Fades Viaduct, Railway bridge in Sauret-Besserve and Les Ancizes-Comps, France.
Description
Fades Viaduct is a railway bridge that spans 470 meters across the Sioule Valley, held aloft by towering granite pillars. Steel trusses form the deck while multiple piers rise dramatically from the valley floor to support the entire structure.
History
Construction began in 1901 and finished in 1909, immediately establishing this bridge as the world's tallest at that time. This achievement demonstrated France's advanced engineering capabilities and ambitions for expanding its railway network across difficult terrain.
Culture
The viaduct represents a moment when French railway ambitions met monumental engineering, and locals still regard it as a symbol of industrial progress. Walking across or viewing it reveals how engineering achievements became landmarks that define a region's character.
Practical
The viaduct can be viewed from several nearby vantage points and hiking trails that wind through the surrounding landscape. Best views of the entire structure come from valley level or from the ridges above, depending on which perspective you prefer.
Did you know?
What many visitors miss is that the twin piers were built using traditional stone masonry methods, a craft rarely applied at such extreme heights. This feat of classical construction remains a quiet testament to the skills of workers from over a century ago.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Sauret-Besserve).
Chartreuse de Port-Sainte-Marie
7 km
Château de Miremont
10.9 km
Puy de Montiroir
9.6 km
Église Saint-Léger de Montfermy
10.1 km
Église Notre-Dame de Comps
3 km
Église Saint-Bonnet de Miremont
10.4 kmÉglise Saint-Pierre de Biollet
9.6 km
Menhirs de Barbouly
12.8 km
Église Saint-Pierre de Chapdes-Beaufort
9.9 km
Église Saint-Gervais et Saint-Protais en Saint-Gervais d'Auvergne
6.6 km
Église Saint-Amable de Pulvérières
12.7 km
Église Saint-Hilaire d'Ayat-sur-Sioule
11 km
Église Saint-Jacques de Saint-Jacques d'Ambur
8 km
Église Saint-Patrocle de Vitrac
5.7 km
Église Sainte-Christine de Sainte-Christine
10.8 km
Église Saint-Martin d'Espinasse
10.2 km
Plage de la Chazotte
8.1 km
Plage de Pont du Buchet
6 km
Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Saint-Georges-de-Mons
4.6 km
Église Saint-Pierre de Gouttières
10.5 km
Église Saint-Michel de Saint-Angel
10.4 km
Eglise de la Nativité de Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Saint-Priest-des-Champs
3.9 km
Église Saint-Pierre de Sauret-Besserve
2.3 km
Église Saint-Julien de Saint-Julien-la-Geneste
10.3 km
Chapelle Sainte-Linge de Châteauneuf-les-Bains
9.4 km
Chapelle Notre-Dame-des-Blés
11.2 km
Croix de cimetière de Montfermy
10.1 km
Méandre de Queuille
3.7 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes