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Origin and history

The bridge of Deyme is a red brick structure of the 4th quarter of the 17th century, located on the Canal du Midi between the communes of Deyme and Pompertuzat, in Haute-Garonne. It has a vault in the middle of the cintre characteristic of the period, and was initially used as a road bridge between Belberaud and Pompertuzat via the departmental road D94. This type of standardized construction illustrates the architectural unit of the canal, especially for works between Toulouse and the Naurouze basin.

Destroyed on 12 April 1814 by the troops of Marshal Soult during their retreat after the Battle of Toulouse, the bridge was rebuilt in 1821. The traces of this destruction and its repair are still visible today. In 1998, it was listed as historic monuments for its heritage interest related to the history of the Canal du Midi. A traffic accident in May 2016 damaged its downstream railing, requiring restoration work undertaken in 2019.

The Deyme Bridge is part of a set of art works (locks, aqueducts, etc.) designed for the Canal du Midi, reflecting a technical and dimensional standardization specific to this large-scale project. Its location near Toulouse, 15 km south-east, makes it a witness of hydraulic engineering and the challenges of modern transport. It is also a reminder of its practical use for animals and travellers.

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