The Old Lock On The Migron River. Stock Photo

The abandonned old lock of the migron river with the lockmaster`s house close to the lock. The Martinière Canal runs along the south bank of the Loire Estuary, leaving at most 5 to 6 kilometers from the river. The length of the canal is about 15 kilometers. After 10 years of work, with machinery and equipment used for the construction of the Suez Canal, the canal was put into operation in 1892. The Martinière Canal is closed by three locks: the locks of Martinière to East, Carnet in the west and Champs-Neufs half way to the canal. For 20 years, until 1913, the canal experienced an intense period of activity. Then the fluvial watercraft circulates there until 1943. It becomes a cemetery of the tall ships between 1921 and 1927. During the Second World War, the Germans occupy it, then the Americans, from 1957 to 1967, will store there equipment of the NATO. The sea canal was closed to navigation in 1959. In the 1960s, thanks to several developments, including the gates of Martinière, Buzay and Carnet, the canal became the hydraulic control tool of the Pays de Retz.