Grand Bassin

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 (18 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.

This article is about the Canal du Midi. For other uses, see Grand Bassin (disambiguation).

Castelnaudary's Grand Bassin

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]

  • Grand Bassin at Castelnaudary.
  • Four-step locks at Castelnaudary.

References
  1. Rolt, L. T. C. (1973). From Sea to Sea. Ohio University Press. ISBN 9780713904710.
  2. "CanalduMidi.com Castelnaudary site (translated)". Retrieved 15 October 2009.
  3. "Castelnaudary Tourisme (translated)". Retrieved 15 October 2009.
  4. McKnight, Hugh (2005). Cruising French Waterways, 4th Edition. Sheridan House. p. 264. ISBN 9781574092103.
  5. Kiessler, Bernd-Wilfried (2009). The Canal du Midi A Cruiser's Guide. Adlard Coles Nautical. ISBN 978-1-4081-1273-1.
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