Pont-Canal d'Agen

Welcome to the Pont-Canal d'Agen, or the Agen Aqueduct, one of the most significant monuments of French civil engineering. As we stand here, you are witnessing a rare sight: a navigable waterway crossing directly over a major…

As we begin our walk across the aqueduct, take a moment to look down at the massive arches and piers that support us. There are 23 arches in total, resting on 22 piers anchored firmly into the bed of the Garonne. …

We are now standing on the deck of the aqueduct, where the Garonne Canal itself flows. The canal is wide enough for two ships to navigate simultaneously, a crucial feature for the busy trade route it was intended to serve. …

The platforms flanking the canal are approximately 1.5 meters wide, providing a shared space for 'people biking here' and pedestrians. This is a vital part of the regional 'Voie Verte' (Green Lane) network. …

As we reach the center of the bridge, we are directly over the middle of the Garonne. 'I'm crossing the Garonne river now,' and 'underneath is the Garonne.' The scale of the river from this height is impressive. …

The choice of the 'stone of Persee' was critical to the longevity of the Pont-Canal. This limestone was prized for its durability and its ability to be carved into precise blocks. …

As we head toward the end of the aqueduct, the 'high trees' on the banks become more prominent. These trees, often plane trees or poplars, were traditionally planted along canals to stabilize the banks with their roots and…

As we conclude our tour of the Pont-Canal d'Agen, we look back at the 539-meter stone span that has carried the 'Canal des Deux Mers' across the Garonne since 1839. We have explored the massive arches of Persee stone, the surreal…