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Origin and history

The Clausonnes aqueduct, also known as the aqueduct of the Bouillide, was one of the two water supply systems built by the Romans to supply Antipolis (Antibes). A length of about 16 km, it had two branches joining near the Valmasque aqueduct bridge, before crossing the Goa valley via a four-span structure, of which today remains remains remains (early arches and a pile). The main source of the Bouillide branch was in Valbonne, while the Valmasque branch was in Mougins. It was originally planned to reach Rue de la République in Antibes, after crossing the Vallon de Laval and the current Place De Gaulle.

Archaeological studies suggest that the Bouillide aqueduct, older than that of the Old Font (dated from the beginning of the second century), dates back to the last third of the first century. It was designed to feed strategic points such as the Roman fountain in the garden of the presbytery. Among its remarkable works, the partially preserved Goa Water Bridge illustrates Roman construction techniques. Parallels were established with the Fréjus aqueduct, highlighting structural similarities. The ensemble was classified as a historical monument by order of 25 July 1936, thus protecting its remains still visible along its route.

Recent excavations and research have made it possible to clarify the route of the aqueduct, especially in the urban area of Antibes, where fragments have been discovered rue du Haut-Castellet. A 60 m3 tank, probably powered by rainwater recovery, was also discovered in 2009 in Mount Dor de Souchère. These discoveries complement the understanding of the Roman hydraulic system in the region, while highlighting its importance for the urban development of Antipolis. The works of Jules Formigé and other archaeologists, such as Jean Foucras and Paul Garczynski, have helped document this work, whose remains still bear witness to Roman engineering.

The Clausonnes water pipeline is part of a wider water management context under the Roman Empire, where the coastal cities of Provence, like Antibes, depended on these infrastructures for their supply. Comparison with other regional aqueducts, such as Fréjus, reveals common constructive practices adapted to local topographic constraints. Although partially destroyed, this monument remains a significant example of the ancient hydraulic heritage in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, illustrating both the growing needs of the Roman cities and the know-how of the engineers of the time.

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