THE RESERVOIR

At the foot of the dam, in the former Maison de l'Ingénieur, is LE RESERVOIR, the Canal du Midi discovery area. A life-size, in situ presentation of the history of the canal, the great historical figures who took part in its creation, the incredible engineering structures that have made it famous, and its ingenious supply system to the Montagne Noire.

The RESERVOIR is both a museographic space and a place for sharing knowledge through its many proposals for discovering the heritage of the canal and the Saint-Ferréol dam site.

Today, Saint-Ferréol is a historic site, listed as a World Heritage Site in the same way as the Canal du Midi. In the 17th century, its vocation was exclusively utilitarian, dedicated to feeding the canal. Gradually, over the course of the 18th and 19th centuries, several planting campaigns to reinforce the embankments, earthworks and watertightness of the canal changed its appearance.

At the beginning of the 19th century, with Romantic sensibility, the landscape character asserted itself and afforestation intensified. The park below the Maison de l'Ingénieur was laid out in reference to fashionable mountain landscapes: waterfalls, rocks, perspectives and steep paths were designed. These enhance the works of art, in particular the wall built by Vauban and the water drainage channels.

In 1855, the famous jet d'eau was inaugurated, its 25-metre-high span depending on the pressure of the lake water.
Saint-Ferréol is the perfect place to discover an exceptional heritage, while enjoying the pleasures of the water.

The park is open to the public all year round.