Nine of the Best (Les Neuf Ecluses de Fonserannes for the technically minded)
Review by South France Holiday Villas
On the outskirts of Béziers at Fonserannes, on the Canal du Midi, the canal has to rise approximately 25 metres over a distance of 280 metres so a series of 8 locks and 9 gates were installed. This is a master of engineering and appeals to adults and children alike. This was constructed nearly 300 years ago by Piers Paul Riquet.
You can wander to the top of the canals and watching the boats going up through the locks is quite fascinating. If you walk a bit further at the top there is a small tourist shop and a separate art gallery. Also you can hire small electric boats, not to go through the locks, and explore the canal from a different perspective.
On the way down past the locks there is a little café where you can watch the boats whilst having a drink and maybe a bite to eat. On the way back to the car park there is an absolutely magnificent view of the St Nazaire cathedral on the hill rising above Béziers.
To see more information, please click here; http://translate.google.co.uk/translate?hl=en&sl=fr&u=http://www.canaldumidi.com/Biterrois/Fonserannes/Fonserannes.php&prev=/search%3Fq%3DLes%2BNeuf%2BEcluses%2Bde%2BFonserannes%26hl%3Den%26rlz%3D1G1GGLQ_ENUK278%26biw%3D1192%26bih%3D624%26prmd%3Dimvns&sa=X&ei=yW6JUKvKHumn0AWM1YCoDQ&ved=0CDcQ7gEwAg
To book accommodation, please click here: www.southfranceholidayvillas.co.uk
