River Orb at Béziers in flood 4th December 2003

This photo demonstrates the reason for the need for the Pont-Canal to cross the river Orb. When the river flooded it was impossible for boats to enter or leave the river from either side.

The Pont-Canal is to the extreme left of the photo & the TGV train just starting across the railway bridge indicates, on the far bank, where the exit from the old ninth lock, “ Les Neuf Ecluses de Fonseranes ”, joined the river Orb.