Canal de la Sensée
The Bassin Rond - a small artificial lake where the Escaut end the Canal de la Sensée meet near Estrun
Specifications
Length25 km (16 mi)[1]
History
Current ownerVNF
Principal engineerAugustin Honnorez
Date approved1806
Construction began1819
Date completed1820
Geography
Start pointScarpe near Douai[2]
End pointScheldt in Hordain[2]
Beginning coordinates50°20′22″N 3°03′12″E / 50.3395°N 3.0534°E / 50.3395; 3.0534

The Canal de la Sensée (French pronunciation: [kanal la sɑ̃se]) is a canal in northern France. The project was developed under Napoleon. In March 1806, the imperial government gave orders to build a canal which would link the Scarpe River and the Escaut River (English: Scheldt). The work was commenced under the direction of Augustin Honnorez in June 1819 and the Sensée canal was opened to navigation in November 1820. At that time the boats were pulled by men or horses working for boat employers. Shortly after World War I 1914-1918, horses were replaced by tractors.

The Canal de la Sensée forms part of the Canal Dunkerque-Escaut route.

See also

References

  1. McKnight, Hugh (2005). Cruising French Waterways, 4th Edition. Sheridan House. ISBN 9781574092103.
  2. 1 2 Fluviacarte, Canal à Grand Gabarit (liaison Dunkerque-Escaut)
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