The old bridge

Details of the activity

AN AUTREFOIS FORTIFIED BRIDGE Imagine this bridge, 151m long, locked on both sides by drawbridges, hence the narrower arches that can be seen at the ends. It was defended in its center by the fortified tower of Notre Dame, which has now disappeared. Back in history: in 1040, the construction of a bridge was decided and financed by part of the income from the ferry operated by the chapter to cross the Tarn. At that time, France experienced a "bridge fever" due to the development of traffic, a consequence of productive, demographic and commercial growth. In the 16th century, this bridge had a completely different appearance, since half-timbered houses of 60 to 80 m² straddled the road. Eleven families lived there, tanners, shoemakers, weavers, fullers, fruit merchants. In 1766, following a major flood of the Tarn, the City bought back the damaged houses to destroy them.