Pont Vieux. Espalion
Posted by: 
arby101ca
N 44° 31.346 E 002° 45.823
31T E 481223 N 4929928
Pont Vieux, the old red arched bridge over the Lot River at Espalion is a National Historic Monument.
Waymark Code: WMPBVA
Location: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
Date Posted: 08/05/2015
Views: 6
Pont Vieux has four arches spanning 12.6, 15.5, 12.55 and 8.2 meters, right to left in the pictures. The river is ~60 m wide and the total length of the bridge including approaches is ~72 m. The height is ~12 m. The date of construction is not known but the first bridge at this location has been attributed to Charlemange in 780. A bridge here is mentioned in a charter dated 1060 in the abbey at Conques. The arched bridge was likely built early in the 14th century. The bridge was once fortified with drawbridges and towers at each ends. These were demolished when the bridge was renovated and widened from 3.66 to 4.35 m in the 18th century. The bridge is constructed of red sandstone except for the granite parapets .
The bridge is now closed to traffic, pedestrian only except for the transhumance on the Sunday near 25 May.
Length of bridge: 60 m
Height of bridge: 12 m
What type of traffic does this bridge support?: Pedestrian
What kind of gap does this bridge cross?:
River Lot
Date constructed: 14th century
Is the bridge still in service for its original purpose?: Yes but closed to vehicle traffic
Name of road or trail the bridge services: Transhumance to Aubrac
Location:
Espalion, Auverne, France
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Visit Instructions:
Please submit a photo(s) taken by you of your visit to the location (non-copyrighted photos only). GPS photos are also accepted with the location in the background, and old vacation photos are accepted. If you are not able to provide a photo, then please describe your visit or give a story about the visit. If the bridge location prevents you from taking a safe photograph, then please do not stop to take the photo. Safety is more important.