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Historical site · Toulouse, Occitânia
Port de l'Embouchure
River port where the Canal du Midi meets the Canal latéral à la Garonne and the Canal de Brienne, featuring an 18th-century bas-relief.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Port de l'Embouchure
The Port de l'Embouchure is the point where the Canal du Midi ends in Toulouse. Three canals meet there: the Canal du Midi, which continues to the Mediterranean; the Canal latéral à la Garonne, which heads toward Bordeaux; and the Canal de Brienne, which leads to the Garonne.
The Canal du Midi was built between 1666 and 1681 under the direction of Pierre-Paul Riquet to link Toulouse to the Mediterranean near Sète. The work brought water from the Montagne Noire to the highest point of the route and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996.
On the façade between the bridges of the Canal du Midi and the Canal de Brienne there is a large stone bas-relief by the Toulouse sculptor François Lucas celebrating the joining of the canals. The site is also known as Ponts-Jumeaux, the twin bridges.
From there the towpath begins, the pedestrian and bicycle trail that runs along the canal beneath the plane trees. Many visitors walk or cycle a few kilometres toward the centre and Gare Matabiau, which sits on the canal's edge.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 30 minutes to 1 hour; more if you cycle along the canal.
Best time
Morning or late afternoon, when the shade of the trees makes the walk cooler, especially in summer.
How to get there
It's about 2.5 km northwest of the Place du Capitole. You can walk or take a shared bike along the canal bank, or use a city bus to get to the Ponts-Jumeaux area.
Tip
To experience the canal without leaving the city, walk or cycle from the Port de l'Embouchure to Gare Matabiau, about 3 km along the bank. Boat trips on the canal depart from the centre during parts of the year; check the season.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Port de l'Embouchure
What is the Canal du Midi?
A navigation canal opened in the 17th century by Pierre-Paul Riquet to link Toulouse to the Mediterranean. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996.
What can you see at the Port de l'Embouchure?
The junction of three canals and a large 18th-century stone bas-relief that celebrates the project.
Can you cycle along the canal?
Yes, the bank has a path for pedestrians and bicycles under the trees, and the city has bike-share schemes.