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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The bridge of the Planches, located in Acquigny in the Eure, spans the Iton upstream of the village. Its existence was attested as early as 1226, but the present work dates back to the mid-18th century. He was then a key element of the Royal Route from Rouen to Orléans, which later became national 154. This six arched bridge, separated by fore-beeks, illustrates the typical architecture of the road bridges of the time.

In the 19th century, the bridge, considered too narrow for increasing traffic, was the subject of important work. In 1865, it was extended one metre upstream with bricks, and its sterns were removed. The following year, corbelled sidewalks, supported by cast iron consoles, and guardrails, were added. These changes give it its final appearance, while maintaining its original arches.

In 1960, the construction of a new road bridge led to the privatisation of the Bridge des Planches, which became the main access to the Château des Planches after its acquisition in 2004. Despite these changes, architectural evidence of the 18th century stewardship roads remains. It was listed as a historic monument in 2007 and retains features such as its fore-beeks on the upstream façade and its cast iron sidewalks.

Historical sources also mention a toponymy evoking an old wooden bridge from the 17th century. A letter from 1821 already indicates his old state, requiring repairs. The modifications of the 20th century, such as the replacement of some slabs with concrete in 1950, show its continuous adaptation throughout the centuries.

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