Bazacle

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The Bazacle in the French city of Toulouse is nowadays a tourist site on the banks of the River Garonne.

It originated as a ford across the river Garonne, used from the 12th century onwards. The name bazacle comes from the Latin word vadaculum, meaning "little ford". The first bridge across the Garonne was built here.

In 1190, with the permission of Duke Raymond V of Toulouse, a sort of dam and adjacent mills were built. These mills were cited by Rabelais in the 16th century as being the most powerful in the world.

A hydroelectric power station was built in 1890 on the same spot to supply Toulouse with electricity. In 1946, Électricité de France bought the plant. Both ancient and modern turbines can be viewed in working state to this day. There is a fish ladder in the river, allowing fish to swim through.