Grand Bassin
43°18′50″N 1°57′24″E / 43.31389°N 1.95673°E
The Grand Bassin is the largest body of open water along the Canal du Midi. It is in Castelnaudary, France and covers some 7 hectares (17 acres). Once a scene of intense economic activity, it is now a major pleasure port used by tourist craft. It holds the water reserve for the four locks of Saint-Roche.
Official opening ceremonies for the Canal du Midi were held here on 19 May 1681.[1]
The basin is exposed to considerable winds, historically even blowing horses and men into the water. A windbreak called Cybele Island (French: Ile de la Cybelle) was built in 1754.[2][3][4][5]
Gallery[edit]
-
Grand Bassin at Castelnaudary. -
Four-step locks at Castelnaudary.
References[edit]
- ^ Rolt, L. T. C. (1973). From Sea to Sea. Ohio University Press. ISBN 9780713904710.
- ^ "CanalduMidi.com Castelnaudary site (translated)". Retrieved 15 October 2009.
- ^ "Castelnaudary Tourisme (translated)". Retrieved 15 October 2009.
- ^ McKnight, Hugh (2005). Cruising French Waterways, 4th Edition. Sheridan House. p. 264. ISBN 9781574092103.
- ^ Kiessler, Bernd-Wilfried (2009). The Canal du Midi A Cruiser's Guide. Adlard Coles Nautical. ISBN 978-1-4081-1273-1.