Pont René-Thinat, Road bridge in Orléans, France
Pont René-Thinat is a road bridge that spans 430 meters across the Loire River, linking Orléans and Saint-Jean-le-Blanc. The structure carries four lanes of car traffic and includes separate paths for cycling and walking.
Construction of the bridge was completed in 1977 and it was named after Orléans mayor René Thinat, who pushed for the project. The mayor died in 1978 while still serving.
The bridge connects Orléans and Saint-Jean-le-Blanc as an important crossing point that people use daily for work and travel. Its presence shapes how residents experience their river and move between communities on either side.
The crossing is accessible throughout the day and features dedicated cycling paths on both sides. It serves as a main link for anyone moving between the two towns, whether by car, bike, or on foot.
The original plans called for a second bridge to be built downstream, but only the foundation supports and pillars were ever constructed. This incomplete structure remains visible today and hints at what might have been.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
