What an idea the Canal is! I had a similar feeling when I saw the Great Wall of China last year – what a vision – what a dream – imagining such a venture was possible and then doing it.
Pierre Paul Riquet from Beziers sank his entire fortune into the venture when from 1667-1681 12,000 people laboured on the 240 km long canal that would link the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. There are 350 bridges, aqueducts, and locks along its length, with 300 year old Plane trees lining the route – giving shade and a lovely dappled light. It truly deserves the World Heritage Status it was given by UNESCO 1996.
