disused stretch of Nantes-Brest canal reopened

Loire Atlantique celebrated the re-opening of a stretch of canal between St Nicholas de Redon and Fégréac last Saturday (3rd July 2010). 

 This has been a few year years in the planning and works and now there is a clear waterway between Redon and Fégréac which then continues on to Guenrouet, Blain and ending in Nantes.   With a footpath suitable for walkers, cyclists and riders this is going to be a great asset for the locals and tourists alike. 

The first barge arrived at St Nicholas de Redon around 12 noon closely followed by a flottilla of other boats and barges which then anchored by the new lock in town.  With a Breton band following and musicians on the some of the boats, it was a very festive event.   There was also a turnout of demonstrators against the proposed new passenger airport terminal at Notre Dames des Landes which althugh very strident, was peaceful. 

After the various speeches, free drinks were laid on to accompany people’s picnics with more music throughout the afternoon.    We left about 3pm and wondered back along the tow path to where we’d left the car (very naughtily in a store’s carpark).   It had been a lovely afternoon and luckily not too hot to make it uncomfortable and I hope that all our visitors make use of this new addition to our lovely local waterways.

[Voir avec PicLens]