The Briare canal was built back in the 1600's but the aqueduct was constructed in the 1890's to connect the original canal to a smaller canal that runs beside the Loire river.So, as lovely as this picture looks, you need another angle to appreciate what has been achieved here.
This marvellous postcard from 1900 begins to show just what has been achieved.
What they have done is create a massive Victorian-esque bridge across the very broad Loire river. But instead of carrying wheeled traffic, it is designed for boats and barges. The idea of water crossing water (above and at 90 degrees to the flow of the river) feels strange and wonderful at the same time. (Postcard from http://www.dse.nl/~jetse/flying_colours.htm)
What they have done is create a massive Victorian-esque bridge across the very broad Loire river. But instead of carrying wheeled traffic, it is designed for boats and barges. The idea of water crossing water (above and at 90 degrees to the flow of the river) feels strange and wonderful at the same time. (Postcard from http://www.dse.nl/~jetse/flying_colours.htm)
But the craftsmanship of the bridge is a joy to behold; the whole thing is a wonder and a delight.
And we only went to look at it because we happened to get finished early and the local team thought it might be nice to see.
Nice!?!?
Lunch was 'nice'; this is magnificent; from an age when science and art could be as one.
Wow - another good day.
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