BOOK. “The Canal du Midi, a path of water and sky”, from Riquet's dream to today's reality

In his new work, Patrice Teisseire-Dufour and photographer Arnaud Späni paint an intimate portrait of the Canal du Midi, between historical heritage and contemporary issues. A tribute to human ingenuity that questions the future of this French heritage

It was by bike, at the speed of boats, that Patrice Teisseire-Dufour chose to explore the Canal du Midi. This contemplative approach gave birth to a book “The Canal du Midi, a path of water and sky” which goes well beyond a simple tourist guide. We asked its author the why and how that led to this book. Interview.

France 3: 1- How did you collaborate to combine text and photography to capture the essence of the Canal du Midi?

Patrice Teisseire-Dufour : This book was born from a bike ride, from Toulouse to the Etang de Thau, with my father on All Saints' Day 2009. We chose to travel by bicycle, because the route lends itself to it and it is the good speed to enter the scenery, at 8 or 10 km/h, almost the same speed as the boats. Then for 15 years, I accumulated strolls, books, documentation and reports along its banks for Occitanie magazine. The work with my photographer friend Arnaud Späni took place between autumn 2023 and spring 2024. I remember in particular a beautiful and busy day in April when we took portraits of Jean-Claude Dreyfus, Samuel Vannier, Nelly the Somail bookseller, a boat trip with Ruud…

2- What was your approach to presenting the history of the canal while highlighting its contemporary importance?

I didn't want to write yet another biography of Riquet (1609-1680) or give a bicycle topoguide of the canal. My angle is more of a book that highlights the most beautiful places on the canal, a sort of book for lovers of the canal. I am often told that I am a landscape man. I wanted to capture the atmosphere of these places. And I explain the importance, for example, of the Seuil de Naurouze, the sharing of waters, the improbable Malpas tunnel, the nine locks of Fonséranes, the Libron works, the round lock of Adge, but also Saint -Ferréol, the first large dam in Europe and the Alzeau water intake, the source of the canal… Because the water supply and the difference in level of this work were crucial to its realization. For centuries, designers have struggled with these problems.

3-How did you choose to integrate the figure of Pierre-Paul Riquet into your narration of the canal?

From the canal archives, at the Saint-Sauveur port in Toulouse, I am connected to Paul Riquet. Thanks to the archivist Samuel Vannier, I discovered his correspondence with Colbert, his real handwriting, the plans for the different works of art… Everything is very moving. I have a lot of admiration for Riquet. For his commitment, his self-sacrifice and his money. What he did was a brilliant tour de force. We must realize that the year he turned 54, January 18, 1663, Riquet changed his life. The Sun King finally orders the examination of the canal project by commissioners of the kingdom in order to verify the methods of its implementation. Even if at that age, it's very late. As if he were starting a second life in his retirement, Riquet can commit wholeheartedly to his dream.

5 – What challenges did you encounter in capturing the beauty and unique atmosphere of the Canal du Midi?

The canal is not a place of challenges, except for the ruts and broken branches on the bike, its descent by rowing, which I tested, or the difficulties of passing each other in lock chambers. The canal is above all an ode to serenity. For those who are in search of happiness, simply grasp this 240 km breadcrumb trail and let yourself be enveloped by the soothing atmosphere of the foliage and by its play of light on this mirror, a magic that the photos render. by Arnaud Späni!

4- Can you tell us about your experience with the lock keepers and boatmen during your journey along the canal?

Yes, I also wanted to highlight the world of boatmen, lock keepers, local residents. The Canal does have a voice. She has never been so alive. I admire the work carried out by the Convivencia festival, the sculptor lock keeper of the Aiguille, Sam who restarted freight on the canal, the workers of the refit hold, the facilitators of the Carabosse barge which offers discovery classes heritage and environment… Now, there is a Canal sustainable development plan. However, water stocks are deteriorating. Will there still be enough water to sail pleasure boats? ? The channel might seem as useless as a work of art. But I don't dare imagine the South of my country without this Maginot line, this timeless crossing.