Pont des Tourelles, Medieval stone bridge in Orléans, France
Pont des Tourelles was a medieval stone bridge that crossed the Loire River in Orléans, linking the Châtelet fortress on the right bank with the Tourelles fort on the left. The structure stretched over 300 meters and was notably wide compared to other medieval crossings, making it a significant route for traffic.
Built between 1120 and 1140, the bridge became central to the 1429 siege of Orléans when Joan of Arc led the assault on the Tourelles fort. This moment marked a turning point in the Hundred Years War and transformed the crossing into a historical symbol of that crucial victory.
The bridge held special meaning in the life of Orléans, with a hospital and chapel positioned at its entrance to serve both travelers and locals. This combination showed how crossing points were central to community welfare and daily rhythms.
The site is now part of Orléans history and can be viewed from the Loire riverbanks, with several vantage points around the city offering perspectives on the terrain. Visitors can best explore the area by walking along the river to understand the layout and how the two banks relate to each other.
The original structure featured 21 arches and housed small fishermen's dwellings built along its length, creating a working community right on the crossing itself. This gave the bridge a character unlike typical medieval structures, functioning as both a passage and a lived-in neighborhood.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
