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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Nyons Bridge is a masonry structure built between the 2nd quarter of the 14th century and the 1st quarter of the 15th century, in a context of urban expansion of Nyons. The medieval village, initially centered around the Forts, then spread east with two new districts. The need to cross the Eygues, a torrential stream, motivates its construction at the end of the suburb, where the valley narrows. The plans are attributed to the brothers of the Holy Spirit, and its financing is ensured by a local tax (the twenty-nine, a twentieth of the harvests) as well as by donations encouraged by the bishops of Vaison-la-Romane, Valencia and Die, who grant indulgences to the contributors.

Work began in 1341 but progressed slowly: after half a century, only the abutments were completed. In 1398, a contract was signed with Guillaume de Pays, carrier and carpenter of Romans, to build a single arch of 40.5 meters between the existing piles, for 1,200 florins of gold. The community provides materials, labour and housing. The bridge was probably completed before 1405 and inaugurated in 1409 by the bishop of Vaison. Until the 19th century, a toll tower controlled access, symbolizing its economic and strategic role.

The structure is distinguished by its technical characteristics: a large arch of limestone blocks, a range of 40.5 meters and a height of 19 meters, with triangular spurs protecting the foundations. Its width (3.95 m) and steep slopes (>10%) long prohibit the passage of coupled vehicles. In the 19th century, the tower was destroyed and the accesses modified to allow car traffic, although the crossing remained impossible. It remained the only bridge on the Eygues at Nyons until 1970 when the bridge of Europe was built.

Ranked a historic monument in 1925, the Romanesque bridge of Nyons is celebrated for its architectural audacity and seniority. Its sixth centennial in 2009 is marked by local festivities. Today, it still embodies a key element of the Nyon heritage, combining functionality and medieval heritage.

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