The French Canal du Midi at the 17th century: accounting gaps and financial innovations

A groundbreaking 17th-century engineering marvel, the Canal du Midi (formerly the Royal waterway of Languedoc), stands out for its innovative financial structuring and meticulous documentation. Built by Pierre-Paul Riquet, this European project combined public and private financing, owner equity, loans, and taxes—approaches still relevant today. Unlike many historical projects, its archives are fully preserved, offering an unprecedented view into both technical details and daily accounting practices. This study reveals how Riquet’s systemic approach reconciled grand vision with practical execution, setting a lasting precedent for large-scale infrastructure development.

Degos, J. G., & Hauret, C. P. D. (2011). The French Canal du Midi at the 17th century: accounting gaps and financial innovations. International Journal of Economics and Accounting, 2(1), 53. https://doi.org/10.1504/ijea.2011.038963