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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Gallo-Roman water supply in Aix-en-Provence, known as the First Water Bridge, dates back to the first century and was part of a hydraulic system supplying the ancient Roman city of Aquae Sextiae (now Aix). Three aqueducts converged to this point: those of Vauvenargues, Pinchinats and Saint-Antonin. Today, there is only a vault in the middle of Bibemus stone, spanning the Malakoff cross. This vestige, classified as a historical monument in 1963, is partially masked by the Zola Canal (1854), built in the same location.

The 1963 classification concerns both the main vault and two other elements integrated in walls of the residence Les Deux Cents Accomodations, Cours des Alpes. These remains, owned by the commune, illustrate Roman engineering in Provence. The original vault, visible from the back of the Zola Canal bridge, bears witness to the Gallo-Roman mastery of water management, essential for the urban development of Aquae Sextiae.

The site suffers from an approximate location (estimated precision at 5/10), with GPS coordinates pointing to the Malakoff crossing. Although partially accessible, its state of conservation and its integration into the modern urban fabric raise questions about its heritage value. Available sources (Wikipedia, Monumentum, Merimée base) confirm its status as a historical monument, without specifying any recent restorations.

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