Strepy Thieu boat lift

About

In the 1960s, it became painfully apparent that the Canal du Centre's dated system of locks were incapable of handling the increasing amount of boat traffic. Their ingenious solution was a giant ‘elevator’, which would lift boats and 8,000 tons of water the 73 meters between canal sections. It took 20 years to complete construction on the world’s largest boat lift. Visitors can experience this unique contraption for themselves and ride a boat while it’s being moved. Of course, it’s also possible to sit and watch the machine work away.