Pont au Diable w Pouilly-sous-Charlieu

Pont au Diable is a stone bridge in Pouilly-sous-Charlieu, a small commune in the Loire department of France. Built before the year 1320, it ranks among the oldest surviving bridge structures in this part of the country, and since 1928 it has held the status of a French historical monument (monument historique), classified as classé MH — the highest level of heritage protection granted in France.

What makes this bridge notable?

Its name, meaning "Devil's Bridge," is not unique to this location — the same label appears on numerous medieval bridges across France. The nickname traces back to a recurring folk legend: builders who struggled with a technically difficult crossing were said to have made a deal with the devil, who finished the work overnight in exchange for the soul of the first living creature to cross. Whether or not any such story was ever told specifically about this bridge, the pattern reflects how medieval communities made sense of engineering that seemed to exceed the ordinary means of the time.

The bridge itself, constructed before 1320, is a product of medieval stone-arch building techniques. Structures like this had to withstand centuries of traffic loads and the constant pressure of flowing water, and the fact that it survives intact enough to warrant official heritage listing speaks to the quality of the original craftsmanship.

Where exactly is it located?

Pouilly-sous-Charlieu sits in the Loire department, within the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, close to the small town of Charlieu — best known for its former Benedictine abbey. The bridge's coordinates are roughly 46.15°N, 4.16°E, placing it in the Loire river valley, an area of gently rolling farmland dotted with historic villages that have kept much of their traditional character.

How to get there

The easiest way to reach the bridge is by car. Pouilly-sous-Charlieu lies a short distance from Roanne, the main urban center in the area, with local roads connecting through Charlieu to Pouilly. Travelers without a car can take a train to Roanne and continue by local transport or taxi — the village itself is small enough that the bridge is easy to find on foot once you arrive.

What else is worth seeing nearby?

A visit to the bridge pairs naturally with a stop in nearby Charlieu, whose old town and abbey ruins offer a fuller picture of the region's medieval past. Together, the stone bridge, the abbey remains, and the historic townscape give visitors a coherent sense of what daily life and craftsmanship looked like in this corner of France centuries ago.

When is the best time to visit?

Since the bridge is an outdoor site, it can be visited year-round. Spring and autumn bring the mildest weather and the most flattering light for photographs, while summer offers warmer conditions and is a convenient season for combining the visit with other attractions across the Loire department.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is the Pont au Diable in Pouilly-sous-Charlieu? The bridge was built before 1320, making it more than 700 years old.

Is the bridge officially protected? Yes, it has been listed as a monument historique (classé MH) since 1928, the highest level of heritage protection in France.

Why is it called the "Devil's Bridge"? The name follows a common French tradition applied to many old bridges, tied to folk legends about the devil helping build difficult crossings in exchange for a soul.

Is it worth combining with a visit to Charlieu? Yes, the nearby town of Charlieu, with its medieval abbey, makes a natural addition to a visit in this part of the Loire department.