Pont coudé de Brantôme, Medieval stone bridge in Brantôme, France
The pont coudé of Brantôme is a medieval stone bridge spanning the Dronne River with ten arches, three of which bend at right angles. The structure features triangular cutwater pillars designed to guide water flow around its supports.
The structure was built during the first half of the 1500s under the direction of Pierre de Mareuil. Major restoration work took place between 1736 and 1738 following severe flood damage.
The bridge historically linked the abbey to monastic gardens across the water where monks grew crops. Today the site still reflects this close relationship between the religious community and the landscape around it.
The bridge is accessible to pedestrians and sits near the abbey in the heart of the medieval town. Visitors can walk across at their own pace while observing the surrounding architecture and river views.
The bridge's bent design was an engineering solution to handle opposing water currents where two river sections meet. This construction demonstrates the skill of medieval builders in managing natural forces.
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