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Canal des Moines of Aubazine

Canal des Moines of Aubazine

Highlight • Monument

Canal des Moines of Aubazine

Recommended by 54 hikers out of 55

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Location: Aubazines, Brive-La-Gaillarde, New Aquitaine, France

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Best Hikes to Canal des Moines of Aubazine

4.7

(23)

114

hikers

1. Aubazine to puy de Pauliac loop

9.89km

02:50

240m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

4.5

(11)

hikers

2. On the Monks' Canal

6.69km

02:00

200m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

4.3

(12)

255

hikers

3. Aubazîe – Canal des Moines of Aubazine loop from Aubazine

4.87km

01:41

160m

Moderate hike. Great for any fitness level. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

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Moderate

Tips

Iris

August 30, 2022

An exceptional 12th century work of art, 1.5 kilometers long, sometimes dug into the rock, sometimes built as a corbel by the Cistercian monks of the abbey, the monks' canal runs along the side of the rock from its water intake on the Coyroux stream.

Translated by Google •

Paul Carnet-Pantiez

September 7, 2024

The Coyroux Monks' Canal, located near Aubazine in Corrèze, is a remarkable hydraulic structure built in the 12th century by the Cistercian monks of Aubazine Abbey. This canal, dug into the mountainside, served to irrigate the abbey's lands and supply water to the mills. Today, it is an exceptional site both for its historical interest and the beauty of its natural setting.

Points of Interest of the Monks' Canal:
Unique Historical Structure:

Ingenious Design: The canal was manually dug over a length of over 1.5 kilometers, cut into the rock with carefully calculated slopes to bring water from the Coiroux River to the farmland of Aubazine Abbey. It is a testament to the expertise of the Cistercian monks, experts in hydraulics. Cistercian Heritage: The canal is part of the architectural and technical heritage left by the monks of Aubazine Abbey, who left their mark on the region with their innovations in water management and land development.
Spectacular Natural Setting:

Mountainside: The canal winds along the cliffside, offering impressive views of the Coiroux Valley and the surrounding forest. A walk along the canal offers exceptional panoramas in a calm and unspoiled environment.
Peaceful Setting: The site is surrounded by lush nature, with oak and chestnut forests. The murmur of flowing water adds to the tranquility of the place, conducive to meditation and relaxation.

Translated by Google •

Paul Carnet-Pantiez

September 7, 2024

Canal Walk:

Marked Trail: A walk follows part of the canal's route, with sections accessible to all, although some are steep and require a little care.
Historical Discovery: Along the trail, explanatory panels provide information on the history of the canal and the lives of the monks who built and maintained it. It's an excellent way to combine hiking and cultural discovery.
A Masterpiece of Water Management:

Agricultural Use: Originally, the canal diverted water for irrigation, but also to supply the abbey buildings, gardens, and mills. Today, you can still admire the way the water is precisely guided along the route.
Medieval Engineering: The structure, despite its age, is still in good condition and demonstrates the excellence of medieval water management techniques.

Why Visit the Canal des Moines?

For its historical and architectural heritage: The canal is a medieval masterpiece that demonstrates the expertise of Cistercian monks in hydraulics and natural resource management.

For the beauty of the hike: The path along the canal offers a pleasant walk with breathtaking views of the valley and forest, ideal for nature and walking lovers.

For the cultural experience: The site allows visitors to discover a little-known aspect of monastic life and understand how the monks transformed the landscape to meet their needs.
The Canal des Moines is a place where history, nature, and human ingenuity combine, offering a beautiful getaway in Corrèze for both hiking enthusiasts and heritage enthusiasts.

Translated by Google •

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Details

Informations

Elevation 410 m

Weather

Wednesday 24 December

6°C

-3°C

14 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 8.0 km/h

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See hikes here

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Location: Aubazines, Brive-La-Gaillarde, New Aquitaine, France

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Canal des Moines of Aubazine

1. Aubazine to puy de Pauliac loop

2. On the Monks' Canal

3. Aubazîe – Canal des Moines of Aubazine loop from Aubazine

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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