Viaduc de Chapeauroux, Railway bridge in Saint Bonnet-Laval, France
The Viaduc de Chapeauroux is a stone railway bridge in Saint Bonnet-Laval that crosses the river valley below. The structure features twenty-eight arches made of natural stone and stretches across the landscape in an elegant arc.
The project started in 1857 but faced interruption due to financial difficulties and resumed under new management. Its completion created an important rail connection through the challenging mountain region.
The viaduct stands as part of the Cévennes railway line, demonstrating French engineering capabilities in mountainous regions during the nineteenth century.
The bridge is accessible from pathways that let visitors view the structure from various angles. The best view comes from the riverside, where you can see the full shape of the construction.
Workers discovered ancient settlement remains at the point where two rivers meet during construction work. This find revealed the long human presence in the area before the bridge was built.
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