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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The suspension bridge on the Cance, also known as the Moulin Bridge, crosses the Cance River between the municipalities of Quintenas and Vernosc-lès-Annonay, in the department of Ardèche. Built between 1863 and 1865, it was financed by the owner of the Quintenas mill, Mr. Léorat, who proposed to the two municipalities to cover the costs in exchange for financial compensation. This bridge, although inspired by Marc Seguin's techniques, was probably not designed by the latter, but rather by a family member or Seguin brothers.

The bridge was regularly maintained until the closing of the weaving plant which had replaced the mill in 1965. Despite its classification as a historic monument in 1981, it has been neglected for years. A complete identical renovation was carried out between 2012 and 2013, 85% financed by the State and local authorities, at a total cost of around €750,000. The work resulted in the restoration of carryable cables, the oak wooden deck and the guardrails, while adding modern safety features.

The construction of the bridge was motivated by the need to replace an old wooden bridge, unable to withstand the heavy convoys of the industrial era. Using wire lines, an economical and solid method for the time, it consists of four cables anchored in the laying of the banks and an oak apron. The restoration followed the original techniques, with galvanized soft iron cables and an oak wood floor.

The restoration project, initiated by the Syndicat des Trois Rivières, started in 2003 and was led by the architect of the Historical Monuments, Olivier Naviglio. The work, which lasted one year, included the resumption of the masonry pillars and the installation of a scaffolding under the bridge to facilitate the work. The inauguration took place on November 7, 2013, in the presence of the sub-prefect of Tournon-sur-Rhône.

Today, the bridge could become an important tourist site, notably thanks to a project to classify the valley of the Lower Cance as a bicycle link between the Loire network and the Viarhôna. Explanatory signs were installed to inform visitors about its history and restoration.

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