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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The bridge over Galion is a single arched stone bridge built between 1773 and 1780 in the commune of Basse-Terre, Guadeloupe. Located close to Fort Delgrès, it overlooks the Galion River of a height of about 30 meters, with a range of 35 meters. Originally, its ends were equipped with wooden aprons, designed to be destroyed in the event of enemy invasion, illustrating its strategic role in defending the region.

Designed by engineer Labbé de Talcy, this bridge was listed as historic monuments on 6 March 1979. Still in service after more than two centuries of use, it connects the upper district of Basse-Terre to the commune of Gourbeyre via the departmental road D25. Between 2014 and 2015, major rehabilitation works (masonry, earthworks, creation of a pedestrian bridge) were carried out at a cost of €2.5 million, in order to preserve its structure and improve traffic.

The bridge embodies a major architectural and historical heritage of Guadeloupe, testifying to the 18th century construction techniques and the adaptation of the infrastructure to the military and civil challenges of the time. Its regular maintenance reflects its continued importance for local travel and collective memory.

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