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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The bridge over the Morge, nicknamed Roman Bridge although it actually dates back to the late Middle Ages (15th or early 16th century), is a stone work located in the commune of Cheix, in the north of Puy-de-Dôme. Ranked a historic monument since October 1974, it is distinguished by its unique arch of 13 meters flying, its marked donkey back and its low parapet. An architectural peculiarity lies in its elbow ramp, protected by a unilateral parapet, which precedes the arch. Built in coarsely assembled rubble, its narrow gauge (1.30 m) suggests a local rather than Roman vocation, as its name might suggest.

Originally, this bridge allowed access to the Cheix Castle, destroyed in 1595 by La Boulaye, an actor in the religious wars. Subsequently, it served as a passage for donkeys carrying flour from nearby mills, illustrating its utility role in the rural economy of the time. His misappellation of the Roman bridge probably stems from his rustic masonry and his seniority, although neither his layout nor his location corresponded to an ancient way. In 1969, he was also the director of a scene of François Truffaut's film "The Wild Child", shot mainly in the region.

The precise dating of its construction remains unknown, but the experts agree over a period between the 14th and 15th centuries. Its classification as a historical monument in 1974 underscores its heritage value, both for its architecture and for its integration into the historical landscape of the Puy-de-Dôme. Today, owned by the commune of Cheix, it bears witness to medieval construction techniques and the adaptation of infrastructures to local needs, far from the major Roman axes.

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