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Park around Port Neuf, preferably at the beginning of Rue Renée Boyer.
(S/E) Follow the port along this street until you reach the lock (head north-west, upstream).
(1) Climb the path along the lock to reach the towpath. Follow this path.
(2) Quickly cross the Orb on one of the few bridges over the Canal du Midi. There are beautiful views of Saint-Nazaire Cathedral. You will arrive at the 7 locks of Fonseranes. New footbridges have been built by the town hall to make it easier to explore (not shown on maps). Follow the path that passes over the canal from an abandoned automatic lock and continue until you reach a footbridge over the canal, which you must cross (stairs on the right).
(3) Turn left towards the Fonséranes locks. Climb the ramp of the water coach house; at the top there is a restaurant. Go back down after admiring the spectacle offered by the barges (especially in summer).
(3) At the end of the Rampe du Coche d'Eau, continue straight ahead on Quai Notre-Dame. This part is almost abandoned, both the quay and the port that extended it to the Orb.
When you reach the junction with Avenue du Port Notre-Dame, continue along Quai du Port Notre-Dame, taking care when crossing. Continue straight ahead, crossing Avenue de Sérignan (two fairly busy roads), taking care.
(4) When you reach the Orb, turn left onto the cement track and follow it. Go under the railway bridge and the road bridge until you see the aptly named "old" bridge. There are beautiful views of Saint-Étienne Cathedral and Saint-Jacques Church.
(5) Follow the cement track to pass under the old bridge, turn left twice and you will reach it. Cross the bridge towards the cathedral. Please note that this bridge is closed to traffic during the summer, but outside this period you will have to make do with a single lane.
(6) At the end of the bridge, take the ramp immediately on the right. Watch your step! Continue downstream along the Orb. This short section, until after the railway bridge, is on the pavement. Traffic is not heavy, but caution is advised. Continue along the Orb until you reach the Canal Bridge.
(7) Just before passing under the Canal Bridge, look for stairs on the left that lead to the towpath. Head towards the lock and go down to reach the Quai du Port Neuf. Walk around the port to reach the car park (S/E).
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