Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The bridge over the Vaire du Fugeret is an art building in the municipality of the same name, in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department. Built mainly in the 18th century, it replaces an old bridge whose left abutment is attested on a 1764-1765 military map. This unique arch bridge in basket handle, with a range of 13 meters, was designed to cross the river Vaire. Its construction was initiated in 1754, with an estimate drawn up by the engineer Laurent-Alexandre Vallon, then awarded in 1758 to the entrepreneur Joseph Béroard. The work was received in July 1759, as evidenced by the date engraved on the key of the arch.

An oratory dedicated to Saint Joseph, installed in 1720 on the northern parapet, was inscribed in the Historic Monuments in 1966. This oratory, probably built to protect the village from the plague, was restored or replaced in 1820 by Jacques Sauvan. The bridge itself, characterized by a mixed masonry (cut stone and rubble), underwent significant restorations in the 20th century. It was listed in the Historic Monuments Inventory on February 19, 1981, recognizing its heritage value.

The bridge illustrates 18th-century provincial construction techniques, with architectural details such as the bolt holes visible at the birth of the arch. Nearby, a former washhouse, transformed at the end of the 19th century, recalls the evolution of local usage around this strategic crossing point. Owned by the commune, there is still a testimony of the rural infrastructures of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region.

The sources also mention key actors such as architect Vallon, who supervised the works, and contractor Joseph Béroard, responsible for the realization. The minutes of receipt of the works, signed in 1759 and confirmed in 1764, attest to the administrative rigour of the time. This bridge, still in place, embodies both a technical feat and a cultural heritage for Le Fugeret.

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