Écluse de Suresnes

The Écluse de Suresnes is a lock and dam system on the Seine River west of Paris that controls water levels for vessel passage. This infrastructure comprises three separate locks and two dams working together to manage the river's flow.

The original lock was built in 1869 following Baron Haussmann's plan to improve Seine navigation. Major renovations took place in the 1880s and 1930s to expand the system and handle increased river traffic.

The lock system serves as a central point for river transportation, connecting Paris to outer regions and facilitating both commercial and passenger vessel traffic.

The lock operates nearly year-round with trained operators managing each passage through the system. Visitors should plan their visits around active shipping schedules, as wait times can vary depending on river traffic.

Thousands of cargo barges and freight vessels pass through annually, carrying goods that would otherwise travel by truck on regional roads. This waterway transport significantly reduces the number of heavy vehicles needed for the same cargo volume.