Pont de la reine Jeanne (Entrepierres)

Pont de la reine Jeanne (Queen Jeanne's Bridge) in Entrepierres, in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department of southeastern France, is a 16th-century stone bridge spanning the Vançon river. It ranks among the most distinctive heritage sites in this quiet corner of Provence.

Where does the bridge's name come from?

The bridge is named after Queen Jeanne I of Anjou, Queen of Naples and Countess of Provence, a ruler still remembered locally for the goodwill she showed toward the people of Sisteron. According to local tradition, she improved living conditions for residents in the area, and this crossing over the Vançon is said to reflect the gratitude that followed.

What does the bridge look like, and where exactly is it?

The structure links the hamlets of Vilhosc and Saint-Symphorien, both within the commune of Entrepierres. Its humpbacked profile carries on a medieval bridge-building tradition, even though the bridge itself dates only from the 16th century. The scale is striking for such a narrow crossing: the roadway is barely two metres wide, yet the bridge stretches roughly 35 metres in length and rises some 10 metres above the riverbed - a genuine feat of engineering for its time, spanning a deep gorge.

Both hamlets were once densely populated, but rural depopulation hit them hard over the following centuries. Saint-Symphorien is no longer inhabited today, which only adds to the site's remote, atmospheric character.

What legend surrounds the bridge?

A colorful story has been passed down through generations. It holds that Queen Jeanne I was staying nearby at Salignac in 1379, where she secretly gave birth to an illegitimate child. The infant was said to have been hidden away at Saint-Symphorien, and in exchange for the villagers' silence, the queen is said to have granted them a bridge over the Vançon. Though impossible to verify historically, the tale still gives the site its air of mystery and is a favourite among local guides.

What should visitors know before coming?

The bridge was listed as a historic monument by decree on 3 November 1987, confirming its place in the region's protected heritage. It appeals above all to hikers and lovers of centuries-old architecture: the countryside around Entrepierres, close to Sisteron, offers a peaceful, rural stretch of the Provençal Alps far from the region's busier attractions. A longer walk here is worthwhile, both to take in the scale of the structure and to enjoy the surrounding Vançon valley scenery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is the Pont de la reine Jeanne located? The bridge stands in the commune of Entrepierres, in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department, near Sisteron, connecting the hamlets of Vilhosc and Saint-Symphorien.

When was the bridge built? It dates from the 16th century, though its form follows the tradition of medieval bridges.

Why is the bridge named after Queen Jeanne? The name honours Jeanne I of Anjou, Queen of Naples and Countess of Provence, whom local tradition credits both with good deeds toward the people of Sisteron and with the legend of a hidden child.

Is the bridge a protected historic monument? Yes, it was listed as a monument historique by decree on 3 November 1987.