Le Bazacle, Toulouse

Built on a natural ford, the Bazacle has blocked the passage of the River Garonne since the 12th century. The 21 lords who were the old equivalent of customs officers received payments in the form of flour for allowing people to cross. In 1907 the Toulouse Electricity Company took over the flourmills, thus allowing the inhabitants of Toulouse to have light. Today this hydroelectric factory (EDF-Bazacle) welcomes 65,000 visitors per year and puts on exhibitions concerning technical subjects, the environment and more. In spring and autumn youngsters watch enchanted the migration of sea salmon and trout through a window beneath the fish pass. Admission: free