Roquefavour Aqueduct

Ventabren, France

The Roquefavour Aqueduct in Ventabren, near Aix-en-Provence, was first planned in 1565, but it was not realized until the 19th century. It was designed by Jean François Mayor de Montricher, built between 1841 and 1847, and is the largest stone aqueduct in the world. It took 5,000 labourers, including 300 stone-cutters, and it cost 3,800,000 French francs. It is 83 metres high, 375 metres long, and the foundations are 9 to 10 metres deep.

The aqueduct brings water (Canal de Marseille) from the Durance river to the Palais Longchamp in Marseille, all the way to La Ciotat.

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D64 3496, Ventabren, France
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Founded: 1841-1847
Category: Miscellaneous historic sites in France

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