Garabit Viaduct

The Garabit Viaduct carries a railway line 122 meters above the Truyère River in Auvergne, extending across a total length of 565 meters made from puddled iron. The construction consists of a central lattice arch supported by masonry stone piers at both ends.

Gustave Eiffel designed the structure between 1882 and 1884 for the railway line to Neussargues, applying experience from his Portuguese bridge project. National authorities classified it as a protected monument in 1965, recognizing its engineering importance.

Local people often call the structure simply the Eiffel Bridge, connecting the engineer's name with the red iron lattice that crosses their valley. Walkers sometimes park near the viewpoint on the road below and look up at the trains passing overhead through the framework.

The best views come from the road below the structure, where parking areas and information panels are available. Trains cross the bridge several times each day, so visitors will likely see a crossing during their stay.

The construction of the Grandval dam in 1959 created a reservoir that raised the water level beneath the structure by 95 meters. Today the red iron framework reflects in the calm reservoir water, changing the visual impression it makes.

Location: Ruynes-en-Margeride

Location: Val-d'Arcomie

Inception: 1884

Architects: Léon Boyer

Height: 122 m

Length: 564.69 m

Longest Span: 165 m

Accessibility: Wheelchair inaccessible

Made from material: puddled iron

Part of: railroad line from Béziers to Neussargues

Address: 15320 Ruynes-en-Margeride, France

Phone: +33471234332

Website: http://garabit-viaduc-eiffel.com

GPS coordinates: 44.97540,3.17722

Latest update: December 15, 2025 15:42