Bridge in ruins 1736 (≈ 1736)
Initial degradation of bridge prior to reconstruction.
1752
Start of reconstruction
Start of reconstruction 1752 (≈ 1752)
Works directed by Aubert, Vezien and Gerdy.
12 décembre 1996
Registration Historic Monument
Registration Historic Monument 12 décembre 1996 (≈ 1996)
Official protection of the bridge by order.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Key figures
Pierre Aubert - Architect
Head of bridge reconstruction.
Pierre Vezien - Architect
Collaborating in the reconstruction of the bridge.
Pierre Gerdy - Entrepreneur
Responsible for reconstruction work.
Origin and history
The Ricey-Haut Bridge, located in the Riceys in the department of Aube (Great East region), is a historic monument built in the middle of the eighteenth century. This stone bridge, composed of five arches, spans the Laignes River near Place Germigny. It was rebuilt between 1752 and the end of the 18th century, after having been in ruins since 1736, under the direction of architects Pierre Aubert and Pierre Vezien, assisted by the entrepreneur Pierre Gerdy. Its registration as a Historic Monument by order of 12 December 1996 underlines its heritage importance.
The reconstruction of the bridge in the 18th century is part of the development of local infrastructure, essential for trade and transport in the region. At that time, stone bridges were strategic works, often financed by local communities or lords, to facilitate movement and strengthen links between villages. This type of construction also reflects the evolution of architectural techniques and the increasing importance attached to the sustainability of materials, such as stone, in large-scale projects.
The Ricey-Haut bridge, now owned by the Aube department, illustrates the architectural heritage of Champagne-Ardenne. Its current state and location on CD 452 make it a significant part of the Riceys landscape, a village known for its wine and historical heritage. The accuracy of its location, assessed as "a priori satisfactory", makes it possible to situate it precisely at the address 19 Rue du Pont, strengthening its anchor in the local territory.
