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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The bridge over the Célé, located in Bagnac-sur-Célé in the Lot department (Occitanie), is a medieval work that is often mistakenly called the Roman bridge. Although its popular name evokes an ancient origin, studies, especially those of Marcel Prade, suggest a later construction, probably in the fourteenth century. This three arched bridge, of ogival type or in full hanger, has typical architectural features of the Middle Ages, such as tapered triangular foreclosures and stone glacis. He has undergone several repairs over the centuries, attesting to his continued use.

The monument is distinguished by its structure in three arches of 6.70 meters opening, resting on two batteries equipped with sharp fore-beeks. The carriageway, on the back of a pronounced donkey, is about 2.66 meters wide for a total length of 33 meters (covered). Listed as historical monuments by order of 11 January 1951, this bridge illustrates local medieval engineering. Today, it belongs to the commune of Bagnac-sur-Célé and remains a testimony of the exchanges and river crossings in this rural area.

The location of the bridge on Célé, a navigable and strategic river in the Middle Ages, underscores its historic role in regional travel and trade. The forewings, designed to withstand flooding, reflect a technical adaptation to natural stresses. Although the sources do not specify sponsors or artisans, the building is part of Quercy's vernacular heritage, marked by stone bridges designed to connect towns and farmland.

The available data refer to a location accuracy considered "a priori satisfactory" (level 6/10), with an approximate address at the place called Chemin de la Font Fraîche. The bridge, still visible today, is the subject of a heritage interest, as evidenced by the photographs licensed under Creative Commons and its record in the Mérimée base. No information indicates a closure on the visit or a specific tourist use.

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