Thouars Viaduct, Railway viaduct in Thouars, France.
The Thouars Viaduct is a steel bridge that spans across the Thouet River and shapes the town skyline. The structure consists of a metal framework with multiple arches that cross the river at considerable height.
The bridge was built in 1873 by Eiffel's company to create a railway line between Tours and Les Sables-d'Olonne. Fourteen years later, engineers reinforced the structure by adding a second deck for future route planning.
The viaduct shows how rail networks connected the region and made people and goods more mobile. It stands at the heart of town life and reminds visitors daily of the time when railways transformed everything.
From certain vantage points along the banks or nearby streets, you can view the bridge from different angles. The best perspective is from ground level below the viaduct, where you can clearly see the metal construction and its arches.
The original construction was so solid that engineers later simply built a second level on top without weakening the structure below. This ability to expand demonstrates the quality of the original design.
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