Timeline

Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Charles-Martel Bridge is a medieval building located in the village of La Roque-sur-Cèze, in the Gard. Crossing the river Cèze, tributary of the Rhône, it is distinguished by its structure in ten arches in full hang and a slight back of central donkey. Triangular forks protect its batteries from flooding, demonstrating engineering adapted to river constraints. Although its construction was estimated between the 12th and 14th centuries, the sources agreed on a main dating in the 14th century, when it was part of the Occitan rural landscape.

Ranked a historic monument by order of 23 October 1980, the bridge embodies the local architectural heritage. Its recent history is marked by major damage during the floods of September 2002, recalling its vulnerability to the whims of the Cèze. Owned by the municipality, there remains a symbol of exchanges and mobility in this area marked by rivers and reliefs.

The bridge is integrated into a medieval context where works of art facilitated commercial and military travel. In the Gard, as in Occitanie, bridges were strategic points for local lords and village communities. Their maintenance often reflected the economic importance of the axes they served, linking towns and countryside. La Cèze, in particular, played a key role in the exchanges between the Cevennes and the Rhône valley, justifying the construction of sustainable works such as La Roque-sur-Cèze.

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