Canal de la Basse Colme


The Canal de la Basse Colme is a canal in northern France from Bergues to Hondschoote on the Belgian border. It is the eastern segment of the Canal de la Colme. In Belgium, it continues as the Canal de Bergues.
Today, this channel is downgraded.

History

In the castellany of Furnes, the name given to the channel was Bergenvaart or Kolme. During the Middle Ages, the canal was a very important trade route. In 1622, it was improved and a lock was built by the Spaniards in time of war Houthem to prevent flooding from Bergues. The French side of the canal has been deepened and it looks like much more of an industrial canal. The Belgian side has kept its medieval character.