Langlois Bridge

The Langlois Bridge is a small drawbridge on the outskirts of Arles in southern France, famous worldwide thanks to Vincent van Gogh's paintings from 1888. Although the original structure no longer stands, a faithful reconstruction remains on site today, drawing art lovers and history enthusiasts to this quiet corner of Provence.

What is this place?

The Langlois Bridge (French: Pont de Langlois, also known as Pont Van-Gogh) was one of eleven wooden drawbridges built along the canal connecting Arles to Port-de-Bouc. The canal was designed to improve water transport between Arles and the Mediterranean coast, and the drawbridges allowed barges and other vessels to pass beneath them. The bridges are attributed to a Dutch engineer, which is thought to have reminded van Gogh of his homeland during his time living in Arles.

The double-beam, symmetrical design, with wooden spans and a rope-and-counterweight lifting mechanism, was a distinctive feature of the Provençal landscape in the 19th century. Today, a reconstruction stands where the original bridge once did, letting visitors picture the scene much as the Dutch painter saw it.

Why is the bridge so famous?

The bridge owes its fame to Vincent van Gogh, who painted it several times during his stay in Arles in 1888, producing some of the most recognizable works of his career. These paintings capture the distinctive silhouette of the drawbridge against the Provençal sky and water, often with figures washing laundry or crossing the bridge in the scene. Thanks to these canvases, the bridge became an informal symbol of the artist's connection to Arles and the surrounding region, alongside other motifs like his café scenes and sunflower fields.

How to get there?

The bridge sits on the edge of Arles, a few kilometers from the historic city center. The easiest way to reach it is by car or bicycle, following scenic roads that trace the old canal. Visitors without their own transport can take a local bus from central Arles or arrange a taxi. It's worth planning the trip to combine the bridge with a walk through the surrounding countryside, which has kept its rural, Provençal character.

What will you see on site?

Visitors can admire the reconstruction of the distinctive drawbridge, closely resembling the one immortalized in van Gogh's paintings. The site is popular with art fans eager to see, in person, the landscape captured on canvas. Around it stretch quiet rural surroundings typical of the Arles countryside, with views over the canal and the surrounding nature.

When to visit?

Spring and autumn are the best times to visit, when temperatures are mild and the morning or sunset light echoes the mood found in van Gogh's paintings. Summers in Provence can get very hot, so an early-morning visit is recommended. The bridge pairs well with a full day exploring Arles, including other sites connected to the artist's time in the city.

Frequently asked questions

Does the original Langlois Bridge still exist? No, the original structure from van Gogh's time was not preserved in its original form. What visitors see today is a reconstruction based on the bridge's historic appearance.

Why is the bridge called Langlois? The name comes from one of the drawbridges built along the canal from Arles to Port-de-Bouc, designed by a Dutch engineer.

How many paintings did van Gogh make of this bridge? Van Gogh created several versions of this motif during his stay in Arles in 1888, showing how much the scene captured his imagination.

Is the bridge worth visiting if I'm not interested in art? Yes — it's a peaceful spot with views over the Provençal countryside and the historic canal, making a good short, scenic stop while exploring the area around Arles.