The most beautiful bridges in France

There are so many things to see on private tours of France. Towns steeped in history, elegant palaces, ancient castles, sunny seaside resorts and art museums. Some French bridges are often compared to works of art. Here we have selected some of the most beautiful ones in France for you that are worth a trip across the country.

Pont du Gard

Pont du Gard, Gard

Built across the Gardon River between 19 BC and 150 AD, this aqueduct is a living reminder of the Roman Empire’s engineering genius. The bridge was constructed with stones weighing up to six tons cut with such precision that no mortar was needed. 49-metres high, the aqueduct carried water to the homes, baths and fountains in Nîmes and was used until the 6^th century. Over time it has become one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions.

Millau Viaduc

Millau Viaduct, Millau

The world's tallest vehicular bridge, the Millau Viaduct spans a valley not a river and is part of the autoroute from Paris to Montpellier. It is almost 2.5 kilometres long, weighs 290,000 tonnes and sees between 10,000 and 25,000 passing vehicles daily. Inaugurated in 2004, it remains one of the greatest engineering achievements of our time.

Pont Alexandre III

The Pont Alexandre III, Paris

With its Art Nouveau lamps, cherubs and gilt winged horses the 19th-century Pont Alexandre III is certainly the most ornate and beautiful among the 37 bridges that span across the Seine River in Paris. Classified as a French Historic Monument it connects the Champs-Élysées quarter with the Invalides and Eiffel Tower. 

Pont du Diable

The Pont du Diable, Céret

The single elegant arch bridge raises at 22 metres above the river Tech in the town of Céret. A local legend says that when the Pont du Diable was constructed in the 14^th century, the builders asked the devil for help (hence the name), who agreed in exchange for the first soul to cross the bridge. When it was finished, the clever locals sent a cat across the bridge to trick the devil. 

Photos via Flickr by: Julian Fong, Richard Leeming, Joe de Sousa, Thierry Llansades.