Highlight the lock houses of the Briare Canal, the new goal of Voies Navigables de France
In France, the network of waterways stretches for more than 8000 km. Most canals and rivers are open to shipping, including boats and barges without a license. Throughout these rivers, locks have been built to facilitate the passage of boats (commercial or recreational). And near these facilities, there are buildings that are called lock houses. However, today, they are very often vacant and this abandonment is translated by degradations. A finding that saddens VNF (French Waterways). This is why the establishment wants to promote this heritage, but without selling it. And for that, calls for projects were launched, especially along the Briare canal.
An abandoned heritage that is deteriorating over time
To promote the lock houses of the Briare Canal, VNF has drawn up an interactive map listing the available properties. Of 50 lock houses between Briare and Montargis, 20 are now empty. Only, their maintenance is expensive. Also, being vacant, they degrade more quickly, which is a shame, especially as VNF wants to "promote river tourism". And these houses are just a beautiful showcase, hence the importance of preserving and enhancing them. Built during the nineteenth century, they are part of the history of the canal, the region. At the time, they were occupied by the families of the lock keepers and the agents responsible for the maintenance of the locks. Today, most of them (two-thirds) are used for service and related activities. But for the remaining third, we must find a solution to prevent their deterioration.
Buildings open to various projects
For Voies navigables de France, the valuation of its assets does not go through its sale. There is no question of buying lock houses. The establishment is rather aimed at project promoters who would take care of these constructions, some of which are in bad condition. And we must recognize that they have great potential since their surface varies between 45 and 165 m2 and all have a field. Therefore, they lend themselves to several projects such as the development of accommodation (lodgings for example), food points, shops or services for tourists such as bicycle repair. Interested persons have until the end of September 2019 to submit projects. These can be subsidized to finance the work they involve. By promoting these lock houses, the establishment wants to attract more boaters and tourists, including cyclists, and thus offer a second youth to the Briare Canal.