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Origin and history

The Veyrac Colombier Bridge is an exceptional building, considered unique in France and Europe, combining the functions of bridge and dovecote. Built in the 17th century on the Glanet Creek, it consists of a lower level allowing to cross the river via five arches in the middle of the hang, and a upper floor serving as a dovecote accessible by a hatch. Originally, it connected the left bank, where the castle orchard was, and could house up to 4000 pigeons. Its shallow roof, covered with tiles, and its lateral openings make it a rare example of utility and seigneurial architecture.

The building was probably erected by Jean de Londeix, Sieur de la Puytignon, who acquired the mansion of Veyrac in 1626. Originally, a second symmetrical dovecote existed on the other side of the road leading to the mansion, but it was destroyed in the early 19th century, leaving only remains of a culvert. The current columber bridge, classified as a historic monument on October 12, 1973, is located at the southeast exit of the village, near the cemetery. Its architecture includes peppers surmounted by balls at the ends of the batteries, as well as a protruding cornice to protect the dovecote from rodents.

The monument is part of the history of Veyrac's seigneurial estate, whose original castle, built for Jean de Veyrac (bishop of Limoges in 1198), was partially destroyed during the Revolution. The dovecote-bridge, mentioned in an act of 1770, bears witness to the symbolic and practical importance of pigeons in noble domains, reserved for the breeding of pigeons, seigneurial privilege. Today, it is a remarkable remnant of this heritage, combined with a remaining octagonal dungeon and a park on the site of the old courtyard.

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