The Grand Bassin is the largest body of open water along the

Canal du Midi The Canal du Midi (; ) is a long canal in Southern France (french: le Midi). Originally named the ''Canal royal en Languedoc'' (Royal Canal in Languedoc) and renamed by French revolutionaries to ''Canal du Midi'' in 1789, the canal is considere ...

. It is in

Castelnaudary Castelnaudary (; oc, Castèlnòu d'Arri) is a commune in the Aude department in the Occitanie region of southern France. It is located in the former province of the Lauragais and famous for cassoulet of which it claims to be the world capital ...

France France (), officially the French Republic ( ), is a country primarily located in Western Europe. It also comprises of Overseas France, overseas regions and territories in the Americas and the Atlantic Ocean, Atlantic, Pacific Ocean, Pac ...

and covers some 7 hectares (18 acres). Once a scene of intense economic activity, it is now a major pleasure port used by tourist craft. It holds the water reserve for the four locks of Saint-Roche. Official opening ceremonies for the

were held here on 19 May 1681. The basin is exposed to considerable winds, historically even blowing horses and men into the water. A windbreak called Cybele Island (french: Ile de la Cybelle) was built in 1754.

Gallery

Image:Castelnaudary canal midi.jpg, Grand Bassin at Castelnaudary. Image:Canal du Midi Schleussen bei Castelnaudary.jpg , Four-step locks at Castelnaudary.

References

{{Reflist

External links

MapPhoto and map
Canal du Midi