The four lifts are located along a seven kilometre stretch of the Canal du Centre and it’s easy to walk along to see them by yourself. The path that runs along the bank on one side is popular with joggers, cyclists and dog walkers. It makes you realise that these lifts – although not in a city – are close enough to houses to be part of recreation areas.

Even today they cut a striking figure on the canal. The lifts are huge and you can see them for a long time as you approach, like enormous metal spiders hovering over the water. There’s a beauty to their industrial design and, although they clash with the natural surroundings, they also look like they are where they belong.