The so-called "Gallo-Roman" bridge was a stopover on the Celtic Rouen-Ancenis-Bordeaux route.
It is sometimes referred to as the Gallo-Roman bridge or the Julius Caesar bridge, on the pretext that the Roman general used a bridge that predates this one, intended solely for pedestrians.
However, during work carried out in 2017, the Monuments Historiques and Bâtiments de France architects consulted a historian, and the so-called Gallo-Roman bridge is now confirmed to be from the early Middle Ages. The remains of a Roman road nearby, as well as the materials used, have wrongly given the name to this bridge which, according to the results of this historical study, does not date back to Roman times, but is much more recent.
It dates from the Romanesque period (VIIᵉ century). It has four unequal arches. Each pier is flanked by a spur. Downstream, this spur does not rise to the deck; it rises above it, which gives it a very special appearance and makes it unique in the west. It was partly restored in the Middle Ages. An ogival arch is proof of this. |
|
It was listed as a Historic Monument by decree on 14 May 1925.
|
Following flooding in 2014-2015, which weakened the bridge, it was completely restored in 2018 and now provides a safe pedestrian crossing.
However, during work carried out in 2017, the Monuments Historiques and Bâtiments de France architects consulted a historian, and the so-called Gallo-Roman bridge is now confirmed to be from the early Middle Ages. The remains of a Roman road nearby, as well as the materials used, have wrongly given the name to this bridge which, according to the results of this historical study, does not date back to Roman times, but is much more recent.
It dates from the Romanesque period (VIIᵉ century). It has four unequal arches. Each pier is flanked by a spur. Downstream, this spur does not rise to the deck; it rises above it, which gives it a very special appearance and makes it unique in the west. It was partly restored in the Middle Ages. An ogival arch is proof of this. |
|
It was listed as a Historic Monument by decree on 14 May 1925.
|
Following flooding in 2014-2015, which weakened the bridge, it was completely restored in 2018 and now provides a safe pedestrian crossing.
