Agricultural Irrigation Canals in Southern France and New Urban Territorial Uses

Agricultural irrigation canals are widespread across southern France, where they cover a large portion of the Provençal region. While they are still extensively used in productive farming, part of the irrigated area is gradually being taken over by peri-urban habitat and business and industrial parks. As a result, some parts of the canal network have now been abandoned, either built over or turned into dumping grounds for refuse and waste. Ignorance about the usefulness of these canals and the role they play in draining has led to frequent flooding after severe Mediterranean storms.But these canals are also the backdrop for rapidly developing urban uses and practices. For one, the water is increasingly used to irrigate private gardens, municipal green spaces and golf courses. On a recreational level, the canals have become a site for numerous practices in recent years: walking, jogging, cycling, horseback riding, fishing, as well as swimming and kayaking.Our paper is based on findings from sociological research into the new urban uses of agricultural canals in southern France. First we will point up the diverse nature and complexity of their management. Then we will address their long-term and sustainable maintenance by examining the different options that exist for their governance into the future