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Origin and history

Balaruc's aqueduct is a vestige of a Gallo-Roman work of the first century, designed to feed the ancient spas of Balaruc-les-Bains. Its construction met the growing need for drinking water related to the development of the thermal and monumental centre of the region. The Issanka source, located 5 km on the course of the Vene, was chosen for its suitable flow and topography, allowing an efficient flow of water to the thermal baths.

The aqueduct was rediscovered in the 19th century during work to connect the source of Issanka to the city of Sète in the 1860s. Coins with the effigy of Emperor Claude, found near its mouth, made it possible to date its construction in the first century. This monument illustrates the Roman know-how in hydraulic engineering, with a route following the course of the Vene to the Frescaly mill, then crossing Balaruc-le-Vieux before reaching Balaruc-les-Bains.

The remains of the aqueduct, located in the communes of Balaruc-les-Bains and Balaruc-le-Vieux, were inscribed in historical monuments by order of 17 April 2008. The structure, whose water intake at Issanka was 36 cm by 30 cm, had a elevation of 8 to 9 metres on its course, offering a regular slope of 1 to 1.3 m/km. Its theoretical flow rate was estimated at between 5,800 and 7,300 m3 per day, demonstrating its importance for the supply of the thermal baths.

Today, Balaruc's ancient aqueduct represents a rare example of a Roman work that is almost entirely preserved, from its source to its end. Its route, partially underground, crosses specific plots of the municipalities concerned, protected since 2008. This archaeological heritage offers valuable insight into the construction techniques and water needs of ancient thermal agglomerations.

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