ECLUSE "LA BAVOUZE"

Bavouze lock

The old causeway, which dates back to the end of the 13th century, was used by two mills: Petite Bavouze, on the right bank, and Grande Bavouze, on the left bank. Equipped with a sea gate, it was replaced in the 19th century by a lock dam. The project, drawn up by the Ponts et Chaussées engineer Dupuy, was carried out under the supervision of his successor Asselin by the contractor Genève-Brault, chosen in the tender held on 8 August 1860. The work was completed in 1863. The lockhouse was extended in 2001. The dam has a straight shape, unique in the Mayenne region. The masonry parts of the lock are made of cut granite. A movable bridge, which has been preserved, used to span the lock and provide access to the Petite Bavouze mill. The lock-keeper's house was built according to the model used throughout the lower Mayenne. The extension includes a new bay to the north, copying the original side bays, and a small gabled building to the rear. The bread oven, which protrudes from the south side, has been retained. No outbuildings have been preserved.