Devil's Bridge

Devil's Bridge spans the Ariège River with a single powerful arch, flanked by fortified structures on both riverbanks. The crossing links Montoulieu to the far bank and displays sturdy masonry with corbelled elements that speak to its historical construction.

The bridge was built in 1836 by entrepreneur Adolphe Garrigou for his brother-in-law Léo Lamarque, who worked with mathematician Jean-Victor Poncelet. Restoration efforts in 1946 addressed damage to the corbelled elements and walls.

Local folklore describes a baron's clever bargain with the Devil to build this crossing, using a cat to outwit the darker force. The tale remains part of how people here think about and speak of the bridge.

The location is easy to reach and offers clear views of the structure from both banks of the river. The surrounding area is rural, so plan time to explore the site without rushing.

The bridge served as a testing ground where Léo Lamarque could experiment with his water wheel invention, merging engineering with architecture. This dual purpose as both a functional power source and crossing gave it a special role in technological development.

Location: Montoulieu

Location: Mercus-Garrabet

GPS coordinates: 42.90630,1.64075

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:49