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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Old Bridge, known as Pont du Diable, is an 11th century Romanesque building located in Saint-André-de-Chalencon, Haute-Loire. It spans the river Ance, marking the boundary between the communes of Saint-André-de-Chalencon and Tirenges. This arched bridge, consisting of two arches with openings of 22.80 m and 11.80 m, is bordered by a 50 cm parapet and has a pronounced donkey back apron. Its historic role was to link the Château de Chalençon to Retournac, although its present state seems to date rather from the 15th century.

According to local legend, the bridge was built thanks to a pact between the Lord of Chalençon and the Devil. The latter required the soul of the first person crossing the work. The lord, ready to sacrifice himself, was saved by his dog who preceded him. A stone thrown by the Devil, furious, would always be visible at the foot of the bridge. This account illustrates medieval beliefs related to the bold constructions of the time.

Ranked a historic monument on December 24, 1913, the bridge is now owned by the commune. Its architecture, with a thick central pile of 2.25 m and avant-becs, bears witness to medieval construction techniques. The arches in the middle of the hanger, the trimmings in rubble and the apron paved with large slabs are characteristic of Romanesque art. The site, accessible by a winding path from Tirenges, offers a preserved natural setting, suitable for visits and picnics.

The bridge serves the castle of Chalençon, seat of the eponymous noble house from the 10th century. Its history is linked to the frequent floods of the Ance, which, according to oral tradition, motivated supernatural intervention for its stability. Historical sources, such as Marcel Prade's work, confirm its heritage importance in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The powerful flow of the river, accentuated by dam releases, recalls the technical challenges overcome by its builders.

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