Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Canal du Languedoc, also known as the Canal de Communication des Deux Mers, was designed under Louis XIV from the plans of engineer Pierre-Paul Riquet, presented at Colbert in 1662. Work began in 1667 between Toulouse and Naurouse, and the first section was completed in 1672. After adjustments, the canal was fully completed at the end of 1682. The Pont-Crouzet water intake, located in Sorèze, is an integral part of this historic river system.

The pavement and vannages of Pont-Crouzet form the head of the plain's channel, an essential system for irrigation and water supply of the canal. Although the original work dates back to the 17th century, most of the existing masonries date from the 18th and 19th centuries, with later modifications to the 20th century. The adjacent mansion was built in the 18th century. The ensemble has been classified as a Historic Monument since 1998.

The water intake on the Sor, with its vannage system, as well as the roadway and bridge of Pont-Crouzet, constitute a work of art of the river public domain. These elements, although not cadastral, were registered by ministerial decree for their heritage value. Their location in Sorèze, in the Tarn, makes it an important testimony of hydraulic engineering of centuries past in Occitanie.

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