Un grand français du XVIIme siècle : Pierre Paul Riquet et le canal du Midi

In the golden dawn of a July morning in 1604, a bustling Béziers household awakens to the clang of servants and the scent of fresh‑cut leather. The narrative follows Pierre‑Paul Riquet, a charismatic young lord whose presence fills the grand rooms like a portrait of royalty, and who is preparing to receive a distinguished magistrate from Toulouse. Through vivid details of clothing, ritual, and the rhythmic hum of daily chores, listeners are drawn into the lively rhythm of aristocratic life on the eve of a remarkable venture.

As the visit unfolds, Riquet’s pride in the newborn son and his determination to host his guest reveal a man already driven by ambition and honor. The dialogue crackles with humor and the tension of travel, hinting at the larger forces that will later shape his grand project, the Canal du Midi. This richly rendered opening promises an immersive portrait of a 17th‑century French visionary, set against the colorful backdrop of provincial society.