The History of the Canal de la Robine in Narbonne
The Canal Taking its Name from Occitan
The Canal de la Robine , also called Canal de la Robine de Narbonne, is a French canal which connects the Aude and the Mediterranean Sea in the Aude department. Its name comes from the Occitan “Roubine”, which means “canal”.
A Canal Built on the Old Bed of the Aude
The canal follows part of the ancient bed of the Aude river, then called "Atax", which the Romans already traveled by boat to the sea. This ancient river bed was developed in the 14th century to supply water to fountains and mills from the city of Narbonne.
The Construction of the Canal to Connect Narbonne to the Canal du Midi
The commercial success of the Canal du Midi in the 17th century was so important that in 1686, it was decided to develop the Canal de la Robine to make it navigable and thus connect Narbonne to the Canal du Midi. The canal was put into service by Vauban and made it possible to reach the Aude at a place called Gailhousty, the rest of the way to the Canal du Midi still being done by land.
The Construction of the Junction Canal to Reach the Canal du Midi
It took more than a century, between 1775 and 1780, for the Canal de Jonction to be dug to reach the Canal du Midi via Sallèles-d'Aude. Thus, the Canal de la Robine was able to be directly connected to the Canal du Midi.
A Canal Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
With a length of 32 km, the Canal de la Robine extends from the Canal de Jonction north of Narbonne to the Mediterranean Sea and the preserved island of Saint Lucia. Just like the Canal du Midi, the Canal de la Robine is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, the Canal de la Robine welcomes many boaters thanks to its 4 mooring quays and offers beautiful walks along its developed banks.
Main Historical Points of Interest along the Canal de la Robine
The Historic Bridges of the Canal de la Robine
Along the Canal de la Robine, several bridges bear witness to the history of the region:
- Merchants' Bridge : Several centuries old, it elegantly spans the canal with its stone arches which reflect the ingenuity of the builders of yesteryear.
- Liberty Bridge : More modern, it connects the two banks of Narbonne above the canal.
The Old Bed of the Aude Built in the 14th Century
The Canal de la Robine borrows part of the old bed of the Aude river, called at the time "Atax", which the Romans already traveled by boat to the sea. This old bed was developed in the 14th century to supply in water the fountains and mills of the city of Narbonne.
The Construction of the Canal to Connect Narbonne to the Canal du Midi
After the commercial success of the Canal du Midi in the 17th century, it was decided in 1686 to develop the Canal de la Robine to make it navigable and thus connect Narbonne to the Canal du Midi. The canal was put into service by Vauban at this time.
The Junction Canal to Reach the Canal du Midi
It took more than a century, between 1775 and 1780, for the Canal de Jonction to be dug in order to directly connect the Canal de la Robine to the Canal du Midi, passing through Sallèles-d'Aude. Today, the Canal de la Robine, like the Canal du Midi, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, testifying to its historical importance.
Main Activities on the Canal de la Robine
Bicycle ride
The towpath along the canal is ideal for a bike ride. You can thus discover the picturesque landscapes along the shaded banks.
Boat Navigation
It is possible to rent a pleasure boat to navigate the canal. This allows you to explore the locks, admire the historic bridges and enjoy the calm of the water.
Visit to the Locks
The locks of the Canal de la Robine are witnesses to its history. You can stop to observe how they work and learn their role in river navigation.
Discovery of the Saint Lucia Nature Reserve
The preserved island of Saint Lucia, accessible from the canal, offers the possibility of hiking to observe the fauna and flora of this natural sanctuary.
Gourmet Stop
Numerous cafes and restaurants are located along the banks of the canal, allowing you to take a break and taste local specialties in a peaceful atmosphere.
Walk along the banks
The developed banks of the canal offer beautiful walks to admire the landscapes and historical monuments such as the Pont des Marchands.
Whether for a day trip or a longer stay, the Canal de la Robine offers numerous activities to discover the heritage and nature of this region of Occitanie. To fully enjoy your stay, book your accommodation at La Villa Ambrosia or La Maison Gustave for an unforgettable experience.
FAQs
- How long is the Canal de la Robine?
- The Canal de la Robine extends 32 km from the Canal de Jonction north of Narbonne to the Mediterranean Sea.
- What are the historical points of interest along the Canal de la Robine?
- Points of interest include the Merchants' Bridge, Liberty Bridge and the historic locks.
- What activities can you do on the Canal de la Robine?
- You can go for bike rides, sail by boat, visit the locks, discover the Saint Lucia Nature Reserve, make gourmet stops and walks along the banks.
- Is the Canal de la Robine classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
- Yes, just like the Canal du Midi, the Canal de la Robine is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Where can you stay to explore the Canal de la Robine?
- You can stay at La Villa Ambrosia or La Maison Gustave for comfortable and convenient accommodation.