Répudre Aqueduct, Stone navigable aqueduct in Paraza, France.
The Répudre Aqueduct is a stone waterway crossing over the Répudre River in Paraza and forms the passage for canal boats. The structure features a central arch and connects the water routes of the Canal du Midi system.
The structure was built in 1676 under Pierre-Paul Riquet's direction and was France's first navigable aqueduct at the time. This innovation prompted improvements in similar canal structures afterward.
The structure showcases French engineering ingenuity from the 1600s and links two riverside areas through its distinctive stone arch. Visitors today see the same construction that once carried boats across the river.
The aqueduct lies between Paraza and Ventenac-en-Minervois and is easy to reach from the shore or Canal du Midi directly. Nearby you will find parking spots and access points to the canal for comfortable exploration.
Right after its first winter the stone structure showed such heavy damage that the entire build had to be replaced. This unexpected experience led to better construction methods for all following canal structures.
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