Fresquel aqueduct and locks

When first built, the canal flowed 5 km north of Carcassonne, following the course of the Fresquel river. The water level was often high at this river, which caused frequent flooding and high maintenance costs at the point where the river and canal crossed paths. Due to the winding course of the river, the high water levels often meant that farming land was flooded and crops were lost.

In 1776, plans to modify Fresquel river were put forward, and it was decided to build an aqueduct so the canal would flow up over the river.

The town of Carcassonne took advantage of this project to bring the canal closer to the town. The plans were accepted in 1786 and construction work began soon after.

The new section of the canal that passed via Carcassonne was inaugurated on 31 May 1810.

This aqueduct allowed the canal to cross the Fresquel river and then join onto the former canal further downstream. This new structure was a bridge with three arches, made from cut stone.

Fresquel aqueduct is 50 m long and 30 m wide, and differs in that it carries both the canal and the road to the Minervois. This road provided a boost to wine and cereal trade in the south of France.