Pont du Diable

Saint-Jean-de-Fos, France

The Pont du Diable on the Hérault River is one of many bridges in France with this name (it means Devil's bridge). Constructed by Benedictine monks in the first half of the 11th century, it provided a link between the abbey at Aniane and the Gellone Abbey at Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert. Though subsequently widened and raised several metres around 1770, it has retained its original shape. Vehicular traffic is now catered for by a newer bridge, from which splendid views may be had of the original bridge and an aqueduct that takes water to the vineyards of Saint-Jean-de-Fos.

The bridge has been listed by the French Ministry of Culture as a monument historique since 1935 and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the World Heritage Sites of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France.

References:

Comments

Your name



Details

Founded: 11th century
Category: Miscellaneous historic sites in France
Historical period: Birth of Capetian dynasty (France)

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Emma Joan den Hartog (10 months ago)
What an amazing experience! We went in winter so we couldn’t swim or do any activities but I think in summer it is magical. The bridge offers beautiful views of the Hérault Gorges. I will be going back.
Sven L (14 months ago)
Very nice Place to relax at the river.
Richard S (14 months ago)
An excellent place to visit. Formal and patrolled swimming area as well as informal area. Plenty and fish and snakes to spot in the river. Loads of car parking and an excellent cafe/shop. We did not try the canoes to the gorge but prices seemed reasonable. Kids loved it.
Ariel TAIEB (17 months ago)
Absolutely stunning place and landscape. The wine is very peaceful with a lot of people enjoying the water and beaches. Some might even jump from the bridge. Don’t hesitate to go a bit further to find chill spots
Darius Wisniewski (2 years ago)
Nicely organised visiting attraction with a small beach where you can swim. It must be a great experience to see it in a rainy season but when the water level is low its just not spectacular. It is a fantastic example of great medieval engineering that is why I give 3 stars.
Powered by Google

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Site of the week

Clementinum

The Clementinum is a historic complex of buildings in Prague. Until recently the complex hosted the National, University and Technical libraries, the City Library also being located nearby on Mariánské Náměstí. The Technical library and the Municipal library have moved to the Prague National Technical Library at Technická 6 since 2009. It is currently in use as the National Library of the Czech Republic.

Its history dates from the existence of a chapel dedicated to Saint Clement in the 11th century. A Dominican monastery was founded in the medieval period, which was transformed in 1556 to a Jesuit college. In 1622 the Jesuits transferred the library of Charles University to the Klementinum, and the college was merged with the University in 1654. The Jesuits remained until 1773, when the Klementinum was established as an observatory, library, and university by the Empress Maria Theresa of Austria.