Our take
An arch that held for five centuries before collapsing in 1822, replaced by the current structure, which still carries the road over the Allier. 5 minutes from Brioude, barely signposted, with an open view of the river.
The bridge crosses the Allier in a single 45 m arch, at Vieille-Brioude. Go down onto the banks to frame it in full.
A historic bridge over the Allier at Vieille-Brioude, on the D912. The original medieval arch, one of the largest in Europe with its 54 m span, stood from the 14th century until 1822, the year it collapsed. The current bridge, rebuilt between 1824 and 1832 with a 45 m arch, still carries the road over the Allier. Open view over the river and the hillsides, photogenic at sunset. Open-access site, reached from the banks on the Vieille-Brioude side. 5 minutes from Brioude.
Why we love it
- The arch that crosses the Allier in a single sweep of stone
- The evening light on the hillsides and the river
- The banks below, for framing the whole structure
Top tip
Take your photo from the banks below to frame the whole arch. Sunset means golden light on the stone. Combine with the Saint-Julien basilica in Brioude (5 minutes).
Before you go
- Go down onto the banks on the Vieille-Brioude side to frame the whole arch: that's where the bridge comes into its own.
Weather for the next 3 days
Today
17°/8°
dry · 13 km/h
Tomorrow
16°/3°
dry · 7 km/h
Tue 27
23°/8°
dry · 12 km/h
Source: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0). General lowland forecasts, to be cross-checked with specialist mountain forecasts at altitude.
Practical info
- Address
- D912, 43100 Vieille-Brioude, France
43100 Vieille-Brioude - Monday24 hours
- Tuesday24 hours
- Wednesday24 hours
- Thursday24 hours
- Friday24 hours
- Saturday24 hours
- Today24 hours
Opening hours
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Average of 55 reviews on Google Maps.
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Around Vieille-Brioude bridge
2 spots in and around Vieille-Brioude, enough to build your day.
Where to eat close by
Where to stay nearby
Hikes nearby
Waymarked routes within 15 km, GPX track included.
Cycling
Cycling3 - Along the Allier and the Senouire
Start: Office de tourisme de Brioude Sud Auvergne
- 57.5 km
- +819 m
- 3 h
Hikes around Vieille-Brioude bridge
CyclingCycling3 - Along the Allier and the Senouire
Start: Office de tourisme de Brioude Sud Auvergne
- 57.5 km
- +819 m
- 3 h
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