former bridge at Saint-Maurice-de-Sorgues

The former bridge at Saint-Maurice-de-Sorgues, a hamlet belonging to the commune of Fondamente in the Aveyron department, is a stone crossing over the Sorgue river at the foot of the Causse du Larzac. Despite its medieval-looking silhouette, the bridge actually dates from the 18th century and remains one of the more distinctive heritage sites in this corner of Occitanie.

Why was this bridge built here?

The site has carried strategic weight for centuries. A castle once stood in the Sorgue valley guarding a ford across the river, at a crossing point on the route linking Vabres-l'Abbaye and Lodève, two significant ecclesiastical centers of the region. The Montpaon family traced its origins to this very spot, and the surrounding commune was itself known as Montpaon for generations before being renamed Fondamente in 1987.

The bridge itself was built between 1723 and 1728 on the initiative of the bishops of Vabres and Lodève, who wanted travelers and pilgrims to have a reliable crossing in place of the old ford. Despite this 18th-century origin, the shape of its piers and its overall silhouette give it the look of a much older, medieval structure — a detail that regularly surprises visitors.

What does the bridge look like?

Stretching more than 61 meters, the bridge rests on eight arches: three principal arches spanning the main bed of the Sorgue, plus five smaller relief arches designed to let floodwater pass without damaging the structure, four of which sit on the left bank. The bridge is still in everyday use, carrying a communal road toward the village of Moules, the former Montpaon railway station, and the hamlet of Canabols.

Given its architectural and historical value, the bridge has been listed on France's supplementary inventory of historic monuments since 1969.

What history is tied to this spot?

The area around Saint-Maurice-de-Sorgues played a small but notable part in the turbulent years following the French Revolution. In 1799, the village served as a stronghold for royalist insurgents from the Larzac — the Chouans — who resisted revolutionary authority. It's a lesser-known chapter, but one that still shapes local memory of the region.

Why visit while exploring the Larzac?

Fondamente sits at the edge of the Causse du Larzac, a limestone plateau known for its dramatic landscapes, centuries-old pastoral traditions, and Roquefort cheese production. The old bridge makes a rewarding stop for anyone exploring the area on foot or by car, pairing the scenic charm of the Sorgue valley with an authentic, low-key monument well away from Aveyron's more crowded attractions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the bridge at Saint-Maurice-de-Sorgues actually medieval? No — despite its medieval appearance, the bridge was built between 1723 and 1728, making it an 18th-century structure.

How many arches does the bridge have? The bridge has eight arches in total: three main arches over the Sorgue riverbed and five smaller relief arches.

Can visitors still walk or drive across the bridge today? Yes, the bridge carries a communal road toward the village of Moules and the hamlet of Canabols, so it remains fully accessible on foot or by car.

Where exactly is Saint-Maurice-de-Sorgues located? It's a hamlet within the commune of Fondamente, in the Aveyron department, at the foot of the Causse du Larzac plateau.