Devil's Bridge

Construction of the medieval bridge at Vieille-Brioude began in the mid-14th century, with a single arch approximately 27 toises (54,572 m) wide and 17 toises high. It is possible that a Roman bridge preceded this structure, but no documentary evidence confirms this. The bridge was similar in form to the so-called Bajasse Bridge, built to span the Senouire River. Construction spanned several decades, with records dating back to 1340 and work documented in 1454, the year of its completion. In the 17th and 18th centuries, a toll was levied on the bridge for the benefit of the Dukes of Orléans.

Poorly maintained, the bridge was closed to traffic in 1754, with traffic diverted to ferries or to another bridge, the Bajasse Bridge, which itself was destroyed by successive floods at the end of the 18th century. In 1794, the engineer Émiland Gauthey recommended the repair of the old bridge. Work began in Year V of the French Revolutionary Calendar (1797-1798) and was completed in 1818, with a widening of the roadway and significant structural modifications.

The bridge collapsed suddenly on March 27, 1822. For several centuries, it had been the bridge with the largest span in the world. A popular legend claimed it was built by the devil, who would come every year to remove a stone from its arch.

To restore road access, a new bridge was planned as early as 1823, reusing the old abutments but with a reduced arch span of 45 meters and a wider roadway. Construction lasted until 1832.

This summary includes the main historical and technical facts about the medieval bridge of Vieille-Brioude, its repairs, destructions and the reconstruction of the bridge in the 19th century.
The Vine Garden Museum
Around the church, the Vineyard Garden Museum retraces the winemaking history of the town: Vieille-Brioude was once a region where vineyards covered more than 450 hectares. The visit includes an exhibition on vineyard architecture, an exploration of the garden linked to the tradition of "priest's gardens," and even a room dedicated to local prehistoric sites, revealing all the secrets of the area's terroir. Admission is free and the site is accessible to all, making it ideal for a cultural outing with family or friends.

Vieille-Brioude promises you an authentic journey between heritage, history and the gentle pace of life along the Allier river.

Individual visit services

• Unguided individual tours permanently

Group visits services

• Unguided group tours permanently

Equipment

• Parking
• Parking in the area
• Free parking