Sensée Canal

The Canal de la Sensée (French pronunciation: [kanal də la sɑ̃se]) is a canal in northern France. The project was developed under Napoleon. In March 1806, the imperial government gave orders to build a canal which would link the Scarpe River and the Escaut River (English: Scheldt). The work was commenced under the direction of Augustin Honnorez in June 1819 and the Sensée canal was opened to navigation in November 1820. At that time the boats were pulled by men or horses working for boat employers. Shortly after World War I 1914-1918, horses were replaced by tractors.

Canal de la Sensée
The Bassin Rond - a small artificial lake where the Escaut meets the Canal de la Sensée near Estrun
Specifications
Length	25 km (16 mi)[1]
History
Current owner	VNF
Principal engineer	Augustin Honnorez
Date approved	1806
Construction began	1819
Date completed	1820
Geography
Start point	Scarpe near Douai[2]
End point	Scheldt in Hordain[2]
Beginning coordinates	50.3395°N 3.0534°E / 50.3395; 3.0534

The Canal de la Sensée forms part of the Canal Dunkerque-Escaut route.

See also

• Sensée River
• List of canals in France