LA PENTE D'EAU
A unique system in the world, the Pente water slope allows boats to cross a threshold of 14 metres and replace the five old locks (passing time 45 minutes each). The water slope is built on a 400-metre long diversion channel with a slope of 3%. An airtight sliding door forms a water tank where the boat is located as in a "bathtub". The whole is towed by 2 huge locomotives of 1 000 HP on either side of the canal. Length of passage 20 minutes. Capacity: a barge of 40 meters or 2 to 3 pleasure craft. Inaugurated in large pumps in 1974, the water slope was going to hit the abrupt decline in river freight. Today, locomotives are quietly at rest while waiting for better days. A project for the tourism enhancement of the site at the departmental level is under consideration. In the meantime, you can always connect the site by bike, following the canal, for a pleasant walk.
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