Timeline

Heritage classified

Origin and history

The Fourques Bridge, also known as the Old Fourques Bridge, is a suspended structure built during the 2nd quarter of the 19th century. It crosses the Petit-Rhône and connects the communes of Fourques, located in the Gard, and Arles, in the Bouches-du-Rhône. This bridge, emblematic of the engineering of its time, was designed to facilitate trade between the two banks of the river, in an area marked by economic activity linked to agriculture and river trade.

The Fourques Bridge was listed as a historic monument on July 6, 1988, recognizing its heritage value. However, it has been closed to car traffic since 2023 because of its condition, which requires restoration. Today, only pedestrians and cyclists can borrow. Another, more recent bridge was built downstream to meet the needs of modern traffic.

This monument illustrates the evolution of construction techniques in the 19th century, during which time suspended bridges increased in France to meet the growing needs for mobility. Its location in the Camargue, an area rich in history and natural landscapes, makes it a key element of local heritage, both technical and cultural.

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