The town of Arques in Pas-de-Calais is not just famous for its crystal glass. It possesses a surprising machine that's unique in France: a boat lift. Built in 1887 on the Neuffossé Canal, it enabled barges and other boats to avoid going through five locks. This exceptional construction is a fine example of 19th-century mechanical engineering. Based on the principle of a hydraulic scale with two pistons, it was used until 1967, when it was replaced by a large-size lock. The lift itself is not open to the public, but its annexes provide an opportunity to understand how it works, with an exhibition room, a repair workshop and a video room.
Bergues
