Timeline

Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The bridge over the Sorgues in Saint-Félix-de-Sorgues, also known as the Old Bridge, is a medieval building located in the Aveyron department in the Occitanie region. Built in the 14th and 15th centuries, it crosses the Sorgues River and is distinguished by its arches in the middle of the hang, one larger than the others, forming a characteristic donkey back. The structure is built in local limestone tuff, a typical material of the region, and its parapet is made of apparatus stone. This bridge is an example of medieval civil architecture, designed to facilitate exchanges and travel in a rural area.

The bridge consists of three uneven arches, with a central pile equipped with a triangular forebay, initially located in the middle of the river bed before subsequent modifications move its environment. The north abutment and slope of the roadway were altered at an indeterminate date, reflecting adaptations after its initial construction. This bridge, which has been a historic monument since 13 April 1944, illustrates medieval engineering and its integration into the natural and human landscape of Aveyron.

At the time of its construction, bridges played a crucial role in rural areas such as Aveyron. They made it possible to connect villages, thus facilitating trade, cultural exchanges and the movement of local people. In a context where river and land routes were essential for economic development, these structures were often built with local materials, such as limestone tufts, and designed to withstand flooding and weather. The Saint-Félix-de-Sorgues Bridge, with its architectural characteristics, bears witness to this strategic importance and the adaptation of communities to their environment.

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