Sunday, July 19, in order to explore the region of Brittany 2 friends, I discover the monks's channel to start. We leave after lunch and arrive around 15h.
''Internet City'' eh? I did not expect at all to find it from Aubazine. But it's cool! However, I prefer to look at the flowers, hydrangea as this two-tone :
The beginning of the Canal is rather steep to climb. We follow the path markings (first on the wash and then the terminals of stone or wood) without being able to get lost, just follow the canal.
Along the canal is a sculpture meant to represent a flower (personally, I have trouble seeing the flower ... but ... this is art) (however, I do not remember artist name).
And if we were talking a little channel time we walk there?
Built in 1142 by the monks of the Cistercian abbey of Aubazine (old spelling of Aubazine) under the first abbot, Stephen of Obazine. In order to bring water to the
abbey, to life, to health, to the operation of the mills and workshops as well as the irrigation of gardens and meadows, the canal rises 1.5km of the. This is the
Coiroux to serve as donor. The slope of 0.5% constant allows for sufficient flow without descending too fast (allowing thereafter to have a big slope to have enough
strength to turn the mills). 1.5km bordered by rocks, ferns and trees, all in a relaxing atmosphere.
You do not hear the sound of cars, planes ... there's that singing of birds, the babbling water and footsteps. (There still is a funny little sign).
A butterfly then gave me instructions to take good pictures of the lilacs (and incidentally to pose!).
Several passages of the Canal blocked the work of the monks. First rock paroies who were bypassed, above vacuum 40m along the cliff, with finely adjusted stones. Another rock blocked the
passage, but, according to legend, Stephen of Obazine himself who would bless the rock. This splitting into two, leaving the passage for the Canal.
We might be Sunday, there is not so much that busy (it is not empty so far). it must come from the flea market located on the Aubazine up now, it drains the world. The water is shallow and clear,
and presto, another butterfly in passing (which flew by the time I get closer to take her picture closer).
After nearly an hour leisurely walk (and a little bit of trudge (thank you Geocaches!)) Is the end of the Canal, with the little lock of Coiroux. Here, however, there is a few people.
Just before the start of the Canal, there is a kind of small pond and a little further back, you pass behind a curtain of ivy branches and we find ourselves as in an adventure film. So I'm
back once again transformed into Koala Jones, it was missing the whip and it was full. There is even a cave on one side! But no treasure at the bottom, shame!
And here, we ended up in the canal. It remains for us to go... why not take another path and make a little detour to the Leap of Bergère. We will not find the famous jump,
however, we had the top of Channel superb views.
Part of the way back is done on the road, with the pictures, I took the opportunity for some additional explanations for the Canal. Because of the weather, time, passages of people,
1999 storm, the 2003 heat wave, the Canal and its surroundings were much damaged. Thus, between 2006 and 2011, the Channel is restored, the cliff-side passages especially.
Finish the road, a small indicator shows us the way to join the Canal and soon end.
End of the little lap. Once in the car, we rush on bottled water! Next time need to consider to take, given that we are not the dromadulaires. Especially in summer, we must be well hydrated !