A special year for the canal due to the 30th anniversary of its UNESCO world heritage listing, it will also be at the heart of many summer events in Castelnaudary (Aude). La Dépêche presents what awaits the Chaurians this summer on its banks.
Along its banks, the Canal du Midi gives rhythm to the life of the Chauriens every day. Whether to cross it, walk there or live on its edges, it remains an obligatory stopover on the route between Toulouse and Sète. The city often honors the work of Pierre-Paul Riquet, 350 years old, through numerous festive events. And this year, the 30th anniversary of the canal’s UNESCO World Heritage listing, will be like no other. The summer season will start in the coming days, with several events throughout the summer.
Since April, two events have taken place in the Chaurien port. After the festive day organized at Square André-Corre and in front of the Le Boat base on April 18, the Trans’Occitanie, an inclusive itinerant hike organized by the Occitanie adapted sports league, crossed the region for its second edition. On Wednesday, the Aude stage linked the port of Castelnaudary to Bram over 17.5 km.
This summer’s activities
From July 2, Square André-Corre will host one of the four evenings of live broadcasts from RCF Occitanie radio stations dedicated to the Canal du Midi. Open free to the public, the evening will continue around a drink in the presence of the station’s journalists and guests.
A few days later, on July 11, the barge of the famous traveling festival “Convivencia” will stop at the port for a festive and musical evening. From 8 p.m., the Kostana trio will offer a journey to the heart of Balkan music. At 9:30 p.m., Officine Meridionali will resonate the music and traditions of southern Italy.
A channel that is reinvented
The Canal rowing rally, organized for more than 40 years by the Toulouse Pierre-Paul Riquet association, will stop in Castelnaudary on August 18. The rally will arrive in the morning at the Vivier lock from Port-Lauragais. He will continue his journey in the afternoon towards Bram. Of course, let’s not forget the activities alongside the cassoulet festival, notably the ofnis race (unidentified floating objects) organized on the canal.
With its many unmissable events, the Canal du Midi has become much more than a simple mobility artery. Built as a real place to live, it also faces many challenges, particularly climatic. In this way, the valorization of its waters presents itself as a central issue for the canal for its sustainability.
The Marche des Écluses returns
This weekend, the Midi Cardio Greffes Occitanie association will organize the third Marche des Écluses.
This Saturday, participants will meet at Square André-Corre before setting off on one of the four proposed routes, from two to 10 kilometers, along the Canal du Midi. After a convivial picnic, at 1:30 p.m., the afternoon will be devoted to the discovery of Sorèze or the Audois Creators and Artists market. The day will end at 6:30 p.m. at Twickenham with a cocktail dinner and discussions with CHU members from all over France who have taken up the walking challenge. The town hall and the president of Adot 31 will sign the “Castelnaudary city charter for organ donation” on this occasion.
This Sunday, participants will have the choice between a pétanque competition at the Boulodrome or a free tour of Sorèze or a visit to the Audois Creators and Artists Market. Everyone will then meet, at 1 p.m., at the Twickenham restaurant for a “Cassoulet Party” and the presentation of the competition prizes, before the official closing of this weekend placed under the sign of solidarity, sharing and awareness of organ donation.
