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Origin and history

The Pont Vieux de Montauban was founded in the 12th century by Alphonse Jourdain, Count of Toulouse. The 1144 charter already provided for its construction to link the two banks of the Tarn, but high costs and conflicts delayed the project. The inhabitants obtained land in 1291, but the resources were still lacking to start work.

In 1304 Philip the Bel ordered the construction of the bridge, promising a royal grant for a three towered structure. The works, entrusted to Étienne de Ferrières and Mathieu de Verdun, began in 1311 but were marked by embezzlement and conflicts between the consuls of Montauban and the king's representatives. A royal investigation in 1311 revealed malfeasance, resulting in suspension of the consulate and financial convictions. The work resumed after 1315, with an estimate of 20 years for completion.

The bridge was probably completed around 1335, with two towers at the ends (instead of the three planned) and a chapel dedicated to Saint Catherine in the centre. The towers were gradually destroyed: that of right bank in 1663 for the episcopal palace, and that of left bank in 1701 for a triumphal gate. The chapel disappeared in 1828. The bridge served as a fortification during the sieges of Montauban (1562, 1621), sustained repeated damage.

Over the centuries, the bridge underwent several restorations: in 1667 by intendant Pellot, in 1758 to improve pedestrian traffic, and in 1881 with an enlargement. The medieval parapets were replaced by metal barriers in 1828, and the sidewalks were expanded in 1831. Ranked a historic monument in 1911, today it remains an iconic highway bridge, bearing witness to medieval engineering and the tumults of Montalban history.

Architecturally, the Pont Vieux is distinguished by its rare flat apron in the Middle Ages, its seven ogival arches of 21 to 22 meters opening, and its batteries equipped with beaks to withstand flooding. The openings above the spurs facilitated the evacuation of water, an innovation for the time. It is 205 metres long and illustrates the adaptation of construction techniques to the geographical and political challenges of Tarn-et-Garonne.

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