Fonseranes Lock, Staircase locks at Canal du Midi, France
The Fonseranes Lock system contains eight oval chambers and nine gates, enabling boats to navigate a 21.5-meter elevation change along the Canal du Midi.
Engineers Michel and Pierre Medailhes constructed this lock system in the 17th century as part of Pierre-Paul Riquet's grand Canal du Midi project.
The lock system ranks as the third most visited site in Languedoc-Roussillon and maintains original structures including the lock keeper's house.
Boats enter through the side of chamber seven, passing through six functioning locks, with the journey taking approximately 30 minutes to complete.
An inclined plane was added in 1983 to accommodate larger vessels but ceased operations in 2001 due to technical complications.
Location: Béziers
Elevation above the sea: 32 m
Part of: Canal du Midi
GPS coordinates: 43.33030,3.19864
Latest update: June 23, 2025 09:39
Navigation locks connect seas, regulate rivers and enable ship traffic between different water levels. These engineering structures shape maritime infrastructure from Panama to China. The facilities serve shipping, power generation and water regulation. They are essential components of international trade and regional development.
Béziers Cathedral
1.5 km
Orb Aqueduct
1.2 km
Plateau des poètes
2 km
Pont Vieux of Béziers
1.3 km
Béziers amphitheatre
1.6 km
Église Saint-Jacques de Béziers
1.5 km
Musée des Beaux-Arts de Béziers
1.6 km
Museum of Biterrois
1.6 km
Béziers war memorial
1.8 km
Écluse de Béziers
1.9 km
Écluse de l'Orb
1.5 km
Hôtel de Montmorency de Béziers
1.9 km
Musée Taurin
1.6 km
Église Saint-Jude de Béziers
1.5 km
Statue of Pierre-Paul Riquet
2 km
Fontaine du Titan à Béziers
2 km
Bacchante au biniou
1.6 km
Jean Laures
1.9 km
Moulin Cordier de Béziers
1.8 km
Monument à Casimir Péret et aux morts du 4 décembre 1851
1.6 km
Pont Neuf
1.2 km
Pont d'Occitanie
1.2 km
Hôtel de Boyer de Sorgues
1.9 km
Zinga Zanga
692 m
Palais épiscopal de Béziers
1.5 km
16 rue des Docteurs Bourguet
1.6 km
Town hall of Béziers
1.8 km
Halles centrales de Béziers
1.8 kmReviews
Real people, real opinions — but not verified.
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
A visit worth making, heading to the Malpas Tunnel and why not enjoy immersive cinema for a short moment of culture.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes