ECLUSE "LA BAVOUZE"

The old causeway, whose existence is attested to at the end of the 13th century, ensured the operation of two mills: the Petite Bavouze, right bank, and the Grande Bavouze, left bank. Equipped with a gate, it was replaced in the 19th century by a dam with a lock. The project, established by the ordinary engineer of the Ponts et Chaussées Dupuy, was carried out under the supervision of his successor Asselin by the contractor Genève-Brault chosen during the tender of August 8, 1860. The work was completed in 1863. The lockhouse was enlarged in 2001. The dam has a straight shape, unique on the Mayenne river. The masonry parts of the lock are made of cut granite. A movable bridge, preserved, allowed to cross it and to reach the mill of the Petite Bavouze. The lock house was built according to the model respected on the whole of the lower Mayenne. Its extension includes a new bay to the north copying the original side bays and a small two-sided building to the rear. The bread oven, which protrudes from the south side, has been preserved. No outbuildings have been preserved.