Aqueduc du Gier - Chaponost
N 45° 43.387 E 004° 45.706
31T E 637096 N 5064793
Quick Description: The Gier was the youngest, longest and highest of the four aqueducts of Lugdunum and had been built in Opus Reticulatum in its whole line. In order to cross the many valleys in its 86 km course, four siphons and 25 bridges ware built.
Location: France
Date Posted: 10/1/2007 5:39:05 AM
Waymark Code: WM2A7J
Views: 91
Long Description:This point marks the spot where the aqueduct dives into the siphon
which spills down the valley to the bridge below before climbing up
again on the Fourviere side to end up at the Roman city center. The
aqueduct is very beautifully decorated and is worth a look up
close.
The Roman Aqueduct of the Gier river runs through Chaponost for
more than 6 km. It is nearly always underground although there are
several sections above ground. The Plat de l'Air section, over 550
m long, with 92 arches, represents the longest and best-preserved
ancient arched aqueduct still visible in France. The largest arches
are 10 m high and 4.5 m wide. The waterway ends in a lead pipe
forced conduit also known as a siphon.
Built in the first century A.D., the aqueduct was used to
collect water from the Gier river at the foot of the Pilat mountain
to supply the city of Lugdunum (Lyon) with water.
(Some text taken from W.D. Schram's description at
(visit link) )
