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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Roman bridge of Vaison-la-Romane is an ancient building built in the 1st century AD to connect the ancient districts of the right bank of the Ouvèze to the medieval Upper Town, on the left bank. Anchored in the rock between Sus-Auze hill and the castle rock, it dominates a natural narrowing of the river, 9.50 meters wide. This bridge, 15 meters long and 9 meters wide, consists of a unique arch of 17.20 meters of range, topped by five arches in full parallel hanger. Ranked a historic monument in 1840, it survived intact nearly 2,000 years of history, despite devastating floods and conflicts.

Several events marked its history: in 1616, a flood took its parapets (whose Roman origin remains uncertain). During World War II, a German blasting in 1944 damaged its vault, requiring repairs in 1953. On 22 September 1992, he resisted a deadly flood of Ouvèze (37 dead), suffering only minor damage on his parapet. These episodes testify to its robustness, despite climatic and human hazards.

From an architectural point of view, the bridge illustrates Roman genius: its structure rests on eleven harpsels per arc, connected only to the level of the vault keys. Climbing at 12.55 meters above the river, it combines functionality and aesthetics, with a design adapted to the frequent floods of Ouvèze. Today, it remains a symbol of Roman Provence, accessible to the public and property of the commune of Vaison-la-Romane.

Historical sources, such as the works of Serge Panarotto or Didier Jaeger, underline its hydraulic and architectural importance. The bridge is also referenced in the Merimée and Structurae bases, confirming its exceptional heritage status. Its exact address, 1 Quai Mal Foch, and its Insee code (84137) permanently anchor this monument in the Valencian territory.

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