Viaduc de Barbin, Railway viaduct in Mortagne-sur-Sèvre, France.
The Barbin Viaduct is a railway bridge crossing the Sèvre Nantaise River with 14 massive granite arches rising to about 38 meters high. The structure spans roughly 300 meters and dominates the landscape with its solid stone industrial architecture.
The bridge was built between 1904 and 1907 as part of the railway expansion in the region. It suffered damage from bombing during World War Two but was repaired in 1946.
The railway line connects two neighboring communities and now serves as part of a tourist train route that brings visitors through the green countryside of the region. Both locals and travelers use the service to explore the landscape and historical sites along the journey.
The bridge is best explored on foot via walking trails that start nearby and wind through the surrounding landscape. Wear sturdy shoes and allow time to walk around the area and take in the views at your own pace.
Granite quarries were specifically opened near the site to extract the massive stone blocks needed for construction. This local source of materials shows how the surrounding region was shaped by the project.
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