Built during the reign of Louis XIV, the Canal du Midi is the most imposing work done during this period after Versailles. The idea for the site of the 9 locks of Fonséranes was imagined by Pierre-Paul Riquet. The construction lasted from 1666 to 1681 and involved great difficulties. The builders had to bring over water from the Black Mountain to Naurouze, the highest point of the canal. Riquet died a few months before the end of the works, but his idea was ultimately successful. His construction on the Canal du Midi is still famous to this day.