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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The old bridge of Lauzet, often called "Roman bridge" although its construction dates back to the 14th or 15th century, is located in the municipality of Lauzet-Ubaye, in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. This bridge in irregular rubble, of a rough structure, spans the Ubaye with a single arch of 11 meters opening. Despite its name, no evidence confirms an ancient origin, and its name could come from a local tradition or historical confusion.

The bridge appeared for the first time on military plans raised in 1693 at the request of Vauban, as part of the Fort Saint Vincent fortification project. He was also represented on maps of 1749 and 1778, but remained absent from Cassini's map published in 1779, suggesting moderate strategic importance. Major works were carried out there in 1881, 1902 and around 1975, reflecting its continued use despite the centuries.

The bridge has been a historic monument since 3 November 1987 and has remarkable dimensions: 22.70 metres long, 3.50 metres wide, and a height of 31 metres above the Ubaye. Its thickness ranges from 2.50 meters at the key to 8.50 meters at the birth of the arch, illustrating a design adapted to the topographic and hydraulic constraints of the region. Its property today belongs to the municipality of Lauzet-Ubaye.

Historical sources are lacking to accurately trace its origin, but works such as Historic Monument Bridges (Marcel Prade, 1988) or D-on-shore (Philippe Auran et al., 2006) cite it as examples of Provencal vernacular architecture. Its inscription among protected monuments underlines its role in the local heritage, between medieval heritage and modern adaptations.

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