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Origin and history

The Berry Canal, originally called the Cher Canal and then the Duke of Berry Canal, was built between 1808 and 1840 under the direction of engineer Joseph-Michel Dutens. Originally 320 km long, it linked Montluçon to Tours via three converging branches in Fontblisse (Dear), with 97 locks and a reduced gauge inspired by English canals. Used until 1945, it was downgraded in 1955 and ceded to the riparian communes.

The project dates back to the 15th century, mentioned in 1484 in the general states of Tours, then studied by Sully (1595) and Colbert (1606). In the 18th century, several proposals (Bethune-Charost, Marivetz) failed for lack of funding. The imperial decree of 1807 revived the idea of clearing the Berry, in particular to transport wood, coal and iron ore. Dutens opted for a lateral channel at Cher, less vulnerable to flooding, despite a limited gauge (2.70 m wide).

The construction mobilized Spanish prisoners and accompanied plantations of 190,000 trees (people, elms) to report the works. The canal was completed in 1840, with three branches: south (Montluçon-Fontblisse, 69 km), north-east (Fontblisse-Bec d-Allier, 49 km) and north-west (Fontblisse-Noyers-sur-Cher, 142 km). Its peak (1873-1920) saw the transit of 570,000 tons of annual goods via "Berrichonne" barges adapted to its narrow gauge.

Decommissioned in 1955, the canal was partially filled or abandoned, although sections of water remained. Since 1996, the ARECABE association has been campaigning for its reopening. Today, 12 km are navigable between Selles-sur-Cher and Noyers-sur-Cher, and a 125 km (2025) green road runs along the southern branch. The canal also has remarkable works, such as the canal bridges of La Tranchasse (registered with historical monuments in 2009) or the reservoirs of Goule and Pirot.

Its heritage includes drawbridges, double locks (as in La Queugne) and industrial sites linked to its history, such as the ports of Bourges or Vierzon. Despite its decline, there is still a testimony of 19th century river engineering and a sustainable tourism issue, with bikeroute projects (Coeur de France V46) linking Montluçon, Bourges and Tours.

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