Pont de la Basse Verrerie

Pont de la Basse Verrerie is a stone medieval bridge in Le Cannet-des-Maures, a small commune in the Var department of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France. Standing over the Aille river at the hamlet known as La Basse Verrerie, it ranks among the oldest surviving road structures on the Plaine des Maures.

Where exactly is the bridge located?

The bridge sits on the outskirts of Le Cannet-des-Maures, along the former road that once linked the village to Saint-Tropez. It spans the Aille, the most important watercourse running through the Plaine des Maures, which later joins the Argens river. About 200 meters away stands a modern bridge carrying the D48 departmental road, which now handles all vehicle traffic that once crossed here.

What is the history behind the bridge?

The structure was likely built around the 15th century, though some records trace its origins back to the 14th century. Repairs and partial rebuilding took place in the 19th century, around 1865, so the bridge visible today combines medieval stonework with later additions. For centuries it carried traffic on the road between Cannet and Saint-Tropez and served as part of the departmental road network — an old kilometer marker still standing beside it recalls that former role. On June 22, 1943, the bridge was listed as a monument historique under reference PA00081569, granting it formal heritage protection.

What does the bridge look like and what can visitors see on site?

The structure rests on three main arches built from local stone in a style typical of Provençal bridge construction. It no longer carries vehicle traffic and today serves pedestrians only, making it a quiet stop along a walking route beside the Aille. Nearby, still within Le Cannet-des-Maures, stands a second historic structure of the same name family — the Pont de la Haute Verrerie, an 18th-century bridge dating to around 1752. It is an entirely separate structure with a different history and form.

How can visitors reach Pont de la Basse Verrerie?

The easiest way is to drive to Le Cannet-des-Maures and continue on foot along the old road toward La Basse Verrerie; the bridge lies a short distance from the village. It makes a good short-walk destination for anyone exploring the area around Le Luc and La Garde-Freinet, pairing a stroll with a piece of local road-engineering history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you still drive across Pont de la Basse Verrerie? No. The bridge is now pedestrian-only — all vehicle traffic has been moved to the nearby D48 road bridge, about 200 meters away.

How old is the bridge? Its oldest elements date to around the 15th century, with some sources pointing to 14th-century origins, and it underwent partial reconstruction in the 19th century, around 1865.

Is Pont de la Basse Verrerie a protected heritage site? Yes, it was listed as a monument historique on June 22, 1943, under reference PA00081569.

How does it differ from Pont de la Haute Verrerie? They are two separate bridges in the same commune. Pont de la Haute Verrerie dates from the 18th century, around 1752, while Pont de la Basse Verrerie is older, with medieval origins.