Definition of the English Channel

For the English, this arm of the sea located in the ocean Atlántico is known as "English Channel", while the French call it "La Manche". Regardless of its denominations, the English Channel has been and is a strategic place, since it divides two great nations of the continent European: France and Great Britain.

The best British defense against possible invasions

The British Isles have been under military attack throughout history. However, its definitive occupation has been halted on most occasions by the maritime arm that separates Great Britain and France.

Napoleon in the 19th century and Hitler in the 20th could not defeat the British because the English Channel was an insurmountable protective barrier.

The Commerce maritime transport between the two banks of the canal has been fundamental throughout history

As it is a fully navigable route, the commercial relationship between the two nations has been carried out since time immemorial. At the same time, the cultural and historical links are equally evident. Let us remember that the original settlers of French Brittany come from Great Britain.

The swim crossing

Periodically there are news about swimmers crossing the English Channel. This feat in open water is only available to experienced athletes. Channel Swimmimg Association is the organizing entity that officially accredits this achievement sports. The tradition crossing it began in 1875.

The Eurotunnel

Since 1994 the maritime strip that separates the territory Briton of France is united through a railway tunnel. East infrastructure allows the Shuttle train to link both countries in just over half an hour.

Only two underwater tunnels in the world are longer, the Seikan and the Gotthard. The company that manages the transport It is Eurotunnel and has French and British capital. This infrastructure slightly exceeds 50 km and most of them are below the sea.

Thanks to the Eurotunnel it is possible to connect the cities of London and Paris in just over two hours.

Curiosities about the Eurotunnel

Currently there are three trains that cross the English Channel under the seabed, two of them are used for the transport of trains and a third for possible emergencies. On a daily basis it is crossed by 30,000 people, more than 3,000 trucks and about 6,000 private cars.

For your building millions of tons of earth had to be displaced. This work of engineering was in Napoleon's mind, however, the definitive passage began to be built in 1988. During the six years that its construction lasted 10 workers lost their lives.

Photos: Fotolia - Peter Hermes Furian / Wickerwood