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Origin and history

The bridge of Coq, located on the communes of Ménerval and Saumont-la-Poterie in Seine-Maritime, dates from 1620-1640. Built in the framework of the Paris-Dieppe road axis, it crosses the Epte with a unique arch made of cut stone. This project aimed to quickly link the capital to the strategic port of Dieppe, while facilitating military and commercial travel. The road, along the Vexin and the country of Bray, included 13 works of art, including this bridge.

Before its construction, a medieval ford allowed the crossing of the river. The bridge of Coq became a key link for the royal troops, the merchants (path of the marée hunts), and even the court of France, as during the stay of Louis XIII and Richelieu at Forges-les-Eaux in 1632. Its decline began in the 18th century with the construction of a parallel paved road (1738), then in the 19th century with the arrival of the railway (1873), relegating the historical axis to the status of vicinal road.

Abandoned in the 20th century, the bridge was rediscovered in 2003 in a state of advanced ruin. An association, created in 2010, led a complete restoration between 2011 and 2017, revealing foundations on empierred radier and traces of old crossings (medieval ford, wooden bridge mentioned in 1548). Ranked a historic monument in 2004, it is now a hiking site, with explanatory panels and a work of art evoking its evil legend.

Architecturally, the bridge is distinguished by its arch in full hanger with polygonal harpsichords "on staircase", typical of the seventeenth century. Built in Portland limestone, it illustrates the techniques of the period for road art works. The excavations also revealed an original paved roadway and restored shorelines (living fascination) to preserve the authenticity of the site.

The local legend, reported by Abbé Concorde in 1856, says that a pact with the devil would have allowed its construction in one night. The first to cross to be delivered to Satan, a cock was thrown on the bridge, hence his name. This anecdote reflects folk stories associated with medieval and modern bridges in Europe.

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