Vieux pont de Gien, Medieval stone bridge in Gien, France
The Vieux Pont de Gien is a stone bridge spanning the Loire River with twelve arches supported by eleven pillars and two abutments. The structure stretches roughly 280 meters and connects both river banks with its distinctive curved design.
A first stone bridge replaced a ford in 1246 under Saint Louis and was swept away in 1458. The present bridge, rebuilt in 1734, kept the old piers except on the right bank, where two arches replaced three. On 8 December 1870, after General Bourbaki's retreat, French sappers cut arches 6 and 7 to block the German army.
A cross dedicated to Saint Nicolas, the patron saint of sailors, stands at the highest point of the arched structure. This symbol shows the enduring connection between the town and its river.
The bridge carries the D941 departmental road with two traffic lanes and separate pedestrian walkways on each side. You can walk or drive across and enjoy views of the river from the center.
The structure was built using stones from several regional quarries, including Briare, Souppes-sur-Loing, and Cargoloin. Each stone was chosen for its ability to resist the river's constant wear and pressure over time.
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