Stay: St.Jean du Gard Aire free parking and services N43.88479 E4.19057
This morning we stopped to visit the 9 locks/ 8 steps of the Canal du Midi at Fonseranes near Béziers. Even though we have seen locks in operation before its always a bit of fun watching other navigate their boats through them. The Canal du Midi is amazing. Here are some facts: It was finished in 1681 and it took 15 years with 12000 people working on it. There are 64 locks, 54 aqueducts and 7 canal bridges. 45000 plane trees and cypresses were planted along the side. 300 millions m3 of water is used for irrigation per year. There are 400 registered rental canal boats and in a year 8200 boats pass through Fonseranes. It takes about 30 mins to go down all the locks at 45 mins to go up them.
We then made our way north and stopped in the small town of Octon near Lake Salagou, to have lunch. A very dry and hot place with not many large trees.
Next we took in the unique site of Cirque de Navacelles. It appears as though a meteorite has created a hole and when you look down from the lookout, there is a village at the bottom. Quite spectacular.
From there we drove through the Gorges of the Vis River. Very pretty and a popular spot for people to go swimming.
As there wasn't any aires in the area we decided to drive to St.Jean de Gard. We have been here before (55 days ago!) and remembered there was shade under the trees. We managed a walk around town after dinner before the rain! (A summer storm. We welcome the cool change).
No comments:
Post a Comment
We would love to hear from you...leave us a message below.