A true work of art, combining technical and aesthetic prowess, this bridge was built to provide a link between the upper town and the forts located on the left bank of the Durance.
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An aerial and vertiginous work of art, the Asfeld Bridge has spanned the Durance since the 18th century to link the upper town of Briançon and the forts that defend it.
As part of the work program begun in 1720 under the orders of the Marquis of Asfeld, who gave it his name, this stone bridge plays a central role in the defense of Briançon, an indispensable stronghold in the Alps and a veritable defensive lock in the Durance valley. This daring work, which in a single arch spans a 55 meter deep gorge, connects the upper town and the forts built on the plateau des Têtes, on the left bank of the Durance.
In the middle of the bridge, an iron cross crowning a stone pyramid has been installed. A bronze plaque, a facsimile of the original one, displays the date 1731, which corresponds to the elevation of the Marquis d'Asfeld to the title of Marshal of France. Completely renovated in 1987, the Asfeld bridge is part of the works classified as World Heritage by UNESCO as part of the fortifications of Vauban.
As part of the work program begun in 1720 under the orders of the Marquis of Asfeld, who gave it his name, this stone bridge plays a central role in the defense of Briançon, an indispensable stronghold in the Alps and a veritable defensive lock in the Durance valley. This daring work, which in a single arch spans a 55 meter deep gorge, connects the upper town and the forts built on the plateau des Têtes, on the left bank of the Durance.
In the middle of the bridge, an iron cross crowning a stone pyramid has been installed. A bronze plaque, a facsimile of the original one, displays the date 1731, which corresponds to the elevation of the Marquis d'Asfeld to the title of Marshal of France. Completely renovated in 1987, the Asfeld bridge is part of the works classified as World Heritage by UNESCO as part of the fortifications of Vauban.
An aerial and vertiginous work of art, the Asfeld Bridge has spanned the Durance since the 18th century to link the upper town of Briançon and the forts that defend it.
As part of the work program begun in 1720 under the orders of the Marquis of Asfeld, who gave it his name, this stone bridge plays a central role in the defense of Briançon, an indispensable stronghold in the Alps and a veritable defensive lock in the Durance valley. This daring work, which in a single arch spans a 55 meter...
As part of the work program begun in 1720 under the orders of the Marquis of Asfeld, who gave it his name, this stone bridge plays a central role in the defense of Briançon, an indispensable stronghold in the Alps and a veritable defensive lock in the Durance valley. This daring work, which in a single arch spans a 55 meter...
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Location
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- To see the Asfeld bridge, you have to go out through the Durance gate on the eastern side of the town. Go down the small path, sensations guaranteed!
