A lateral canal is a canal built along the same right-of-way as an existing stream. Water for the canal is usually provided by the original natural stream. Many French lateral canals have the word latéral as part of their name. Examples include Canal latéral à l'Aisne

Canal latéral à l'Aisne

The Canal latéral à l'Aisne is a canal in northern France, which connects Vieux-lès-Asfeld to Condé-sur-Aisne. It runs alongside the Aisne River...

, Canal latéral à la Garonne, and Canal latéral à la Marne

Canal latéral à la Marne

The canal latéral à la Marne is a km long canal which connects Vitry-le-François to Dizy, in the Marne department in north-eastern France. It includes 15 locks.-External links:* Places, ports and moorings on the canal.- Notes :...

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The normal aim of constructing such a canal was to provide a more consistent depth of water for navigation particularly during dry summers and to make navigation easier during periods of flood. Problems often remained where the original course of the river was still used.