The Fonserannes Staircase

The Fonserannes Staircase with spectators looking-on

After passing over the Orb Aqueduct, next came the famous Fonserannes Staircase, another ingenious engineering solution by Riquet. The Fonserannes Locks are comprised of 7 chambers in a row, which allow boats to be raised 21.5 meters (70.5 feet). Spectators gather along the walkway to watch boats transit the staircase. Originally, the staircase consisted of 8 chambers. In the 19^th century, the lowest lock of the set became redundant as the canal was diverted over the Orb River via the Orb Aqueduct.

There are fixed hours for going up or down the Fonserannes Locks — going downstream or descending, the locks open at 8:30 am; and going upstream or ascending, the locks open at 10 am. Boats waiting to transit take their place in the queue; commercial tour boats have priority.

Pedestrian stairs are located on both sides of the staircase of locks, allowing line handlers to simply walk the boat lines from lock to lock, up or down the staircase.