Canal de Nantes à Brest

The Canal de Nantes à Brest is a French canal which links the two cities of Nantes and Brest through inland Brittany. It was built during the 19th century and its total length is 364 km (from the Aulne at Landeleau to the Erdre at Nort-sur-Erdre), with 328 locks along its path. The canal was dug between 1811 and 1842 as part of a strategic plan for waterways in Brittany. The original idea of such a canal is dated from the 16th century but it's only when Brest was blockaded by the English fleet that Napoleon I of France decided to build this canal to assure a safe inland link between the two largest military ports of the French Atlantic front. Building started in 1811 and the inauguration by Napoleon III of France was celebrated in 1858. Since 1923, the canal is interrupted by the Guerledan dam. Navigation is no longer possible between Maël-Carhaix and Pontivy.

These are a few pictures taken of the canal as it flows past the property (Click on the thumbnails to enlarge)

Carhaix Plougher

This area is part of the ancient Breton lands, with many historical monuments and ruins dating to Neolithic times as well as to the Roman occupation. This hidden area of Brittany is also home to many ancient legends and 'mystical' stones abound.

Carhaix is believed to be the site of the Roman city of Vorgium - one of the principal cities of Roman Brittany. The town sank into obscurity during the middle ages but was revitalised during the first half of the twentieth century when it became the headquarters of the region's narrow-gauge railway system. Carhaix's importance declined as the railways were superseded by roads, but the town has benefited from an ambitious programme of investment over the past fifteen years, and is now once again one of the principle town of central Brittany.

Carhaix has succeeded in attracting many of the big chains to its out-of-town shopping sites including the supermarket E. Leclerc, the sports shop Decathlon, and DIY shops such as Monsieur Bricolage and Bricomarché.

Local industry is based upon agriculture and food processing, with the major employers including a dairy (Unicopa), Otor, and a vegetable canning factory. The town is making active efforts to diversify and to attract new businesses to the area. There are various industrial sites around the town with plots available for development.