Cours Joseph Rambaud et la découverte du canal

In the 1930's a car park was built over part of the canal in the Loumet neighbourhood of Pamiers. The project to uncover the canal was the opportunity to re-open the space in order to step back and admire the historic skyline including the Saint-Antonin Cathedral or the old Bishopric building.

The project brings new dynamics and renewal to the public space thanks to an esplanade allowing for various activities such as markets, concerts and events. The banks of the canal can be accessed on either side of the water. Along the Cours Joseph Rambaud, two sets of stairs connect the embankment to the street level. Opposite, large grass steps support the mineral esplanade and form a progressive access down to the waterfront.

The supporting brick walls mirror one of the two historic bridges and unfold from one side of the canal to the other. They are punctuated by hinged ironwork grills through which the rainwater is directed into the canal. As for the guardrail, it respects the aesthetics of the heritage guardrail that delimits the canal surrounding the town of Pamiers. Thus, the project illustrates a contemporary expression of the historic characteristics of the site and invites the visitor to rediscover the canal, making the neighbourhood an essential stop on the Camino de Santiago that passes through Pamiers.