MACHINERIE DES CHAMPS NEUFS

Commissioned in 1892, the Champs Neufs machinery at Frossay is located on the Lower Loire maritime canal known as the de la Martinière, and was used for the navigation of small and medium-sized inland waterway vessels on the canal. The Canal de la Martinière was built in response to the difficulties of accessing the port of Nantes. Work began in 1882 and lasted almost ten years, with more than 1,200 people working on the canal at any one time. When it came into service, it was an immediate success, allowing ships with a draught of over 3.50 m to sail up to Nantes, significantly boosting the city’s port activity. The canal quickly became insufficient due to the increasing size of ships. In 1913, it was closed for good, but continued to be used for inland waterway transport for thirty years. The machinery at the Champs Neufs housed the boilers, the steam engine, the hydraulic pumps and the accumulator that operated the jacks controlling the dam’s seven gates. Today, the canal’s main function is to regulate rainwater run-off by acting as a buffer reservoir in the management of the Pays de Retz marshes. The canal has a rich industrial heritage (locks, buildings, structures, etc.) from past maritime operations, as well as a remarkable natural environment. Machinerie des Champs Neufs – Frossay : Open every weekend from June to September, from 2.30pm to 5.30pm. Visits by appointment can be arranged. A few kilometres further on, at Le Pellerin, you can also visit the La Martinière machinery: Open house every Thursday from May to June, and again in September, from 3pm to 5.30pm; Guided summer tours every Thursday in July and August, from 3pm to 5.30pm, with a showing of the film; Visits by appointment only. Contact: Mr CLAVIER 06.33.08.77.90 / 02 40 22 50 94