Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Robinet Bridge, also known as the Donzère Bridge or the Robinet Bridge, is a suspension bridge crossing the Rhône between Donzère (Drôme) and Viviers (Ardèche). His name would come from Robin Berton, says Robinet, owner of the land. This crossing point, used since Roman times, saw the installation of a trailing ferry in 1804, replaced by the current bridge between 1845 and 1847 under the impulse of Hubert Fournéry, authorized to collect tolls for 99 years.

The bridge suffered several major damage: a storm in 1854, floods in 1856, and destruction during the Second World War by the Resistance to hinder the German retreat. Reconstructed in 1950, it was almost dismantled in 1974 for security reasons, but was finally secured and reopened in 1979. Since 1985, it has been listed as a historical monument.

The bridge, 300 meters long with three spans, was designed by the renowned engineers Seguin brothers. He underwent numerous renovations, notably in 1902 to stiffen his structure, and in 2010 to replace his wooden platform. He even appeared in the video Star Guitar of the Chemical Brothers in 2002, directed by Michel Gondry.

Its history reflects its strategic and economic importance, from the tolls granted in 877 and 1147 to its present role as a link between the two banks of the Rhône. Despite technical and historical challenges, it remains a symbol of resilience and engineering.

The pyramid of the old ferry, located nearby, has also been protected since 1985. Today, the bridge is owned by the Drôme department and continues to serve as a road crossing, despite a maximum load limited to 3.5 tons.

The reparations of the 2000s and recent works demonstrate the desire to preserve this emblematic heritage, combining industrial history, global conflicts and popular culture.

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