Viaduc de Barajol, Railway bridge in Riom-ès-Montagnes, France.
The Viaduc de Barajol is a railway bridge in the Auvergne region that spans across a valley and rests on twelve arches. The structure uses grey gneiss and dark volcanic basalt stone sourced from the surrounding area.
The bridge was built in 1908 as part of a railway line that connected two valleys in the region. It arose during a period of major technological progress for rail transport in France.
The structure has become a popular subject for photographers and railway enthusiasts who regularly visit to capture its form. It shapes the landscape of this area and holds meaning for local residents as part of their regional identity.
You can view the bridge best from ground level or from the sides of the valley to see its full height and span. The area has hiking paths and viewpoints that offer good vantage points.
The bridge stands amid pastures where Salers cattle graze, a distinctive cattle breed from this area. The viaduct creates a notable contrast between human engineering and the mountains it crosses.
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