Fonserannes Locks
Écluses de Fonseranes
The most famous engineering marvel on the Canal du Midi. Eight lock chambers and nine gates form a staircase that lifts boats about 21 metres.
The Fonserannes Locks are the masterpiece of the Canal du Midi, a World Heritage Site built in the 17th century by Pierre-Paul Riquet. Eight oval lock chambers form a 312-metre-long 'water staircase.' A boat takes about half an hour to pass through. Watching pleasure boats rise and fall one step at a time is fascinating. Beside the locks is a free visitor centre explaining the history of the canal. From the top of the slope you can look back at the skyline of Béziers' old town and its cathedral. You can take a canal sightseeing boat from here, or cycle along the towpath to the Malpas Tunnel to the west. It is open all day free of charge, but summer midday can be very sunny.
Opening hours
Open all day; visitor center about 10:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- Pont Vieux (Béziers)
- Orb Aqueduct
- Béziers Cathedral
- Musée du Biterrois
- Halles de Béziers
- Église de la Madeleine, Béziers
- Allées Paul Riquet
- Plateau des Poètes