Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The large bridge of La Charité-sur-Loire replaces an old 16th century wooden bridge. Its stone construction began in the 17th century under the direction of engineers Berthe and Poictevin. The work is distinguished by its ten arches of various profiles, combining arches in full hanger, basket handles and segmental, reflecting evolutionary techniques.

In the 18th century, beginning in 1731, the oldest arches were rebuilt or consolidated under the successive supervision of Pitrou and then Gendrier. This work marks a major phase of structural improvement, adapting the bridge to the increasing needs of traffic and flood resistance in the Loire.

During World War II, in 1944, a German bombardment partially destroyed the work. The first three arches on the city side are then rebuilt to the old, in order to preserve the original style. This bridge, classified as a Historical Monument in 2003, bears witness to centuries of technical history and adaptations to hazards.

Its heterogeneous architecture, mixing elements from the seventeenth, eighteenth and twentieth centuries, makes it a rare example of a palimpsest bridge, where each era has left a visible imprint. Today, there remains a symbol of Burgundy river heritage and a witness to the conflicts that have marked the region.

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