Aqueduct of the Gier, Roman aqueduct in Chaponost, France
The Aqueduct of the Gier is a Roman water channel that stretches from the Pilat massif down to Lyon through a series of stone arches and underground passages. The system crosses several communes and combines visible arched structures with hidden tunnels beneath the ground.
The Romans built this water system between the 1st and 2nd centuries to carry water from the Gier River to the ancient city of Lugdunum. The project reflects how crucial water supply was for the growth and daily life of a Roman city.
The standing arches at Le Plat de l'Air show how Romans moved water across the land with skill and planning. You can still see how they used the landscape to guide water downhill toward the city.
The remains can be visited, with the best-preserved sections visible along the roadside in Chaponost. Guided tours arranged through the local Tourist Office help explain the different parts of the system and how to access the underground sections.
The system includes eleven maintenance tunnels, with one passage near Mornant extending 825 meters and featuring access openings every 77 meters. These regular openings reveal how Romans planned their infrastructure to allow workers to perform repairs and cleaning.
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