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Junction Canal Du Midi Canal de la Robine and Canal du Jonction

PK (Point Kilométrique): 168.5

Year of Construction: 1690 to 1780 (!)

Bike path side: west

The Canal du Jonction, also called canal de la Jonction avec la Robine, took almost 100 years to construct.  This was not due to its length (only 5 km), technical difficulties (straight line with only 7 locks), or local township problems (the entire canal is situated in the village of Sallèles-d'Aude.  The problem was due to lack of money and bureaucracy.  In reality, most of the actual physical work took place between 1775 and 1780.

The Canal de la Robine, which passes from the Aude River through Narbonne and on to the sea,  dates from 1686.  From 1686 to 1780 all merchandise between Narbonne and the Canal Du Midi had to travel overland to Le Somail.

Between 1978-1980 all locks on this canal were enlarged to the so-called Freycinet standard, in order to allow larger transport ships to enter the locks.  This is visible as the locks now consist of both the classic oval shape AND a modern rectangular shape.

Image Gallery

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