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| Continuing our trip along the scenic Canal du Midi |
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| Another low bridge, watch your heads! |
Continuing
our northwest journey along the Canal du Midi, we passed the village of
Columbiers and soon entered the Tunnel de Malpas. Excavated in 1679, the tunnel
was Europe’s first navigable canal tunnel and a monument to the determination
of Pierre-Paul Riquet.
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| The Malpas Tunnel |
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| The Malpas Tunnel has plenty of head room |
The Malpas
tunnel passes under the hill of Enserune and was dug in secret by Riquet. Digging in the hard rock revealed some very brittle
sandstone, which is subject to slippage. The work was stopped by the prime
minister, who sent a royal commission to decide the canal’s future. Undeterred,
Riquet continued digging anyway and completed the tunnel in eight days.
The Malpas Tunnel
is approximately 568 feet long and nearly 20 feet wide. Although relatively
short in length, the tunnel is remarkably high with a vaulted roof that rises
over 26 feet above the surface of the water. Boat traffic is one-way through
the tunnel, so boaters should sound their horn.
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| Arriving at the Village of Poilhes |
Motoring to
the village of Poilhes for our night’s stay proved easy, as there were no locks
along this stretch of the Canal du Midi.
The small village of Poilhes provided an unexpected
fine dining opportunity to enjoy some excellent French cuisine at La Tour
Sarrasine Restaurant.
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| The Town of Poilhes |
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