The Burgundy canal is a waterway long of 242 kms. It is located in Burgundy and it's linked with the Seine bay and the Rhône bay (which are two French rivers). The canal began in Migenne (Yonne); it ended in the Atlantic Ocean and in the Mediterranean Sea. The construction began in 1775 and was completed in 1832. It includes 189 locks and goes through a tunnel.
The canal was built to give an easier and quickier access between Paris and Marseille. Its first aim was to transport food between this two opposite French cities.
The canal was opened in 1832 after 57 years of construction. It took a really long time. Indeed, because of the French revolution: they had to stop the project.
The canal was opened in 1832 after 57 years of construction. It took a really long time. Indeed, because of the French revolution: they had to stop the project.
In the XIXth century, this was a technical masterpiece but finally, the canal wasn't as used as expected. Several reasons can explain this failure:
-the canal wasn't enough large so the transportations were limited
-a railroad was built next to the waterway and competed with it.
-the canal wasn't close to great industrial centres.
Nowadays, the canal is open from April to October and it's only used for pleasure navigation. For a few years, the canal is an important advantage for the tourism. The landscapes are beautiful and often used for movies set.
-the canal wasn't enough large so the transportations were limited
-a railroad was built next to the waterway and competed with it.
-the canal wasn't close to great industrial centres.
Nowadays, the canal is open from April to October and it's only used for pleasure navigation. For a few years, the canal is an important advantage for the tourism. The landscapes are beautiful and often used for movies set.
Nevertheless, the canal is exposed to climatic issues which had destroyed it a little bit. That's why a refurbishment project is doing now.