Argent-Double sluice and overflow - near La Redorte on the Midi Canal
Argent-Double sluice and overflow
The construction of the Argent-Double épanchoir & trop-plien (sluice & overflow, one kilometer East of La Redorte) was finished in 1694 and designed by Maréchal Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban (Yonne 1633 - Paris 1707, he is also responsible for a number of bridges and other works on this canal). It is built of large carved stones and a pleasing architectural undertaking. This work was several years after the opening of the Canal du Midi and due to the river Argent-Double, which overflows into the canal, and therefore a way of removing the excess water was required. The river also brought with it soil and sand which settled on the canal bottom, preventing the passing of heavily laden barges, this is evacuated by a sluice which allows water and silt to exit from the the canal bed, the sluice is also used in times of chômage (maintenance) to empty this section of the Midi Canal.
© 2009 Malcolm Beeson
