Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Carpentras aqueduct, built in the early eighteenth century, replaces an old medieval system that has become obsolete. Commanded according to the plans of engineer Jean de Clapiès in 1720, its construction was interrupted in 1721 by the plague and financial crisis linked to the law system. The work resumed in 1729 under the direction of the architect Antoine German, who strengthened the structure to ensure its solidity.

The building, completed in 1734, comprises 48 arches and extends over 914 meters, culminating at 25 meters high. It allows water to be transported from the sources of Caromb and Barroux to the fountains of Carpentras, but its financing is heavily indebted to the municipality. A local tax, the size of fountains, is created to repay the loans contracted. The lake remained in service until 1893-1894 and was classified as a historic monument in 1947.

The stones used come from Caromb quarries. The architect Antoine d'German, in recognition of his work, enjoys privileged access to drinking water in his two houses, financed by the city. The aqueduct symbolizes the technical and financial challenges of water supply in the modern era, while marking the landscape of Carpentras.

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