TOULOUSE
Why are there three canals in Toulouse? This tour will help you untangle the threads! Starting at the Bazacle, you’ll learn about the importance of these waterways, which were supposed to link the Mediterranean to the Atlantic.
The Canal de Brienne was opened to barges in 1776 to facilitate the link between the Garonne and the Canal du Midi. Walk along its green banks to discover its heritage from a new angle: admire the contemporary architecture of the Ecole TSE, the Manufacture des Tabacs, or the elegant Art Nouveau houses.
Then head for the Bassin des Filtres, the hub of the hydraulic labyrinth. This little-known, bucolic site was built in 1843 to filter the water from the Garonne, which passed through the Canal de Brienne to feed the Canal Latéral. This new canal was intended to complete the link to Bordeaux while avoiding the dangers of the river. Stroll along the paths between the lock-keepers’ and engineers’ houses, listening to the birds, the last guardians of these outdated basins.
Finally, return to the Port de l’Embouchure where the Canal du Midi and the Canal de Brienne meet under the arches of the Ponts-Jumeaux. Between them stands the monumental marble bas-relief sculpted by François Lucas, the ultimate reward for braving the mystery of the three canals!
Good to know:
– Between 15/06 and 15/09, during orange and red vigilance alerts and when the temperature is 35°C or above, measures are taken to adapt the route and the visit is shortened to 1? hours. In the event of a red alert, visits will be cancelled and refunded.
