Timeline

Heritage classified

Origin and history

The old bridge of Vouvant, also known locally as the Romanesque bridge, is a medieval stone work located at the eastern entrance of the commune of Vouvant, in the Vendée department. Built between the 13th and 15th centuries, it consists of three distinct arches: two in full hanger and a third in broken arch. Stone forks, typical of medieval bridges, separate these arches. This bridge once allowed access to the Moynes gate, one of the three entrances to the walled city, which is now extinct.

The Old Vouvant Bridge was added to the additional inventory of historic monuments on February 12, 1927, recognizing its heritage value. Although its precise dating remains uncertain for some parts, its architecture reflects medieval construction techniques, mixing arches in the middle (older) and broken arches (later). It is a rare testimony of the urban infrastructure of Vouvant at the time when the city was surrounded by ramparts.

Today, the bridge is owned by the municipality of Vouvant and remains an emblematic element of the local heritage. Its state of conservation and its integration into the urban landscape make it a remarkable site, often associated with the fortified history of the region. Available sources, such as the Merimée base or Wikipedia, confirm its historic role as a strategic point of access to the closed city.

External links