Pont de Taizon

Pont de Taizon is a medieval stone bridge in the commune of Loretz-d'Argenton, in the Deux-Sèvres department of France, close to the border with Maine-et-Loire. It spans the Thouet river and links the former communes of Bagneux, Saint-Martin-de-Sanzay and Argenton-l'Église, all now merged into Loretz-d'Argenton.

What does the bridge look like and when was it built?

The bridge's oldest sections are believed to date from the 11th or early 12th century, though some sources point to a 13th-century rebuild that gave it its present form. It is made up of four large broken-arch spans and three smaller arches near the abutments. Its stone piers were shaped with a purpose in mind: pointed like a boat's prow on the upstream side to break the current, and rectangular on the downstream side.

What role did the bridge play in the Middle Ages?

Crossing the Pont de Taizon was not free. Peasants who used it paid a toll in kind - wheat, rye and other grain - owed to the Knights of Malta's commandery at Prailles, in exchange for a set quantity of rye harvested from the Sault lands belonging to Argenton-l'Église. The arrangement shows how closely medieval road infrastructure was tied to feudal obligations and religious institutions.

What happened to the bridge's chapel?

In the 13th century, a small chapel was built in the middle of the bridge, dedicated to Notre-Dame-de-Pitié, also known as Notre-Dame-des-sept-Douleurs. Mass was said in turn by priests from Bagneux and Argenton-l'Église. This unusual little chapel did not survive the French Revolution, when it was destroyed along with many other symbols of the old religious and feudal order.

How did the bridge survive the Second World War?

The Pont de Taizon was listed as a historic monument (monument historique) by decree on 22 September 1943. Just a year later, in August 1944, retreating German troops partially destroyed it. After the war it was repaired using a wooden span and a Bailey bridge, restoring the crossing over the Thouet.

How can you visit the Pont de Taizon?

The bridge lies within the commune of Loretz-d'Argenton, in the northern part of Deux-Sèvres near the Maine-et-Loire border. It makes a worthwhile stop for anyone exploring the Thouet valley and the medieval bridge-building heritage of the Poitou region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which river does the Pont de Taizon cross? It spans the Thouet river, in the commune of Loretz-d'Argenton in the Deux-Sèvres department.

How old is the bridge? Its oldest parts are thought to date from the 11th or early 12th century, with a possible 13th-century rebuild.

Did the bridge have a chapel? Yes, a chapel dedicated to Notre-Dame-de-Pitié was built on the bridge in the 13th century and destroyed during the French Revolution.

Was the bridge damaged during the war? Yes, it was partially destroyed by retreating German troops in August 1944 and later repaired with a Bailey bridge.