Briare Canal

canal, France

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Last updated

June 22, 2026

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The Briare Canal is a historic waterway in France, completed in 1642. It connects the Loire and Seine rivers, rising 39 meters (128 feet) to a plateau and then dropping 81 meters (266 feet) via 40 locks. A notable feature is a staircase of six locks at Rogny to manage a significant drop. This canal was a remarkable feat of engineering for its time, contributing to the development of France's canal network.1

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canals and inland waterways
France
The Briare Canal (completed 1642) rose 39 meters (128 feet) to a plateau with a summit level 6 km (3.75 miles) long and then dropped 81 meters (266 feet) to the Loing at Montargis. It included 40 locks, of which a unique feature was a staircase…
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The Briare Canal (completed 1642) rose 39 meters (128 feet) to a plateau with a summit level 6 km (3.75 miles) long and then dropped 81 meters (266 feet) to the Loing at Montargis. It included 40 locks, of which a unique feature was a staircase…
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France
Henry IV
…his greatest work was the Briare Canal project to join the Seine and Loire rivers—the first such scheme in France—completed under Louis XIII.
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…his greatest work was the Briare Canal project to join the Seine and Loire rivers—the first such scheme in France—completed under Louis XIII.
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