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Ecluse de Prades Lock Canal Du Midi

(esclusa sluseport sluis Schleuse sluse chiuse sluss)

PK (Point Kilométrique): 233.000

Year of Construction: 1868

Type of lock: Simple

Lock keeper presence: no

Water drop (meters): 0.00

Bike path side: South side

After having cycled past the Herault River a bit on a narrow dirt-path (see pic below) you arrive at the Prades Lock.

This lock is most of the time left open.  It is a guard lock: its main function is to prevent flood waters from the Herault River to enter the Canal Du Midi.  Only when the river is running high (after heavy rains for example) will these locks be in use.  At that point, when the river is in flood condition, boats will be lifted up to the river level, which explains why there are two sets of lock gates.

This lock is relatively new, having been constructed in 1868.

There is a good restaurant here called La Guinguette.  It is an excellent choice for lunch.

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