Pont Bouju, Stone bridge from 1735 in Chartres, France.
Pont Bouju is an 18th-century stone bridge spanning the Eure River with multiple arches that display typical features of French engineering from that period. The structure connects both riverbanks using solid, carefully crafted masonry and arch techniques.
The bridge was built in the 18th century and replaced earlier crossings that had marked this river passage since medieval times. It became part of the important routes connecting Chartres to surrounding areas.
The bridge participates in the Chartres en Lumieres festival, where light installations transform its structure into a glowing display after sunset. Visitors witness how modern lighting reveals the stonework in new ways throughout the evening.
The bridge is accessible at any time of day, though evening visits offer the best experience when the lighting displays are active. Plan to visit around dusk to see the structure fully illuminated.
Cracks and joints in the stone structure harbor plants and moss that shift with the seasons, creating an unintended blend of nature and masonry. This natural intersection becomes more visible when you look closely at the surface.
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