What is the story of the Devil’s Bridge?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Constructed in 873 during the reign of Charles II the Bald<\/strong>, the Devil’s Bridge was intended to facilitate the passage of pilgrims en route to Santiago de Compostela. The abbot of Gellone, William, supervised the construction of this remarkable Romanesque edifice, making the bridge a true masterpiece of Middle Ages architecture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Its name, the Devil’s Bridge, although grim, is commonly attributed to structures displaying a particular technical prowess that, according to folklore, would have required the devil’s assistance. It is not the only construction in the region to bear this label. The Devil’s Bridge of Olargues, located on the Jaur river in H\u00e9rault<\/strong>, is a narrow and distinct 12th-century footbridge that provides access to the heart of this village classified among the “most beautiful villages of France”. This structure has been protected since 1916.<\/p>\n\n\n Another Devil’s Bridge, this time on the Mare river, has existed in Villemagne l\u2019Argenti\u00e8re<\/strong> since the end of the 18th century. This one is known for its steep incline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The most well-known legend surrounding our bridge tells that the devil helped build the bridge in one night, in exchange for the soul of the first to cross it. However, the villagers managed to trick the devil by sending a cat across the bridge first, forcing the devil to disappear into the H\u00e9rault river below. To learn more about this legend, visit the Tourist Office website<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Certainly! The Devil’s Bridge displays impressive dimensions, testifying to the skill of the builders of the time. The structure is nearly 50 meters long and 5.5 meters wide<\/strong>, spacious enough to allow the passage of pilgrims, merchants, and villagers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The most spectacular feature of the bridge is undoubtedly its single arch. With a span of nearly 30 meters and a height of 22 meters above the river<\/strong>, it gives the Devil’s Bridge its distinctive appearance and unique charm. This daring construction for its time has enabled the bridge to withstand the river’s floods for more than a millennium, attesting to the ingenuity of medieval builders.<\/p>\n\n\n The Devil’s Bridge is located near the picturesque village of Saint-Jean-de-Fos, northwest of Montpellier. You can reach it by car, following the D4 towards Aniane and Saint-Guilhem-le-D\u00e9sert. Parking is available near the site. The site is also accessible on foot from Aniane for those who prefer a pleasant walk in nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/b2626133.smushcdn.com\/2626133\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Pont-du-Diable-Olargues-1-1024x576.jpg?resize=1024%2C576&ssl=1\")
A few figures about the Devil’s Bridge?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/b2626133.smushcdn.com\/2626133\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Pont-du-Diable-1-1-1024x576.jpg?resize=1024%2C576&ssl=1\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nHow to see the Devil’s Bridge?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n