Pont de Ricey-Haut

Pont de Ricey-Haut is a stone bridge over the Laigne river in Les Riceys, a commune in the Aube department at the heart of the historic Champagne region.

What is the Pont de Ricey-Haut?

Les Riceys was formed by the merger of three former settlements - Ricey-Bas, Ricey-Haut and Ricey-Haute-Rive. The bridge takes its name from the one it stands closest to, Ricey-Haut. It spans the Laigne near Place Germigny and is built of five stone arches, giving it a long, low silhouette that is visible from both riverbanks.

The bridge still functions today as a working crossing at the centre of the village, connecting the settlements that once stood on opposite sides of the Laigne. Its position right in the heart of Les Riceys makes it a natural reference point for anyone exploring the commune's historic streets on foot.

What is the history behind the bridge?

The structure standing today dates from the mid-18th century. An earlier bridge on the same site had already fallen into disrepair by 1736, prompting a full reconstruction. Work began in 1752 under architects Pierre Aubert and Pierre Vezien, with Pierre Gerdy as the contractor. The result of that project is the five-arch bridge that has survived largely unchanged to the present day.

Because of its historical and architectural significance, the bridge was listed as a monument historique by an order dated 12 December 1996. That listing recognises its importance not only for the village itself, but for the wider architectural heritage of the Aube department.

Why visit the bridge while exploring Les Riceys?

Les Riceys is the largest wine-producing commune within the Champagne appellation, and the only place in the region where all three of its recognised wine categories are made - sparkling Champagne, the still Coteaux Champenois, and the rare rosé Rosé des Riceys, a wine found nowhere else in France. This unique status places the village among the key stops in the Côte des Bar, the hilly, vineyard-covered southern edge of the Champagne region.

A walk through the historic centre of Les Riceys, including a stop at the Pont de Ricey-Haut, pairs naturally with a look at the area's winemaking traditions. The stone arches over the Laigne make for one of the more photogenic spots in the village, drawing both architecture enthusiasts and visitors passing through on their way to the surrounding Côte des Bar vineyards, making it easy to combine a visit to the bridge with a stop at a local winery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Pont de Ricey-Haut located? The bridge stands in Les Riceys, in the Aube department, in the Grand Est region (historic Champagne), spanning the Laigne river near Place Germigny.

When was the current bridge built? The present structure dates from the mid-18th century - reconstruction began in 1752, after an earlier bridge on the site had fallen into ruin in 1736.

Is the bridge a protected historic monument? Yes, the Pont de Ricey-Haut has been listed as a monument historique in France since 12 December 1996.

What else is worth seeing in Les Riceys besides the bridge? Les Riceys is known for its wine production - it is the only village within the Champagne appellation where all three of the region's wine types are made, including the rare rosé Rosé des Riceys. A visit to the historic centre, taking in the Pont de Ricey-Haut, pairs well with a stop at the surrounding Côte des Bar vineyards.