Julien Bridge (Julius Bridge), in French Pont Julien

Pont Julien, Les Lavandins, Rte du Pont Julien, 84480 Bonnieux, France

A Roman stone arch bridge over the Calavon River in southeastern France, dating back to 3 BCE. It was originally built on the Via Domitia, an important Roman road that connected Italy with Roman territories in France. It was used for vehicular traffic until 2005, when a new bridge was constructed to protect it from wear. It is still used as a bicycle and pedestrian path. This amounts to approximately 2,000 years of continuous use.

World: The oldest bridges still in use

The Julien Bridge is the last remaining bridge that was part of the Via Domitia, which passed through Cavaillon, connecting Narbonne (Colonia Narbo Martius) with Turin (Augusta Taurinorum), ultimately reaching the Alps and providing a route to Rome. Built by order of Julius Caesar, it was named after the nearby Apt, which at that time was called Colonia Apta Julia.

The Pont Julien replaced the old Roman bridge, which was made only of wood and stone. It was washed away by a strong river current, and the current bridge was built in its place.

The bridge is 80 meters long, 6 meters wide, and 11.5 meters high. The limestone blocks used for its construction were quarried from the Luberon mountain range and bonded together for strength. The architecture attracts attention with its elegant appearance thanks to three very wide semicircular arches, giving the style lightness and durability.

It is notable for its beautiful construction of 3 arches. The central arch, with a 46-meter span, is higher and wider than the others and is intended for boat passage. The two side arches help resist the floodwaters of the Calavon when their level rises and are equipped upstream with semicircular cutwaters. The limestone used in its construction was quarried from the Luberon quarries. It replaced the old bridge, traces of which can be seen around the piers.

In 1789, repairs were started, cracks were sealed, and it was no longer open for freight transport. In the 20th century, the Julien Bridge required urgent repairs; after a decision was made, the city began its restoration with the support of the Conseil Général. The Julien Bridge was part of the road network until spring 2005, when a bypass was made and a new bridge was built nearby to protect it.

The last vehicle ever to cross the bridge was driven by an Irishman (Finnbar McEoin), who lived in the area, and his historic journey was commemorated on a memorial plaque on the bridge. It reads: “We do not know who was the first person to cross the bridge, but the Irishman was the last.”

Sources:

https://www.francetraveltips.com/pont-julien-bridge/

https://stickymangorice.com/2023/05/24/pont-julien/

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