canal is lined throughout its length by majestic plane trees which become a spectacular golden colour in the autumn. The Canal du Midi is a wonderful place, whether on the water or along the towpaths, it offers a tranquil haven the whole year through.

Click here for more information about the Canal du Midi.