Grand Bassin Explained

43.3139°N 1.9567°W

The Grand Bassin is the largest body of open water along the Canal du Midi. It is in Castelnaudary, France and covers some 7ha. 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 Canal du Midi were held here on 19 May 1681.^[1]

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.^{[2] [3] [4] [5]}

External links

• Map
• Photo and map

Notes and References

1. Book: Rolt, L. T. C. . L. T. C. Rolt . From Sea to Sea . Ohio University Press . 1973 . 9780713904710.
2. Web site: CanalduMidi.com Castelnaudary site (translated) . 15 October 2009.
3. Web site: Castelnaudary Tourisme (translated) . 15 October 2009.
4. Book: McKnight, Hugh . Cruising French Waterways, 4th Edition . Sheridan House. 2005 . 264 . 9781574092103.
5. Book: Kiessler, Bernd-Wilfried . The Canal du Midi A Cruiser's Guide . Adlard Coles Nautical . 2009 . 978-1-4081-1273-1 .