Marne-Rhine Canal

A strategic commercial axis for the development of the industry of the Meurthe basin, work on the Marne-Rhine canal began in 1838 for commissioning in 1853. Today, the use of self-propelled barges (our current barges ) is fully generalized, but originally human and animal traction was the norm. Electric traction would not be operational until 1895. These different modes of traction explain the almost systematic presence of a towpath along the canal. In more than 170 years, the Marne-Rhine canal has been transformed, improved and modernized, including the doubling of locks in 1930, where traffic required it, such as at Varangéville. While river freight has declined considerably, this canal now delights many tourists. 

Please note: the V52 cycle route, developed in 2023, connects Varangéville to the Greater Nancy Metropolis and the Paris-Prague tourist route.