Crossing the 108m high Pont Du Chatelet
France, europe
3.3 km
28 m
moderate
Year-round
# Pont Du Châtelet: A Hidden Alpine Gem
Nestled in the remote corners of southeastern France near the Italian border, Pont Du Châtelet is a jaw-dropping narrow stone arch bridge that deserves a spot on every adventurous traveler's bucket list. This stunning structure sits in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, deep within the picturesque Ubaye valley.
The bridge is the gateway to Fouillouse, a charming little hamlet that's only accessible by vehicle through this route. You'll wind along Route de Fouillouse, a modest 3.3km (2.05 miles) stretch of road branching off from the paved D25, and suddenly this architectural marvel appears before you.
Built between 1880 and 1882, then officially opened to traffic in 1888, Pont Du Châtelet is seriously impressive. The elegant arch spans 28.36 meters (93 feet) across the Ubaye river, perched an incredible 108 meters (354 feet) above the water below. Don't let the narrow 3-meter width fool you—this beautifully engineered stone bridge has stood the test of time. It even survived a mine explosion during World War II that destroyed part of the causeway; the arch itself held strong and remains standing today.
This is one of those roads that rewards the curious explorer with views and experiences you simply won't find anywhere else. If you're hunting for off-the-beaten-path alpine adventures, this is absolutely worth the detour.
Where is it?
Crossing the 108m high Pont Du Chatelet is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 47.2982, 1.4929
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 3.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 28 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 47.2982, 1.4929
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